What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in North Dakota?

Nursing educators must achieve and acquire a set of mandatory formal steps. Firstly you must have a relevant accredited undergraduate degree. This can be either an ADN or BSN. Then you need a Registered Nursing license followed by a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or doctorate (Ph.D., DNP, EdD). Your MSN could be specifically in education or a standard nursing MSN with an education pathway.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in North Dakota

Discovering the top nurse educator programs in North Dakota is crucial for aspiring nursing instructors seeking excellence in education. At NurseEducator.com, our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's most outstanding programs based on comprehensive criteria including faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, student outcomes, and innovative curriculum design. North Dakota offers unique opportunities for nurses wanting to transition into educational roles, with programs that blend rigorous academic training and practical teaching experience. These selected programs not only prepare educators to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals but also contribute to addressing the critical nursing shortage in the region. Our rankings provide a definitive guide for those committed to advancing their nursing careers through education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Dakota's Online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate offers a transformative pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced educational roles. Spanning three semesters with just nine credit hours, the program uniquely prepares nurses to excel in healthcare education environments. Designed with working professionals in mind, the fully asynchronous curriculum develops sophisticated teaching methodologies, curriculum design skills, and comprehensive assessment techniques. Graduates gain comprehensive preparation for the Certified Nurse Educator exam while maintaining professional flexibility. The program's online format enables seamless integration of advanced learning without disrupting current nursing careers, making it an ideal choice for ambitious healthcare educators seeking strategic professional development.

  • 100% Online Graduate Certificate
  • 9 Total Credit Hours
  • 3 Semester Completion
  • Designed for Working Nurses
  • Flexible Asynchronous Courses
  • No Campus Attendance Required
  • Same Degree as On-Campus
  • Accredited by HLC
  • Exam Preparation Included
  • Multiple Career Path Options
#2

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu

Master's - BSN to MSN: Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Mary's BSN to MSN Nurse Educator program stands out as a comprehensive online pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced educational leadership roles. This 20-month accelerated curriculum focuses on transformative teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and innovative instructional strategies tailored for healthcare education. With CCNE accreditation and a competitive tuition rate of $495 per credit, the program provides flexible learning opportunities for working nurses. Designed for BSN-prepared professionals, the program emphasizes servant leadership principles and offers scholarship support up to $3,000. Students benefit from a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75 and gain expertise to excel in academic and clinical educational settings.

  • Online MSN Nurse Educator
  • 20-month program length
  • $495 per credit tuition
  • Up to $3,000 scholarships
  • Next start date: 5/5/2025
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Career paths in nursing education
  • Servant leadership focus
  • Innovative teaching strategies
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

North Dakota has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at North Dakota State University. 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

North Dakota has a small number of BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs with an online option, such as the University of North Dakota's MSN program. Students learn health assessment, care management, facilitated learning and innovations in teaching. Entry requirements are typically these:

  • 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.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but 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 the University of North Dakota.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of North Dakota also offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however there are none available in North Dakota.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in North Dakota

Nursing educators in North Dakota must continue to maintain all standards, which means they can keep their nursing license for the duration even if they do not intend to practice nursing.

Consider applying to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), too. While it is optional, your career prospects are generally better. Three types are available:

  • CNE: This certification is for academic professionals
  • CNEcl: This certification is for trainers of professional clinicians
  • CNEn: This certification is for novices defined as any of the above two types with less than three years of experience

As with licensing, certification also has a minimum eligibility criteria list to remain certified.

RN licensing in North Dakota is $145 for the application and $200 for the official exam with a further $41.25 for fingerprints; renewal is $140. CNE costs the same regardless of your state: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in North Dakota?

Your career options once you've completed all the above-required steps are as follows:

  • Academia: Teaching students in higher education establishments – teaching at high school, and undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • Professional instructing: Teaching medical professionals mandatory upskilling or training in new technologies or procedures
  • Private training: You may teach medical professionals, but you will typically teach support staff in medical adjacent training (like sales)
  • Charity: Teaching non-profit employees or medical professional volunteers or medical adjacent. Also, for outreach to grantmaking
  • Public health: Typicall,y you will engage with the general public in helping them understand their health rights or needs, or with interest groups

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in North Dakota

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

Fargo, ND

MSN Programs
4012 19th Avenue South
Fargo, ND 58103
(800) 817-0009

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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