Nurse Educator Schools in Minnesota

Every year, many practice nurses in the state of Minnesota change careers within their field. One such critical area is nursing education. If you’re considering this change, then this guide is for you. We’ll explain what you need to do to work in an exciting new area of the medical profession.

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

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Minnesota?

To work as a nursing educator in Minnesota, you'll need a bachelor's degree (ADN or BSN in nursing) and a registered nursing license, just as you would for practice. The next step is to study for a master's degree (MSN), either in nursing education or a standard MSN that offers an education concentration. Doctorates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs where available) are also acceptable for working as educators and sometimes even preferred.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Minnesota

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Minnesota just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that prepare nurses to teach. We look at what matters most to students. This includes program quality, cost, and outcomes. Our goal is to help you make a smart choice for your future. Want to know how we rank these programs? Check out our rankings methodology for all the details.

College of Saint Benedict

Saint Joseph, MN - Private 4-year - csbsju.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Education for Practice

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The College of Saint Benedict offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Leadership and Education for Practice, designed for nurses aiming to elevate their careers into leadership and educational roles. This program stands out for its blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, requiring 42 credit hours at $800 per credit. It prepares students with 600 clinical hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership development. Graduates are well-positioned for certification as nursing educators and have a pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure, fostering a network with nursing leaders.

42 total credit hours
$800 per credit hour
Hybrid course delivery
600 clinical experience hours
Emphasis on evidence-based practice
Leadership skill development
Nursing educator certification
Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Accredited nursing program
Current RN licensure needed
Networking with nursing leaders
Potential DNP pathway
Synchronous and asynchronous learning

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate program stands out for its comprehensive online format, ideal for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles. This 16-credit curriculum delves into effective teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and evaluation practices, equipping graduates to lead in both classroom and clinical environments. With a focus on flexibility, the program allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments, and credits earned can be applied toward a master's degree. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution, possess an active RN license, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. This program is a gateway for nurses aspiring to shape the future of nursing education.

Online-exclusive program delivery
16 total graduate credits
3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
Current RN license required
Accredited nursing program prerequisite
Credits apply to MS degree
Focus on nursing education skills
Prepares for academic teaching roles

Saint Johns University

Collegeville, MN - Private 4-year - csbsju.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Education for Practice

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint John's University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Leadership and Education for Practice, designed for BSN graduates aiming to advance their careers. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person learning, providing flexibility for working professionals. Priced at $800 per credit hour, the curriculum covers evidence-based practice, leadership, and educational strategies, requiring 42 credit hours for completion. Students benefit from 600 hours of clinical experience, networking with nursing leaders, and the opportunity to earn certification as a nurse educator. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA and RN licensure. The program is ideal for those looking to influence healthcare education and leadership.

MSN-Education concentration available
$800 per credit hour tuition
600 hours clinical experience
Hybrid course delivery
Requires 3.0 GPA
RN licensure required
42 total credit hours
Networking with nursing leaders
Certification as nurse educator
Leadership skill development

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN - Public 4-Year - smsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Southwest Minnesota State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for nurses aiming to excel in educational roles within healthcare. This program stands out for its focus on preparing educators with advanced skills in curriculum development, educational technologies, and evidence-based teaching methods. It emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and culturally responsive teaching, catering to the diverse needs of future nursing students. Ideal for working professionals, the program is delivered entirely online, requiring a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and an active RN license for admission. Highlights include leadership development and a strong emphasis on nursing education, making it a prime choice for those looking to influence the next generation of nurses.

100% Online Delivery
3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
Active RN License Needed
Focuses on Nursing Education
Interprofessional Collaboration Emphasis
Evidence-Based Practice Training
ACEN Candidate Program
Leadership Skill Development
Culturally Responsive Teaching

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stkate.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

St. Catherine University offers an Online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, tailored for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles within healthcare. This program stands out for its evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes innovative teaching strategies, technology in education, and catering to diverse learner needs. With a total of 33 credits required, students can complete the program in 1-2 years, benefiting from the flexibility of online learning. Tuition is competitively priced at $760 per credit, totaling $25,080, with financial aid options like the Nurse Faculty Loan Program available. Start dates are offered in Fall and Spring, making it accessible for working professionals.

Online MSN Nurse Educator program
1-2 years completion time
33 total credits required
$760 per credit tuition
Total tuition $25,080
Fall and Spring start options
Evidence-based curriculum
Nurse Faculty Loan Program available
Focuses on diverse learner needs
Innovative teaching techniques

*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Minnesota has one nurse educator program at Southwest State Minnesota College. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.

Entry requirements are:

Accredited Associate's Degree
Unencumbered RN license, which is in date
Criminal background check
A minimum GPA of 3.0
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate relevant language proficiency

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Minnesota has several online MSN Nurse Educator programs. Students will learn teaching evidence-based practice, assessment, curriculum development, and much more.

A regionally accredited nursing bachelor's degree (BSN)
A GPA of 3.0; send transcripts
Schools may ask for grades from specific courses
A current, unencumbered RN license
Adhere to immunization policy

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 generally is for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Two great examples of Minnesota online programs for these specific degrees are both the PhD program and the DNP program at the University of Minnesota.

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

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Minnesota

Nurse educators in Minnesota must hold an RN license and maintain all minimum requirements of the board. This remains in place even if you don't wish to work in clinical or other types of practice nursing.

Certification for nursing education is not mandatory; however, professionals are strongly advised to get certified. There are currently three types:

CNE: type one is for those working in academia
CNEcl: type two is for those working in teaching clinicians
CNEn: the third is the novice certificate for those with under three years of experience in their respective fields

Like licensure, the certification has a list of minimum requirements to maintain throughout certification.

RN licensing in Minnesota costs $105 for the application and $200 for the exam fees. You must also pay a $33.25 criminal background check fee. License by endorsement applicants must pay the application and background check fees only. Renewals are $85. CNE costs the same no matter where you are in the US: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Minnesota?

What job roles are available once you have graduated and received a license and certification?

Academia: Colleges and universities employ nursing educators to teach undergraduates and postgraduate students
Professional: Working at medical facilities like hospitals, you'll provide ongoing education and upskilling to clinicians
Private training: While you may be involved in teaching professionals, you may also train non-clinical staff such as admin and sales
Non-profit: Aid agencies, public outreach, public health advisory, funding advocates, and much more need trained nurses with education skills

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Minnesota

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