Nurse Educator Schools in Indiana

Are you at a stage in your nursing career where you’re looking at a non-practice career? One of your many options in nursing education. Indiana needs nursing educators for academic teaching and professional training, and programs such as the MSN program at Indiana University.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Indiana?
2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Indiana
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Indiana
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Indiana?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Indiana

Online Nurse Educator Degrees in Indiana

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 10, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Indiana?

You will need a nursing undergraduate degree – either an ADN or BSN is suitable as the most critical element is your Registered Nursing license. You will also need a master's degree, either in an MSN with a nursing education track or a dedicated master's in that subject. Doctorates are also eligible (PhD, DNP, or EdD).

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Indiana

Finding the best nurse education programs in Indiana just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've ranked top schools to help you make the right choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your nursing journey or advancing your career, our guide has you covered. Check out our rankings to find a program that fits your goals and budget.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN - Public 4-Year - bsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ball State University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration equips nursing professionals to become transformative healthcare educators. Through a meticulously crafted 40-credit online curriculum, students develop sophisticated teaching methodologies and advanced clinical insights. The program strategically prepares learners to design innovative educational experiences in academic and medical settings. A distinctive 180-hour practicum ensures graduates possess practical pedagogical skills and comprehensive understanding of nursing education principles. Emphasizing research, evaluation, and professional role development, this program enables nurses to cultivate future generations of healthcare professionals with excellence and strategic educational approaches.

100% Online Program
40 Total Credits Required
Seven Semester Completion
180-Hour Clinical Practicum
CCNE Accredited Program
Nationally Ranked by U.S. News
Flexible Part-Time Options
Advanced Nursing Theory Courses
Research and Evaluation Focus
Professional Role Development

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ball State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice featuring a Nurse Educator cognate represents an advanced pathway for nursing professionals seeking comprehensive educational leadership training. The rigorous 76-78 credit online program integrates sophisticated clinical practice, healthcare policy understanding, and educational strategy development. Students engage in transformative learning experiences, completing 750-1000 clinical hours and a scholarly project that demonstrates advanced nursing education competencies. The program's flexible structure accommodates working professionals, offering part-time options and the opportunity to complete clinicals at current workplaces, ensuring seamless integration of academic learning and professional growth.

100% Online Delivery
76-78 Total Credits Required
Part-time and Full-time Options
Three Cognate Options Available
Nurse Educator Cognate Offered
No Dissertation Required
750-1000 Clinical Hours
Next Start Date: August 18, 2025
Clinicals at Current Workplace
Scholarly Project Required

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Bethel University

Mishawaka, IN - Private 4-year - betheluniversity.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Bethel University offers an online MSN in Nursing Education designed for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles within healthcare. This program emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies, curriculum development, and leadership in nursing education. Over two years, students engage in advanced coursework and a 186-hour teaching practicum, culminating in eligibility for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. With a total of 33-34 credit hours and a cost of $510 per credit hour, the program is both comprehensive and affordable. ACEN accredited, it requires a 3.0 minimum GPA, an active RN license, and prefers one year of nursing experience. Start date: 10/20/2024.

Online MSN Nurse Educator track
33-34 total credit hours
2-year completion time
$510 per credit hour
ACEN accredited program
Prepare for CNE certification
186-hour teaching practicum
Up to 6 transfer credits
Next start date: 10/20/2024
3.0 minimum GPA required
Active RN license needed
One year nursing experience preferred

Butler University

Indianapolis, IN - Private 4-year - butler.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Butler University offers an online Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate tailored for licensed nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree. This program is designed to refine teaching skills for those aspiring to lead in academic and clinical education environments. It emphasizes advanced pedagogical techniques, preparing graduates to effectively educate the next generation of nurses. The program stands out for its flexibility, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Admission does not require GRE scores, but applicants must submit a personal statement and demonstrate English proficiency, with TOEFL scores required for non-native speakers.

For master's/doctoral trained nurses
Requires active state nursing license
Flexible online learning format
No GRE required for admission
Personal statement required
English proficiency mandatory
TOEFL scores may be needed

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN - Public 4-Year - indianapolis.iu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Teaching in Nursing Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers a Teaching in Nursing Graduate Certificate, a 17 credit-hour online program tailored for nurses aiming to enhance their educational capabilities. This certificate is ideal for those with an MSN degree, focusing on preparing nurses for roles in academic and professional development settings. It not only equips participants with advanced teaching skills but also meets the educational prerequisites for the NLN Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam. The program's flexibility makes it a perfect choice for practicing nurses seeking to advance their careers in nursing education without stepping away from their current roles.

17 credit-hour online certificate
Prepares for nurse educator roles
Fulfills CNE exam eligibility
Flexible for practicing nurses
Develops advanced teaching skills

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global offers an online MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This program focuses on developing advanced leadership and evidence-based practice skills, preparing graduates to design and implement health education programs in various settings. With a flexible online format, students can complete the program in 36 months, benefiting from a curriculum that integrates a Christian worldview. The program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission, 175 practicum hours, and prepares students for the Nurse Educator exam, all while being CCNE accredited.

100% online program
36-month completion time
$455 per credit hour
58-60 total credit hours
3.0 GPA admission requirement
Minimum 1 year professional practice
175 practicum hours required
Prepares for Nurse Educator exam
CCNE accredited program
Christian worldview integration

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Online Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global is tailored for graduate-level nurses seeking to specialize in nursing education. This 16-credit program emphasizes advanced teaching strategies and curriculum design, enabling graduates to lead in academic, clinical, and public health education. The program can be completed in over 7 months, offering a flexible online format and a faith-integrated learning environment. Admission requires a graduate nursing degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, with 175 hours of supervised practicum included in the curriculum.

Online Post-Graduate Certificate
16 Credit Hours Total
6 Total Courses
$595 per Credit Hour
Completion in 7+ Months
Requires Graduate Nursing Degree
Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA
175 Hours Supervised Practicum
Evidence-Based Curriculum Design
Nursing Education Focus

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Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Indiana currently offers several choices of online BSN to MSN programs, including both MSN with an education pathway and dedicated nursing education MSN (fully or mainly online). You will study curriculum, assessment, advanced pharmacology, and other subjects:

A bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Schools may require grades from specific subjects
Transcripts: other materials may be requested
Send the application form and fees
An unencumbered in-date RN license
Proof of English proficiency required of English as a second language applicant students

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs. Still, you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at Indiana University.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. Indiana State University offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, Indiana does not currently have any such options.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Indiana

An RN license is mandatory to work as a nursing educator in Indiana. You will also be required to keep up your minimum license eligibility requirements even after your graduate degree, regardless of whether you intend to continue practicing beyond those minimum requirements.

Certification is available for nursing educators, though it is strongly advised and not mandatory. There are three types:

The CNE is for educators in academia
The CNEcl is for educators of clinical health professionals
CNEn is for novices. The other two types require a minimum number of years of experience. The CNEn does not

You must have both an in-date and unencumbered RN license to apply for any CNE. Other stipulations apply to ongoing education and practice hours.

RN licensing in Illinois costs $50 for the application and $200 for the exam. It is $50 for a license by endorsement and a $50 renewal fee. CNE cost is standard in all states: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Indiana?

Considering your career options now you have all of the above? Here are some ways you might apply your new skills:

Academia: You will teach both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students. Research or other academic responsibilities may also feature
Professional training: You will work from medical facilities, teaching medical professionals and support staff
Private training provider: Similar to above, but you'll work independently of medical facilities hired to train medical professionals and admin/support
Charities: Educating frontline aid workers and support staff, or even working with the public on health campaigns and outreach

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Indiana

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Indiana? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.