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).

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Indiana

#1

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN - Public 4-Year - pnw.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Northwest offers a dynamic online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration designed for passionate nurses seeking to shape healthcare education. This accelerated program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months, providing flexible learning with 100% online coursework and practicum experiences. Featuring competitively priced tuition at $512.16 per credit and opportunities for financial aid, the program prepares nurses to become certified educators, design curriculum, and lead future generations of healthcare professionals.

  • 100% Online MSN Program
  • Complete in 12-24 months
  • $512.16 per credit tuition
  • 35 total program credits
  • 135 practicum clock hours
  • ACEN Accredited Program
  • Quality Matters™ Certified Curriculum
  • Transfer up to 9 credits
  • $1,000 scholarship available
  • Prepare for nurse educator roles

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Northwest's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education empowers experienced nurses to become transformative educators. This comprehensive online program equips nurses with advanced teaching skills, preparing them to mentor healthcare professionals across diverse settings. Designed for master's-prepared RNs, the certificate focuses on innovative teaching strategies, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Graduates gain the credentials to teach in academic and clinical environments, with opportunities to influence patient care and healthcare education.

  • Online post-master's certificate program
  • Four education specialty courses
  • Three online courses, one practicum
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Current U.S. RN licensure required
  • Prepares for diverse educator roles
  • Expert faculty with CNE credentials
  • ACEN and HLC accredited program
  • Prepare for NLN Certification exam
  • Career paths in multiple settings
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#2

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN - Public 4-Year - usi.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Southern Indiana's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education Leadership prepares advanced practice nurses to excel as healthcare educators. This comprehensive 36-credit online program equips students with essential skills in curriculum development, teaching strategies, leadership, and program assessment. Designed for working professionals, the flexible program can be completed in 2.5-3 years. Admission requires a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and undergraduate statistics course. Ranked among the top online graduate nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report, this degree opens doors to diverse nursing education careers.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 36 Total Credit Hours
  • Complete in 2.5-3 Years
  • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
  • Active RN License Needed
  • First Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • First Start Date: May 12, 2025
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Undergraduate Statistics Required
#3

Indiana University-Indianapolis

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

Graduate Certificate - Teaching in Nursing Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana University's Teaching in Nursing Graduate Certificate equips nurses with advanced educational skills for academic and professional development roles. This comprehensive 17 credit-hour online program prepares experienced nurses to excel in teaching and professional development positions. Designed for those holding an MSN degree, the certificate fulfills educational requirements for the NLN Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam, providing a strategic pathway to expand career opportunities in nursing education.

  • 17 credit-hour online certificate
  • Prepares for nurse educator roles
  • Fulfills CNE exam eligibility
  • Flexible for practicing nurses
  • Develops advanced teaching skills
#4

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 offers a dynamic Nurse Educator concentration designed for nursing professionals seeking to transform healthcare education. This fully online program prepares students to become influential educators in colleges, universities, and medical settings. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 40 credits, students develop advanced teaching skills, curriculum design expertise, and clinical knowledge. The program features a flexible seven-semester track, allowing working nurses to balance professional and academic commitments. Graduates gain practical experience through a 180-hour practicum, ensuring readiness for impactful educational roles in nursing.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 40 Total Credits Required
  • Seven Semester Completion
  • 180-Hour Clinical Practicum
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • 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 (DNP) is a comprehensive online program designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced career opportunities. This flexible curriculum covers critical areas like advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, and leadership. With nationally recognized faculty providing personalized support, students can balance work, life, and education while gaining cutting-edge skills to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

  • 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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#5

Butler University

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

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Butler University's Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate provides advanced educational training for licensed master's or doctoral level nurses seeking to enhance their teaching capabilities. This specialized program equips healthcare professionals with cutting-edge pedagogical skills, enabling them to excel in academic and clinical education settings. Designed for experienced nurses, the certificate offers a flexible pathway to develop expertise in nursing education, supporting career advancement and educational leadership.

  • 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
*Dataset: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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.

Evansville, IN

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
8600 University Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 464-8600

Hammond, IN

Graduate Certificate Programs
2200 169th Street
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400

Indianapolis, IN

MSN Programs
600 Barnhill Drive, NU 122
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-2806

3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222
(317) 955-6000

MSN Programs
1400 East Hanna Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 788-3368

Kokomo, IN

MSN Programs
2300 S. Washington Street
Kokomo, IN 46902
(765) 453-2000

Marion, IN

MSN Programs
4201 S. Washington St.
Marion, IN 46953
(866) 468-6498

Muncie, IN

MSN Programs
School of Nursing
2000 W. University Ave.
Muncie, IN 47306
(800) 382-8540

Richmond, IN

MSN Programs
2325 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 973-8200

Terre Haute, IN

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
200 North Seventh Street
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(800) 468-6478

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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