Nurse Educator Schools in Iowa

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Iowa?

To work as a nursing educator in Iowa, you are required to hold both a nursing undergraduate (ADN or BSN) and a postgraduate degree (MSN in Nursing Education or a standard MSN with an education pathway). For the master's, you will need a Registered Nursing license. Doctorate holders (PhD, DNP, or EdD) may also operate in this field.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Iowa has one BSN to MSN Nurse Educator program with an online option located at the University of Iowa. Students learn health assessment, care management, facilitated learning, and innovations in teaching. Entry requirements are typically these:

• A regionally accredited BSN
• Unencumbered in-date RN license
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• There may be specified courses required for entry with stipulated minimum grades
• Non-native English speakers must submit relevant language proficiency test scores

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.

In Iowa, you can find many of these doctoral programs available online including the PhD and the DNP program at the University of Iowa.

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 Iowa

To work as a nursing educator in the state of Iowa, you must have a current RN license up to date. Minimum eligibility is mandatory even if you do not intend to work as a practice nurse.

You are also advised to seek certification. However, this is not a mandatory step, though strongly advised:

• The first is the CNE. This is aimed at academic education professionals
• The CNEcl is the second type, aimed at those who train and educate working health professionals
• CNEn is the type specific for novices. If you have less than three years of experience in either of the other two, this is for you

You must adhere to all standards required to maintain eligibility for both licensing and the CNE. Stipulations include both ongoing education and practice hours, among other things.

RN licensing in Iowa costs $93 for the application, $50 for a background check, and $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is $169 while renewals are every three years at $99. CNE cost is the same everywhere: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Iowa?

What career paths are open to you now that you have your license and certification?

• Academic teaching: For undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, or both. You may also have research or nursing responsibilities
• Professional training: Working from hospitals or clinics, your main responsibility will be in teaching medical professionals
• Private training: Working for an independent training provider, you could teach a wide range of professionals – not just nurses but support staff too
• Charity work: Careers here include public health awareness, aid agencies, and teaching frontline aid workers about technology

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Iowa

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

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