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?
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.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Minnesota
Winona State University
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Doctorate - Nursing - Nurse Educator (DNP-NE)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Winona State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Nurse Educator concentration provides a robust educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals targeting academic and healthcare teaching roles. The comprehensive 73-credit hybrid program uniquely offers three specialized tracks, enabling nurses to cultivate sophisticated teaching methodologies and leadership competencies. Students engage in extensive clinical experiences, completing 840 hours while developing curriculum design expertise and advanced instructional strategies. The program welcomes both bachelor's and master's prepared nurses, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. With a strong focus on simulation and scholarly project development, graduates emerge as highly skilled nurse educators prepared to transform healthcare education.
- 73 total program credits
- 3.0 GPA required
- 840 clinical hours
- Three DNP track options
- BS and post-master's entry paths
- Nurse educator concentration available
- Simulation and teaching focus
- Leadership skill development
- Interprofessional learning opportunities
- DNP scholarly project required
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's online Master of Science in Nursing Education delivers a transformative learning experience for aspiring nurse educators. The program uniquely integrates advanced pedagogical strategies with clinical expertise, preparing nurses to excel in academic and healthcare training environments. Students benefit from a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based teaching methodologies, interprofessional collaboration, and innovative educational technologies. With a comprehensive approach to nursing education, the program requires an active RN license and maintains a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The ACEN Candidate Program status underscores its commitment to high-quality nursing education preparation, offering nurses a flexible pathway to advance their professional teaching capabilities.
- 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
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 Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education emerges as a cutting-edge online program targeting registered nurses aspiring to become sophisticated educators. Spanning 16 graduate credits, the certificate strategically equips professionals with advanced pedagogical skills essential for academic and clinical teaching environments. The curriculum emphasizes innovative instructional methodologies, comprehensive curriculum design, and sophisticated assessment techniques. Prospective students must possess an accredited nursing bachelor's degree, maintain current RN licensure, and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Uniquely flexible, the program offers potential integration into a full master's degree pathway, making it an attractive option for career-advancing nurses seeking specialized educational expertise.
- 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
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's Master of Science in Nursing program in Leadership and Education for Practice stands out as a transformative educational pathway for nursing professionals. Offering a hybrid learning model, the 42-credit curriculum provides comprehensive training in advanced nursing leadership and educational strategies. Students benefit from 600 clinical experience hours, focusing on evidence-based practice and professional networking. The program emphasizes developing innovative educational programs and leadership skills, preparing graduates for advanced nursing roles. With potential nursing educator certification and a possible Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway, students gain substantial professional development opportunities. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and hold current RN licensure.
- 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
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's Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Education program offers a robust pathway for BSN graduates seeking advanced nursing leadership roles. The hybrid learning format provides flexible educational opportunities, allowing students to balance professional responsibilities while advancing their career. With a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership strategies, students complete 42 credit hours and gain 600 clinical experience hours. The program's competitive $800 per credit tuition and focus on nurse educator certification make it an attractive option for ambitious nursing professionals. Students benefit from networking opportunities with nursing leaders and developing advanced leadership skills essential for transformative healthcare practice.
- 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
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.
Marshall, MN
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN 562558
(800) 642-0684
Minneapolis, MN
St. Catherine University
- Nursing: Nurse Educator Online
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(651) 690-6000
Moorhead, MN
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Nurse Educator (NED) Online
- Nursing Education (NED) Online
Moorhead, MN 56563
(180) 059-3724 x6
Rochester, MN
Winona State University Rochester
- Nurse Educator (NE) Campus
- Nurse Educator (NE) Campus
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7100
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