[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse educator, earn a BSN, gain RN experience, complete an MSN or DNP program, and consider CNE or CNEcl certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse educators teach students and staff in clinical or academic settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals earn a median annual salary of roughly $80K, and the position is projected to see 17% job growth from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse educator has trained every nurse you meet. These healthcare professionals instruct nurses at all levels of schooling in classroom and clinical settings. They work with other nurses instead of patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you exploring ways to become a nurse educator? Learn about schooling requirements, credentials, what to expect from work, and other aspects of this career path.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Nurse Educator?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-educator/”]Nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] play a significant part in the healthcare community. They work in academic institutions to prepare incoming nurses and advanced practice nurses. Some nurse educators work in hospitals to train current nurses on new and advanced nursing practices or provide continuing education programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the different career options available to nurse educators, this role is a worthwhile option for nurses interested in making an educational impact on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-healthcare-trends/#:~:text=Some%20trends%20that%20will%20impact,specialties%2C%20such%20as%20virtual%20nursing.”]future of nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse educator requires several steps. While specific criteria regarding licensure and experience may differ depending on the location, the basic requirements are similar.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before becoming an educator, nurses need to fulfill academic and professional experience requirements. An advanced nursing degree, work experience as a registered nurse (RN), an active RN license, and certification are all required for those interested in becoming nurse educators.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step in becoming a nurse educator is earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN). A typical BSN program takes four years to complete if you take classes full time. Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link], which takes 1-2 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]Accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are available for those with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. An accelerated program can take up to 18 months of full-time enrollment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a BSN program, graduates must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Exam for RNs[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) to qualify for RN licensure. The exam tests nurses’ ability to apply their knowledge by analyzing healthcare scenarios. It consists of four parts: safety and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning RN licenses, nurses must gain nursing experience before applying to master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Nursing experience allows you to master fundamental nursing abilities, develop critical thinking skills, and apply what you learned in nursing school to real-world situations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This experience helps you advise incoming nurses as they learn to provide patient care. An advanced degree is required to become a nurse educator.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Enroll In A Nursing Graduate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse educator needs a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]minimum of an MSN[/hen-ui-link]. However, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/states-with-the-largest-nursing-faculty-shortage/”]many openings in nursing education[/hen-ui-link] require or prefer applicants to possess [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]DNP degrees[/hen-ui-link]. Earning a DNP can provide additional opportunities, such as leading clinical studies, becoming a professor at more prestigious institutions, teaching at the MSN level, and being eligible to review colleagues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When enrolling in a graduate program, nurses will determine the educational role they want to pursue. These include clinical, instructional, and developmental.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nurse educators work with nursing students in a hands-on capacity, while instructional nurse educators teach in academic settings. Staff development nurses provide training for new staff members in various healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn Specialty Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing graduate programs, nurses should complete the Certification For Nurse Educators (CNE) or the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Certification (CNEcl) exams. Nurses interested in academic positions should take the CNE. Individuals looking to work in clinical settings take the CNEcl. While certification is not required, it is recommended.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Educator Schooling[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At a minimum, a nurse educator must earn a master’s degree in nursing, which often requires a BSN. There are different schooling options for aspiring nurse educators that fit their unique needs. Let’s explore the following degree types.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before becoming a nurse educator, nurses must earn their BSN. Most graduate programs require this level of education for admittance. There are three ways to earn a BSN: a four-year BSN program, an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]ADN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link], or an accelerated BSN program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon completion, students must pass the NCLEX and earn RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN programs typically require each candidate to have a 2.75 GPA, prior math and science coursework, references, a personal statement, and volunteer experiences.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: While curricula vary among institutions, most schools require courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, statistics, nutrition, pharmacology, nursing assessment, and nursing theory and research. Students must also complete clinical hours, which can range from 400-1000 hours depending on state requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: The typical BSN program takes four years to complete when enrolled as a full-time student. Those who have already earned ADNs, which typically take two years, can then earn BSNs in 1-2 years, depending on the previous program and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/guide-for-transferring-nursing-programs/”]transfer credits for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: With a BSN, enrollees can master technical and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/soft-skills-for-successful-nurses/”]soft skills for nurses[/hen-ui-link]. Professionally, A BSN teaches graduates to master nursing skills such as assessing patients, managing acute care situations, performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, communicating with patients, providing [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/”]culturally competent care,[/hen-ui-link] and working as a team.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”sm”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online BSN Programs” href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs” href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online ABSN Programs” href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MSN demonstrates your clinical experience and knowledge to employers beyond what’s offered in a BSN program. Clinical experience helps educators describe the practical applications of classwork, and graduating from master’s programs allows them to share in-depth knowledge unique to their specialties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: An MSN program typically requires a BSN from an accredited program and institution, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and an unencumbered RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: MSN programs for nurse educators typically include courses in advanced pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and population health. Programs also include classes specific to teaching and education, like the foundations of nursing education, teaching and learning methods, curriculum design, and assessment strategies. Students participate in guided experiences in nursing education settings and a clinical practicum.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: MSN programs take 2-3 years for full-time students, while part-time enrollment will likely extend this timeline beyond three years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Nurse educators learn advanced healthcare practice knowledge, the best ways to communicate that knowledge, and best practices to foster learning. They also learn to develop effective curricula and assess student development.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online NP Programs” href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online MSN Programs” href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctor of Nursing Practice[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although having a DNP is optional, many nurse educator positions require this level of schooling. Earning a DNP allows you to deepen your knowledge, fill a niche nursing area, and pursue higher career positions. This unique perspective is invaluable to nursing students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Most institutions require DNP applicants to have an unencumbered RN license and an MSN from an accredited college or university. Some schools accept applicants with only a BSN. They also require a GPA of at least 3.0 in all undergraduate and graduate coursework, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: DNP candidates learn more about research methods, advanced clinical study, pedagogy, curriculum development, and student assessment. They use this knowledge to convey their clinical knowledge to nursing students.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: DNP programs in nursing education typically take two years for full-time students to complete, though it depends on the school and program type. Part-time students finish in three or more years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Upon completion of a DNP, graduates can understand the principles of adult learning, implementation of curriculum, assessment and evaluation practices, and management and leadership abilities. Graduates dedicate themselves to a strict code of ethics while communicating and collaborating.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online NP Programs” href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online DNP Programs” href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-dnp-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Educator Credentials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse educator needs an MSN and an unencumbered RN license in all the states where they serve as clinical instructors. Nurse educators who teach in the classroom may only need licensure in the state where the program is based.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certifications such as CNE or CNEcl exam are not mandatory for state licensure. Both the exams used to award these certifications verify the test-taker’s competency in nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% employment growth rate for nurse educators from 2024-2034 and reports a median annual salary of $79,940 for the profession as of May 2024.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing educators have career flexibility because they’re qualified to teach nurses in many settings: colleges and universities, medical and surgical hospitals, and businesses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and Universities: Nurse educators who work in colleges and universities train and prepare new nurses and advanced practice nurses. They can teach in the classroom or supervise student nurses in clinical settings. They develop curriculum, teach, advise, mentor, and conduct research.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Clinical nurse educators in hospital settings assist the nursing staff, serve as clinical tutors, and examine the skills of new nurses. They advance nursing practices by educating staff. Sometimes, these training programs help nurses earn continuing education to renew their licenses. They also work with quality departments and administration to identify learning gaps. Based on those gaps, they can suggest quality improvement measures, educate nurses to improve care, and enhance patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Corporate Settings: Some nurse educators find employment in the private sector. They address employee needs together with human resources. They are responsible for drug screenings, first aid, and workers’ compensation investigations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse educator?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse educator takes at least six years of schooling. BSN degrees require four years of full-time study, and MSN programs require at least two years of full-time study. Yet, the length of time it takes to become a nurse educator depends upon the path you take. Factors that affect how long you’ll spend in school include whether you earn a DNP, take classes part time, or have applicable transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is becoming a nurse educator worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse educator is a worthwhile pursuit for dedicated healthcare workers. You can cultivate the next generation of nurses, alleviate the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown/”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link], work in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/non-bedside-jobs-for-nurses/”]non-bedside roles[/hen-ui-link], and fulfill your passion for learning.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the qualifications to be a nurse educator?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse educators must have a minimum of an MSN, though some positions require a DNP or Ph.D. While not required, they should also consider applying for NLN’s CNE or CNEcl certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the CNE exam?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The CNE exam is the certified nurse educator exam. CNE certification demonstrates that nurse educators have a set of proficiencies, including facilitating learning, understanding learner development, and using evaluation strategies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-section-header title=”Related Pages” /][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”34360,34148,34295″][/hen-ui-article-row]