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.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Utah
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 Master of Science in Nursing Education offers a transformative online pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced teaching expertise. Designed for working nurses, this 36-credit program enables completion in just 16 months through asynchronous coursework. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing leadership development and pedagogical skills, complemented by a rigorous 240-hour practicum experience. The program prepares graduates for certification exams and diverse nursing education roles. With CCNE accreditation, competitive $931.50 per credit tuition, and flexible full/part-time options, students can enhance their educational capabilities while maintaining professional commitments. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and active RN licensure are required for admission.
- 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
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education provides a specialized pathway for bachelor's-prepared nurses aspiring to become educators. This focused 15-credit program delivers comprehensive training in curriculum development, assessment strategies, and professional teaching roles. Tailored for graduate degree holders, the certificate includes an intensive nurse educator residency and 60 clinical hours. Students explore professional educational methodologies, evaluation techniques, and gain practical skills for teaching across various healthcare settings. The flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals, enabling nurses to expand their career opportunities and contribute meaningfully to nursing education while supporting lifelong learning in the healthcare field.
- 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 online MSN Nurse Educator program strategically transforms experienced nurses into advanced educational professionals. Delivered entirely online, this accelerated 12-month curriculum empowers students to develop sophisticated instructional strategies and assessment techniques critical for nursing education. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the National League of Nursing Certification Nurse Educator Exam, with a distinctive 90-hour educator residency that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application. The program uniquely positions nurses to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments, offering flexible learning pathways and robust professional development opportunities in nursing education.
- 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 a dynamic online M.S. Nursing Education program tailored for ambitious registered nurses seeking to transition into academic roles. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes innovative teaching strategies and curriculum development, enabling students to complete their degree in approximately 38 months. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the program requires no prior RN work experience and provides an affordable educational pathway with tuition as low as $5,035 per six-month term. Students benefit from comprehensive field experiences, opportunities to earn additional certifications like NAHQ, and the flexibility to simultaneously progress toward both BSN and MSN credentials. The program prepares nurse educators to transform healthcare education across diverse clinical environments.
- 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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