Become a Nurse Educator
Nurse Educator Role
A nurse educator is a registered nurse who has advanced education, including advanced clinical training in a health care specialty. Nurse educators serve in a variety of roles that range from part time clinical teachers to deans of nursing colleges. Nurse educators have master's or doctoral degrees and practice as faculty in colleges, universities, hospital-based schools of nursing or technical schools, or as staff development educators in health care facilities.
Nurse educators play a pivotal role in strengthening the nursing workforce, serving as role models and providing the leadership needed to implement evidence-based practice. Nurse educators are responsible for designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic and nursing continuing education programs for nurses. These include formal academic programs that lead to a degree or certificate, or more informal nursing continuing education programs designed to meet individual learning needs. Some of the benefits of a career in nursing education include access to cutting-edge knowledge and research, opportunities to collaborate with health professionals, achieving a high level of satisfaction from their work, an intellectually stimulating workplace and flexible work scheduling.
Learn about the Master's in Nursing Health Care Education Degrees offered through nationally accredited programs.
Nurse Educator Career Outlook and Salary Info
Given the growing shortage of nurse educators, the career outlook is strong for nurses interested in teaching careers. Nursing schools nationwide are struggling to find enough faculty to accommodate the rising interest in nursing careers among new students. The shortage of nurse educators may actually enhance career prospects since it affords a high level of job security and provides opportunities for nurses to maintain dual roles as educators and direct patient care providers.
Nurse Educator Salaries vary depending on rank, education (master's or doctorate degree) and where they are teaching. Nurse educators working in academic settings typically are on a nine-month appointment (e.g., September through May). The highest paying positions are available to faculty with a doctoral degree in public nursing institutions. In 2002, full-time nurse educators with a nine-month appointment earned salaries ranging between $25,000 and $100,000. On average, full-time nurse faculty with a doctoral degree earned $61,000 in 2002-2003 while faculty with a master's degree earned $49,000. For those devoted to a career in nurse education, employment in a leadership and administrative role may be of interest. Many nursing school deans can earn more than $100,000 in a calendar year.
Education Requirements to become a Nurse Educator:
Nurse educators who work in academic settings must hold a master's degree in nursing. In order to be promoted to the upper academic ranks (e.g., associate professor and professor) and to be granted tenure, academic faculty typically must hold an earned doctoral degree. Nurse educators who work in clinical settings must hold the minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing, but many institutions are requiring the master's degree for such appointments. Many master's degree and post-graduate certificate programs are available to prepare nurses specifically for the educator role. Explore our fully accredited online nurse educator programs below and request free information from the schools that interest you.
Nationally Accredited Online Nurse Educator Programs
Walden University School of Nursing
Graduates of Walden University have the knowledge and skills to be leaders and educators in their profession. They will be capable of contributing to positive social change in their own communities and throughout the world. Request free information from Walden University to learn more.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University offers a Master's of Science in Nursing program online with two different concentrations: Nurse Educator or Health Systems Leadership. Gonzaga University has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for their online MSN nursing programs. Request information below to learn more.
Programs Offered Online: MSN - Nurse Educator, MSN- Health Systems Leadership
- Click Here for information about Gonzaga University's Nursing programs.
Benedictine University
This online Masters in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is offered six times a year by the University.
Programs Offered: Master of Science in Nursing Online (Tracks for Nurse Leaders, Nurse Administrators, Nurse Educators and Disaster Management)
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Capella University - College of Nursing
The NLNAC recognizes that this PhD specialization in Nursing Education aligns with the Core Competencies for Nurse Educators. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator Exam. This program is designed for Nurses with a master's level education prior to entry. Also offered for current RN's is an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Nurse Educator specialization.
Programs Offered Online: MSN - Nurse Educator, MSN Bridge Program - Nurse Educator, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education - Nursing Education
- Click Here for information about the PhD in Nursing Education program.
Graceland University
All nursing programs at Graceland University are CCNE accredited. Graceland University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Practicums are completed in the student's community.
Online Programs Offered: MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Nurse Educator, Post-Graduate Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education
- Click Here to request information from Graceland University.
Kaplan University School of Nursing
Kaplan University's online Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to prepare you for leadership positions in health care organizations or nursing education programs. Nurses who can assume administrative, faculty, or staff development roles are much in demand. The Master of Science in Nursing is also a foundation for future doctoral studies. Request free information from the Kaplan University School of Nursing.
Western Governors University - Nursing
WGU is Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as well as Nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.
Programs Offered: Online MSN - Education, Online MSN - Leadership & Management
- Click Here for additional information about these Online MSN programs.
Featured Campus Based Nurse Educator Programs
University of Phoenix College of Health and Human Services
University of Phoenix offers accredited nursing health care education degree programs at campuses nationwide. Request free information from the University of Phoenix to find a campus near you and learn more.
