How to Become a Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach nursing students in undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate nursing programs. The steps to become a nurse educator include education, testing, and licensing, after which nurse educators can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a nurse educator, and where to start.
Become a Nurse Educator in 7 Steps
To become a nurse educator, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
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Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a nurse educator, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career as a nurse educator.
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Apply for Nursing Jobs in Nursing Education
After spending some time at the bedside and earning a higher degree focusing on nursing education, graduates can apply for nurse educator positions.
Schooling Requirements for Nurse Educators
In most settings, nurse educators must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). However, they must first earn a BSN before earning these higher-level degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future nurse educators a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
A BSN prepares future nurse educators to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Nurse Educator Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
After initial licensure, most states require RNs to renew their license every two years. Each state has varying requirements on continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a plethora of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Nurse educators may choose to pursue specialty certifications through several organizations. The National League for Nursing offers the following:
The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC), which can be earned by academic nurse educators and mentors of current professional nurses.
Where Do Nurse Educators Work?
Nurse educators typically work in universities and colleges. They may give lectures, proctor exams, and manage clinicals. Some nurse educators work in research while they teach, searching for methods to improve nursing education across all specialties. Depending on their degree level, they may spend more time in the classroom or their office, holding office hours and conducting research.
FAQs: How to Become a Nurse Educator
1. What education is needed to become a nurse educator?
Nurse educators must graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
2. How many years does it take to become a nurse educator?
The time it takes to become a nurse educator depends on which degree one pursues, but it may take anywhere from four to eight years for a postgraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a nurse educator?
To become a nurse educator, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may gain bedside experience, earn higher education, and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do nurse educators make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse educators earn an average of $41.60 per hour, which equals about $86,530 annually.
