What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Idaho?

Just like working in practice nursing, you will need both a nursing undergraduate degree and a current registered nursing license. From there, you need a relevant graduate program. This can be an MSN in nursing offering an education pathway, or one of a growing number of dedicated MSNs in nursing education. You may also study to the doctorate level (PhD, DNP, or EdD).

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Idaho

Nurses looking to advance their education and become exceptional educators will find Idaho offers several outstanding programs. NurseEducator.com has carefully evaluated and ranked the top nurse educator programs across the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. These comprehensive programs prepare nursing professionals to excel in academic settings, transforming their clinical knowledge into powerful teaching skills. From baccalaureate to doctoral levels, Idaho's nurse educator programs provide rigorous training that equips graduates to inspire and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals. Whether you're seeking advanced academic credentials or aiming to shape future nursing practice, these programs offer exceptional pathways to educational leadership. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID - Private 4-year - nnu.edu

Master's - Nursing Leadership & Education MS

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwest Nazarene University's MSN in Nursing Leadership & Education offers a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced professional development. Tailored for baccalaureate and associate degree nurses, the two-year program provides a flexible, cohort-based learning model emphasizing evidence-based practice and educational leadership. Students invest $640 per credit, navigating a transformative curriculum that cultivates advanced teaching strategies and clinical expertise. The program uniquely blends relationship-centered learning with practical leadership skills, preparing nurses to become innovative educators in complex healthcare environments. With no specific entrance exam requirements, the program welcomes working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing educational and leadership capabilities within a supportive Christian academic framework.

  • 100% online program
  • 36 total credit hours
  • Two-year completion time
  • $640 per credit
  • Cohort learning model
  • Flexible for working nurses
  • Experienced nursing faculty
  • Christian educational setting
  • Full-time student friendly
  • Leadership and education focus
#2

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Idaho State University's Graduate Nursing Education Certificate emerges as a transformative online program specifically tailored for registered nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. With no GRE requirement and a focus on comprehensive nursing curriculum development, the program enables professionals to master evidence-based educational strategies and clinical teaching methodologies. Students benefit from a curriculum aligned with National League for Nursing (NLN) certification standards, ensuring robust preparation for diverse educational environments. Emphasizing practical skill enhancement, the certificate provides a strategic pathway for nurses wanting to transition into academic and clinical teaching positions, with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and opportunities for professional scholarship support.

  • Graduate-level nursing education certificate
  • Prepares nurses for teaching roles
  • No GRE required for admission
  • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • Current RN license needed
  • Professional interview possible
  • Online program available
  • Meets NLN certification requirements
  • Scholarship opportunities exist
  • Fall 2025 admissions open
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There is currently one opportunity to study a nursing MSN for nursing education in Idaho. Courses include educational theory, pathophysiology, health assessment, advanced leadership skills, and curriculum development. Entry requirements include:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
  • Already completed a CCNE-accredited BSN
  • Application form and fees
  • An unencumbered RN license
  • English proficiency for applicants from non-native English speakers

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

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

There are a few online options for each of these different degrees. For both DNP programs and PhD programs, check out Idaho State University.

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

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Idaho

RN licensing is required for nursing education, even if you have no intention of practicing nursing beyond the hours stipulated for maintained licensing. You must have an accredited relevant nursing graduate degree.

There are three types of certificates available. Which you should apply for depends on your intended eventual place of work:

  • Type one is the CNE certification. This is for academic educators
  • Type two is the CNEcl certification. This is for educators of existing professionals
  • Type three is the CNEn certification. This is the novice certification for the newly qualified

You will need a current and unencumbered RN license for CNE certification. Other stipulations are also included such as a minimum number of hours of ongoing education.

RN licensing in Idaho costs $90 for the application and a further $200 for the exam. CNE cost is the same no matter which state you are in: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Idaho?

What careers might you find open to you?

  • Formal education: Teaching undergraduates and graduate nursing students. Research and other academic responsibilities may be included
  • Professional skills education: Working in hospitals and clinics teaching working professionals about new procedures and skills while also having clinical responsibilities
  • Private training provider: This is similar to professional skills education, but you'll work for private providers and won't just teach medical professionals – but also support and admin staff
  • Charities: Working for public health awareness, advising the government on policy changes, or campaigning for specific health concerns, you could teach the public or professionals

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Idaho

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

Nampa, ID

Pocatello, ID

College of Nursing
921 South 8th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83209
(208) 282-2102

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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