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

Discover the top-tier Nurse Educator Programs in Indiana through our comprehensive rankings at nurseeducator.com. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and analyzed nursing education programs across the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. These rankings provide aspiring nurse educators with crucial insights into the best academic pathways for advancing their careers in nursing education. Indiana offers some exceptional programs that prepare nursing professionals to become outstanding educators who will shape the next generation of healthcare providers. Whether you're seeking a master's degree or doctoral program in nursing education, our rankings will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Purdue University Northwest

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

Master's - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Northwest's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration provides an accelerated pathway for nurses eager to transition into educational leadership roles. The program strategically balances comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering 100% online coursework complemented by essential practicum hours. With 35 total program credits, students can complete their degree in just 12-24 months, benefiting from an affordable tuition rate of $512.16 per credit. The ACEN-accredited curriculum ensures high-quality education, preparing nurses to design innovative educational strategies, develop comprehensive healthcare curricula, and mentor future nursing professionals across diverse clinical and academic environments.

  • 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 represents a specialized program tailored for master's-prepared registered nurses seeking advanced educational credentials. This meticulously designed online certificate program encompasses four strategic education specialty courses, including three online modules and a focused practicum experience. Requiring a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and current U.S. RN licensure, the program equips experienced nurses with sophisticated pedagogical skills, leadership techniques, and evidence-based instructional methodologies. Graduates are comprehensively prepared to excel in diverse educational settings, from academic institutions to clinical training environments, with opportunities to pursue national certification and advance their professional trajectory.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#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 MSN in Nursing Education Leadership emerges as a robust online pathway for aspiring nurse educators, strategically designed for working professionals. Spanning 36 credits and completable within 2.5-3 years, the program distinguishes itself through comprehensive curriculum development training and advanced pedagogical strategies. Prospective students must possess an active RN license, a BSN with minimum 3.0 GPA, and undergraduate statistics background. CCNE-accredited and recognized by U.S. News and World Report, this program prepares nurses to transform healthcare education landscapes. While no specific entrance exam is mandated, candidates undergo a holistic application review emphasizing professional experience and academic preparedness. The curriculum empowers nurses to develop innovative educational approaches, leadership skills, and program assessment techniques.

  • 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 offers a strategic professional development pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced educational roles. This specialized 17 credit-hour online program targets MSN-prepared nurses aiming to enhance their academic capabilities. By aligning with the NLN Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam requirements, the certificate empowers participants to transition into influential nursing education positions. The curriculum is meticulously designed to cultivate sophisticated instructional skills, pedagogical knowledge, and professional competencies essential for effective nurse educators across diverse healthcare learning environments.

  • 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 MSN Nurse Educator program revolutionizes nursing education through a comprehensive online curriculum. Spanning 40 credits across seven semesters, this program uniquely prepares nurses to become influential educators in academic and clinical settings. Students benefit from a rigorous 180-hour practicum that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The program strategically emphasizes advanced nursing theory, curriculum design, and professional role development. While providing full flexibility for working professionals, the program maintains high academic standards, being CCNE accredited and nationally recognized. No specific entrance exam is explicitly required, making it accessible for practicing nurses seeking advanced educational credentials.

  • 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 with a Nurse Educator cognate offers an innovative online pathway for advanced nursing professionals. This 76-78 credit program distinguishes itself through a scholarly project approach instead of a traditional dissertation. Students gain comprehensive expertise in healthcare policy, advanced clinical practice, and educational leadership. The program accommodates both part-time and full-time learners, with unique opportunities to complete clinical hours at current workplaces. With 750-1000 clinical hours and three cognate options, the DNP provides a flexible, practice-focused educational experience. While no specific entrance exam requirement is highlighted, the program maintains rigorous academic standards for aspiring nurse educators.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#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 delivers comprehensive training for experienced nursing professionals seeking specialized educational roles. Tailored for master's or doctoral level nurses, the online program cultivates advanced pedagogical skills essential for academic and clinical education environments. Uniquely positioned to support career transformation, the certificate requires an active state nursing license and offers flexible learning. Notably, the program eliminates GRE requirements, streamlining admission for qualified healthcare educators. Candidates must submit a personal statement and demonstrate English proficiency, with potential TOEFL score submissions, ensuring a rigorous yet accessible pathway to nursing education expertise.

  • 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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