Over 8 percent of the population in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes, making it a national health concern that requires specialized care in order to diagnose, treat and manage the disease. For those who are diagnosed with diabetes, the health of the mind and body is compromised and various organs can be negatively affected, including the kidneys, eyes and brain as well as the overall health and wellness of the person. Since diabetes is such a pervasive disorder, nurses and other medical professionals that specialize in the treatment and management of the disease are needed to educate and help patients and families maintain health and wellness standards that enable diabetic patients live longer, healthier lives.

Certified Diabetes Educators or Diabetes Nurse Practitioners are medical professionals that have studied the effects of the disease, as well as the ways to manage issues like blood sugar, nutrition and any complications that may arise due to diabetes. Diabetes is an underlying cause of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney and nervous system disease, and it not only affects the patient, but the loved ones who are powerless against such a destructive disorder. Pre-diabetic, diabetic and even pregnant women with gestational diabetes rely on Certified Diabetes Educators or Diabetes Nurse Practitioners to provide information and way in which to manage the disease, and the care and knowledge provided can help save lives.

Becoming certified as a Diabetes Educator or Diabetes Nurse Practitioner requires an RN license, as well as a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, both of which can be easily obtained through an online nursing school while still maintaining work-related obligations. Specialized education within the guidelines of the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) plus 1000 documented hours of practical experience is also needed in order to meet the eligibility requirements of the NCBDE, as well as two years of experience working as an RN.

With the growing concern over the number of patients diagnosed with diabetes, and the complications that arise from the disease, the need for qualified and experienced Certified Diabetes Educators or Diabetes Nurse Practitioners is growing. Certified Diabetes Educators or Diabetes Nurse Practitioners are in demand in hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, as well as in obstetrics and many other medical areas. These specialized medical professionals are needed in order to help educate, treat and manage people diagnosed with diabetes, in order to assure the quality of care needed to help these patients lead long, happy lives.

Nursing School Spotlight

Explore theses accredited online nursing degree opportunities below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Educator Track

Advance your career and earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing while you work. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7 with flexible online classes and top-notch, degreed faculty. full degree description

Kaplan University Online

Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Educator

Kaplan University's online Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to prepare you for nursing education programs. Nurses who can assume administrative, faculty, or staff development roles are much in demand.

Capella University Online

MSN - Nurse Educator

MSN - Nurse Educator Bridge

Position yourself to meet the growing need for nurse educators with this MSN Nurse Educator specialization. The curriculum incorporates the Essentials of Master‘s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, with a focus on nursing education.

South University Online

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator

The Nurse Educator specialization is designed for those who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.

Grand Canyon University Online

MS in Nursing: Nursing Education

The Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Track concentration prepares advanced professional nurses in the nursing role specialty of nursing education. The Nursing Education Track addresses the expanding educational needs of the nursing profession.

Walden University Nursing

M.S. in Nursing - Education (MSN)

Graduates of the Walden M.S. in Nursing (MSN) have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in the profession and contribute to positive social change in their communities and throughout the world.

Labels: Diabetes, Nurse Practitioner, Online Nursing School