Required education
MSN
Average annual salary
$54k–$100k
Attributes
Higher Salary
Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll evaluate and update the education curriculum, as well as teach in a classroom and clinical setting.
What you’ll do
Documentation
You’ll write grant proposals and record the outcome of educational processes.
Education
You’ll teach, evaluate and advise students, oversee them as they practice the skills they’ve learned, and speak at nursing conferences.
Evaluation
You’ll assess and revise current educational programs.
Mentorship
You’ll be a role model and mentor for some of your students.
Where you’ll work
- Community colleges
- Continuing education programs
- Hospitals
- Long-term care centers
- Technical schools
- Trade schools
- Universities
How to become a Nurse Educator
01
Get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
03
Get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
04
Pass the Certification Nurse Educator exam through the National League of Nursing.
05
You’re ready to work as a Nurse Educator.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Nurse Educator organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
A Nurse Life Care Planner’s role is also research-oriented.
A Nurse Advocate is another type of management nurse.