Nurse Educator Schools in Utah
Utah has many nursing opportunities. While practice is a great career, every year plenty of registered nurses switch from it to another career path. One such rewarding route is nursing education. If you’re currently considering such a switch, this guide may help you navigate what you need to do.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Utah?
Nursing educators based in Utah are required to hold an accredited relevant undergraduate degree in nursing. This may be either an ADN or BSN so long as you also hold a current RN license. You also require a graduate degree – this can be either a master's (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD)so long as it has an education path or a major.
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Utah
Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Utah? NurseEducator.com has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting out or advancing your education, our rankings guide your decision. Check out our detailed methodology to see how we picked the best. Learn more about our rankings here.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Utah's online Master of Science in Nursing Education program is tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to excel as nurse educators. This CCNE-accredited program offers a 36-credit curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including a 240-hour practicum. Designed for flexibility, it allows students to complete the program in as few as 16 months through asynchronous online courses. With a focus on leadership and teaching skills, graduates are well-prepared for certification exams and roles in academic or clinical settings. The program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, RN licensure, and starts in the fall, offering both full and part-time options at $931.50 per credit.
- 36 total credit hours
- Online and asynchronous format
- 16-month completion possible
- 240-hour practicum experience
- $931.50 per credit tuition
- Fall semester start
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- RN licensure required
- CCNE accredited program
- Full and part-time options
- Prepare for CNE certification
- Local practicum placements
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at the University of Utah is perfect for bachelor's prepared nurses looking to transition into educational roles. This 15-credit campus-based program emphasizes curriculum development, assessment strategies, and professional roles in nursing education, complemented by a nurse educator residency and 60 clinical hours. It's an excellent choice for those with a graduate degree seeking to specialize in education, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals. The certificate prepares nurses for teaching in diverse settings, fostering life-long learning and the advancement of nursing education.
- 15 total credits
- 60 clinical hours
- Flexible course scheduling
- Includes nurse educator residency
- Courses on curriculum development
- Assessment and evaluation focus
- Professional roles in education
- Ideal for graduate degree holders
- Prepares for teaching in various settings
- Supports life-long learning in nursing
Weber State University
Ogden, UT - Public 4-Year - weber.edu
Master's - MSN Nurse Educator
Online Learning - Visit Website
Weber State University's MSN Nurse Educator program delivers a transformative online educational experience designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced teaching roles. Through a strategic 12-month curriculum, students master advanced pedagogical techniques, curriculum development, and assessment strategies essential for nursing education. The program's unique 90-hour educator residency provides hands-on experience in clinical and academic settings, preparing graduates to excel as nurse educators. Emphasizing comprehensive training, the program positions students to successfully complete the National League of Nursing Certification Nurse Educator Exam, opening diverse career pathways in healthcare education and professional development.
- 100% online program
- 12-month degree completion
- 90-hour educator residency
- Prepares for NLN CNE Exam
- Accredited BSN prerequisite required
- Multiple career paths available
- Clinical and academic focus
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - wgu.edu
Master's - M.S. Nursing – Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Governors University offers an M.S. Nursing – Education program, tailored for RNs aiming to transition into nurse education roles. This online, CCNE-accredited program stands out for its affordability at $5,035 per six-month term and flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 38 months. Unique to WGU, the program enables students to earn both a BSN and MSN simultaneously, without an RN work requirement. It focuses on curriculum development and teaching strategies, preparing graduates to educate future nurses in various healthcare environments. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn certifications like NAHQ, enhancing their qualifications. Field experiences are integrated, offering practical teaching experience.
- Online RN to MSN bridge program
- $5,035 per six-month term
- Average completion in 38 months
- CCNE-accredited program
- No RN work requirement
- Earn BSN and MSN simultaneously
- 32 total program courses
- Designed for working nurses
- NAHQ certificate opportunity
- Field experiences included
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
There are two BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Utah (the University of Utah being one of them). However, neither offers online education. If you decide to go with an on-campus option, here are a few of the admission requirements:
- 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 to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.
The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.
Unfortunately, there are no doctoral programs in Utah that offer online classes, but there are a few on-campus options, such as the University of Utah’s PhD program.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Utah
Nursing educators working in Utah are required to maintain all licensing standards even if they will not work in practice nursing beyond those minimum hours required to maintain their license.
It is advisable to consider the certificate for nursing educators. It is not mandatory to hold this, although potential employers may prefer to hire those who do. There are currently three types:
- CNE is for nursing educators who work in an academic teaching setting
- CNEcl is for nursing educators who train clinicians
- CNEn is for nursing educators of both areas who have less than three years of experience – this is the novice certification
Like licensure, applicants of certification must uphold the standards required throughout eligibility.
Registered Nursing application in Utah is $95 and a further $200 for the exam. CNE is the same cost regardless of the state of residence: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Utah?
Your career options once you've fully qualified include the following:
- Academic teaching: Working from education establishments, typically colleges and universities teaching nursing undergraduates and graduate students
- Professional training: Working in hospitals and clinics, teaching medical professionals new technology and skills
- Private trainer: You will primarily train admin, sales staff, and other clinical support or medical-aligned employees
- Non-profit: Here, you may be involved in training both clinical staff and aid workers, but also those whose job petitions public decision-makers
- Public health nursing: You will typically work in public-facing roles – either a general audience or interest groups with common medical issues
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Utah
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Utah? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Ogden, UT
Weber State University
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-6000
Orem, UT
Utah Valley University
- Nurse Educator Campus
Orem, UT 84058
(801) 863-4636
Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah
- MS Nursing Education Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414
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