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Nurses provide critical healthcare to patients and play a crucial role in their health outcomes and experiences. However, many in the nursing profession are leaving: A 2024 survey published in the Journal of Nursing Regulation found that nearly 40% of registered nurses (RNs) are planning on retiring or leaving the nursing profession in the next five years.

An increasing nursing shortage could lead to gaps in necessary patient care and burnout for remaining healthcare professionals, making it all the more urgent to ensure that the next generation of nurses is prepared to take on open positions.

Nurse educators are helping to meet this need by teaching nursing students in both classroom and clinical settings, providing them with foundational knowledge on nursing theory and best practices. The potential for a competitive nurse educator salary can be a promising incentive for individuals considering pursuing this career, alongside the high projected job growth in the profession.

Nurse educators must meet specific requirements to qualify for the role, including earning an advanced degree and obtaining RN licensure.

What Does a Nurse Educator Do?

Nurse educators are registered nurses who educate and mentor nursing students. They are typically responsible for developing lesson plans, leading classes, and engaging students in discussions on nursing theory. They also supervise students in clinical settings and grade their performance in lab and classroom examinations.

Alongside their responsibilities as teachers, nurse educators frequently work as practicing RNs.

Where Do Nurse Educators Work?

Nurse educators’ work environments can vary based on the specifics of their role. For example, some nurse educators are college and university professors who primarily focus on classroom teaching, alongside conducting academic research and publishing. Clinical nurse educators, on the other hand, primarily work in hospitals and focus on practical skills. Likewise, clinical lab instructors primarily teach in laboratory settings.

Requirements to Become a Nurse Educator

Professionals interested in pursuing a nurse educator career must meet certain requirements, including earning an advanced nursing degree and maintaining an active nursing license. Additionally, employers may prefer candidates with work experience that showcases their skills in areas relevant to being a nurse educator.

Introductory Education and Licensure

Prospective nurse educators must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree, or a nursing diploma.

While an ADN or nursing diploma program can be completed more quickly than a bachelor’s program, which traditionally takes four years, a BSN is required in order to be admitted to an advanced degree program. Nurses who choose an alternative path to becoming an RN can later consider enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program to meet this prerequisite.

After completing their introductory education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and become licensed as an RN through their state’s Board of Nursing.

Skills and Work Experience

Employers typically look for nurse educators with a few years of experience, and work experience as an RN is often a requirement for advanced degree programs. While the demands of each employer vary, building a robust nursing skill set can help prospective educators stand out.

Aspiring nurse educators should develop skills in the following key areas:

• Leadership

• Communication

• Clinical nursing practice

• Nursing ethics

• Teaching

• Healthcare policy compliance

Advanced Education and Certification

Aspiring nurse educators must earn an advanced nursing degree, at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Some MSN programs offer a concentration in education, which focuses on effective teaching practices, how to evaluate nursing curricula, and the fundamentals of nursing education.

While not required, nurse educators can showcase their skills to employers by earning an optional certification. For example, the National League for Nursing offers the certified nurse educator (CNE) credential, which requires an unrestricted RN license, an MSN degree with a concentration in education, and two years of experience in the field.

Nurse Educator Salary and Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nurse educators was $80,780 as of 2023. Nurse educators’ salaries can vary based on their experience, their location, the size of their employer, and the specifics of their position.

The BLS projects that positions for postsecondary teachers, including nurse educators, will increase by 8% between 2023 and 2033—twice the 4% job growth projected for the labor market as a whole. The BLS reports that the strong projected employment growth for nurse educators is tied to the expected increased demand for professionals who can teach the next generation of nurses to replace the many nurses who are changing fields or retiring.

Make a Difference as a Nurse Educator

With a competitive nurse educator salary potential, an expectation of positive job growth, and the rewards that come with mentoring the next generation of nurses, becoming a nurse educator is an excellent career choice for many nurses. Prospective nurse educators should consider enrolling in the Wilson College Online MSN program and its Education track. In addition to courses on optimal teaching practices, the curriculum covers a wide range of nursing subjects, including advanced pharmacology, ethics, and healthcare regulations.

For nurses who want to work with healthcare policy or are interested in pursuing administrative or managerial positions, Wilson College Online also offers an MSN with a Leadership and Management track.

With a 100% online approach, the MSN program allows working nurses to learn at their own pace and convenience. Since clinical hours are not required to graduate, students can freely pursue their education while juggling their employment and personal responsibilities.

Find out how you can help shape the future of nursing with an advanced degree from Wilson College Online.

Recommended Readings

Can Nurses Increase Their Salary With an MSN?

MSN in Education: Curriculum and Career Opportunities

Why Earn an Advanced Degree in Nursing?

Sources:

Indeed, “How to Become a Nurse Educator in 7 Steps (With FAQs)”

Indeed, “How to Become a Registered Nurse: A Complete Guide”

Indeed, “Roles Beyond the Bedside: How to Become a Nurse Educator”

Journal of Nursing Regulation, “The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey”

National League for Nursing, Certification for Nurse Educators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Teachers