Nurse Educator Career Overview
2-6 years
9% growth from 2019-2029
For Postsecondary Educators
$74,470
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nurse Educator Career in Brief
Nurse educators provide education and training for nurses at all levels, including students in their first year of nursing school all the way to experienced nurses seeking professional development. They combine clinical expertise and experience to serve as guides and mentors to other providers.
Nurse educators are experts in evidence-based practices and committed to continuous research, staying up-to-date on the latest ideas and developments in healthcare and the practice of nursing. They are leaders who direct teams, provide guidance, and exemplify best practices in nursing.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate learning for nurses at all levels using multiple methods
- Monitor, evaluate, and assess courses, nursing programs, and students
- Motivate students and staff
- Serve as mentors and role models
- Integrate theory and practice
- Research and report on the latest evidence-based best practices
Key Skills
- Clinical expertise
- Leadership
- Communication
- Evaluation and assessment
- Curriculum design
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Where Do Nurse Educators Work?
When you hear the word “educator,” you automatically think of a school or classroom setting, but colleges and universities are just one place where nurse educators work. Educators can be found in nearly every healthcare setting. Hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, public health centers, and hospice care are also common work settings for nurse educators.
Although there are many opportunities for nurse educators, here are some specific responsibilities you might have in more common settings.
Medical Center/Hospital Nurse educators staff professional development, mentor nurses, participate in peer review committees, manage grant proposals, and advise leadership and staff. In acute care, they may collaborate with quality improvement departments to ensure the highest quality of care.
College/University Nurse educators lecture, act as a clinical supervisor, develop curriculum, serve on committees, and advise students.
Businesses Nurse educators coach wellness and health seminars, lead CPR, first aid, and similar programs, and instruct continuing education and professional development classes.
Why Become a Nurse Educator?
Becoming a nurse educator is not right for everyone. Although many people thrive in roles providing education and training for new nurses, others would rather provide bedside care. As you explore your options, consider the following pros and cons and whether it is the right choice for you.
Advantages to Becoming a Nurse Educator
- Range of employment options, from colleges to medical centers
- Personal satisfaction of training new nurses
- Structured work schedule with some flexibility
- Can be less stressful than bedside/clinical nursing
Disadvantages to Becoming a Nurse Educator
- Potential for low pay with adjunct or part-time teaching positions
- Industry changes can make curriculum development challenging
- Strict education requirements to enter the field
How to Become a Nurse Educator
How Much Do Nurse Educators Make?
Nurse educators earn higher-than-average salaries; those working in major metropolitan medical centers and hospitals are the highest paid with average annual salaries of $119,050. The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metro region is the top-paying metro area for nurse educators with average salaries more than $20,000 higher than the next highest-paying area in Boston-Cambridge-Nashua.
Colleges and universities, including junior or community colleges, are the lowest paying employers for nurse educators. Nurses teaching at junior colleges earn an average of $75,190 annually, whereas colleges and universities pay slightly better with an average salary of $84,320. Note that these salary figures are for full-time employment; many nurse educators work part time as instructors or adjunct faculty and are paid per course or per credit.
| Top-Paying States | Average Salary | Total Number of Nurse Educators |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $116,650 | 3,980 |
| District of Columbia | $111,940 | 130 |
| Massachusetts | $106,950 | 2,300 |
| California | $106,420 | 3,510 |
| New York | $98,850 | 5,100 |
| Top-Paying States | Average Salary | Total Number of Nurse Educators |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida | $145,990 | 2,140 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, Massachusetts-New Hampshire | $120,040 | 1,470 |
| Savannah, Georgia | $117,610 | 60 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California | $112,400 | 1,630 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, California | $111,970 | 260 |
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $119,050 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | $95,430 |
| Business Schools and Computer and Management Training | $90,080 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $84,320 |
| Junior Colleges | $75,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse educator?
The time required to become a nurse educator varies depending on your current degree. Nurse educators must have an MSN, which can be earned in as few as two years if you have a BSN. For RNs without a BSN, earning a master’s degree can take up to four years or longer.
Are nurse educators in demand?
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that nurse educators are in demand to the point where prospective nursing students are being turned away because there are not enough instructors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a higher-than-average increase in demand as well; between 2019 and 2029, demand is projected to increase by 9% for all postsecondary educators.
Should nurse educators earn their DNP?
Although earning a DNP is not a current requirement for a nurse educator, the National League for Nursing supports doctoral preparation for nurse educators. The NLN argues that educators with a DNP are well positioned to advance nursing education and respond to the changing healthcare landscape and demands on nurses. Also, while a doctoral degree is not a requirement to teach at the undergraduate level, it is most often required to teach at the master’s level or above, and in many academic institutions, to become a tenured professor or an administrative leader within a nursing school.
How can I gain experience in nursing education?
Nurses with the appropriate credentials, including an MSN and at least two years of clinical experience, can apply to teach as adjunct faculty in nursing programs, serve as guest lecturers, or lead clinical groups in a hospital setting. Many nurse educators begin their careers by teaching part time to determine whether it is a good fit before seeking certification and full-time employment. Check with your state’s Board of Nursing about nurse educator requirements, especially in the academic setting.
Resources for Nurse Educators
-
National League for Nursing
The NLN is the leading professional organization for nurse educators. They issue the CNE certification and provide a range of professional development opportunities, grants, and teaching resources. Anyone interested in supporting excellence in nursing education can join. -
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is a professional organization committed to excellence in nursing education. They establish quality standards for nursing instruction and support efforts to improve healthcare. Membership is limited to institutions; students at member schools have access to benefits including scholarships along with professional development and networking opportunities. -
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma is an international honor society committed to the development of nurse leaders and improving healthcare worldwide. Membership is by invitation and extended to bachelors- and masters-level nursing students and nurse educators who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and nursing practice. Members enjoy professional education and development opportunities, networking, and access to grants. -
Professional Nurse Educator Group
PNEG is a virtual network of nurses dedicated to lifelong learning. Any nurse educator can join and participate in collaborative conversations to share ideas and foster community among nurse educators. The group also hosts an annual conference and recognizes individuals who represent excellence in the field.
Related Pages
Reviewed by:
Brandy Gleason is a nursing professional with nearly twenty years of varied nursing experience. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout.
Gleason is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.
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