How to Become a Nurse Educator

Relying on their own foundation in nursing and the expertise they acquired throughout the course of their career, nurse educators can guide nurses and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their nursing practice. Nurse educators, in many ways, are redefining the health care industry and actively working to solve the complex challenges that exist within today's health care system.

If you are interested in learning how to become a nurse educator, you will want to review the nurse education requirements and pursue a graduate degree program that will prepare you for this growing niche in the nursing profession.

Educational Pathway to Becoming a Nurse Educator

As a nurse educator, you would have the opportunity to work directly with nurses who need ongoing training, and you would also be able to begin teaching nursing students. However, before you can begin working directly with your students, you will need to focus on your education.

This is the typical educational pathway for aspiring nurse educators:

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

To effectively teach other nurses and provide them with relevant training, you will need to develop a comprehensive understanding of the nursing profession. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is the preferred educational qualification for registered nurses. An increasing number of hospital systems are requiring RNs to have a BSN degree because the curriculum for this undergraduate degree program prioritizes nursing skill development and clinical knowledge while allowing students to hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This undergraduate degree program typically takes about four years to complete. That said, accelerated RN-to-BSN degree programs are available to registered nurses who previously earned an associate degree or completed a nursing diploma program.

Gain Clinical Nursing Experience as a Registered Nurse (RN)

Most employers looking for nurse educators want to hire candidates with clinical nursing experience as an RN. After completing your BSN degree, you will want to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam so that you can begin practicing as a registered nurse. Gaining experience with diverse patients and care settings as an RN provides the necessary insight to teach future nurses.

Pursue a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) With a Focus on Education

The American Nurses Association confirms that the minimum education requirement for nurse educators is a BSN degree. However, many employers prefer candidates who have an MSN degree. To remain competitive in a growing field, consider an MSN focusing on education. This specialized graduate degree program offers a curriculum focusing on the most relevant coursework to aspiring nurse educators. In addition, graduates from this program are eligible to pursue nurse educator certification.

Consider a Doctoral Degree for Advanced Teaching and Leadership Roles

Nurse educators who want to work in academia or are interested in leadership roles may want to consider a doctoral degree in nursing. There are two doctoral nursing degrees that nurses can consider: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree program.

Gain Teaching Experience in Nursing Education

Once you have completed the educational qualifications for pursuing nurse educator positions, you can begin gaining valuable teaching experience. Nurse educators find teaching students and working with nurses rewarding because they can improve nursing skills and patient care.

These are some of the ways that you can begin to gain teaching experience in nursing education:

Become a Clinical Instructor

A clinical instructor is typically an RN responsible for teaching nursing students in the clinical setting. Clinical instructors may work in clinical agencies or directly with nursing students in clinical settings as they begin to put their newfound skills into practice. Clinical instructors may be responsible for:

Providing students with personalized instruction in classroom and clinical settings.
Monitoring nursing students taking on clinical responsibilities.
Evaluating the performance of nursing students and providing constructive feedback.

Transition to Classroom Teaching and Curriculum Development

Nurse educators who gain sufficient experience as clinical instructors can continue to advance their careers and pursue opportunities in classroom teaching and curriculum development. Classroom teaching allows you to work more closely with nursing students earning their degree. By specializing in curriculum development, you can impact the content and quality of the programming offered at nursing schools.

Nurse Educator Certification and Licensing Requirements

Nurse educators are required to be licensed registered nurses, and certification is highly recommended. While not required, pursuing nurse educator certification will allow you to develop advanced teaching skills and provide you with access to more opportunities in nursing education.

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Credential

The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential is awarded by the National League for Nursing. This professional credential was created to establish nurse education as a specialty practice within the field of nursing. To earn your CNE credential, you will need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

Supply documentation of your nursing license.
Provide proof that you have completed a master's degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
Provide proof that you have at least two years of professional experience as a nurse educator.
Successfully take and pass the CNE exam.

State Licensure and Other Professional Certifications

In addition to earning your nurse educator certification, you will also have to adhere to the state board of nursing requirements to maintain your license to practice as a registered nurse.

Tips for Success as a Nurse Educator

As you pursue a career as a nurse educator, these tips can guide you and help you succeed in this dynamic specialty area. You can become an adept and intuitive nurse educator by:

Developing Strong Communication and Teaching Skills

Nurses have a unique ability to connect with people, one that they fine-tune and perfect as they care for their patients each day. As a nurse educator, you can apply this skill to your students. Strong communication and teaching skills, combined with nursing experience, allow you to give students valuable insights for their careers.

Staying Up to Date With Nursing Trends and Best Practices

As a nurse educator, you will teach and guide the next generation of nurses. As a result, you need to be aware of the emerging trends shaping the nursing profession and the best practices in evidence-based care. Reading nursing research journals, completing continuing education programs, and staying familiar with the latest health care technology is essential.

Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

Throughout your career as a nurse educator, you should prioritize networking and professional development opportunities. By actively working to expand your professional network throughout your career, you will be able to connect with nurse educators in a variety of roles and positions. Networking and professional development help you become a better nurse educator and improve your students' experience.

Learn How to Become a Nurse Educator at Texas A&M University

Nurse educators will play a prominent role in the nursing profession in the years to come, particularly as the next generation of nurses works to solve the complex challenges facing the modern health care industry. Texas A&M University offers an MSN-Nursing Education degree program that equips you with the advanced and specialized skills required to effectively teach and train nurses currently working in the field. By combining nursing theories with the principles of education, this degree program effectively prepares you to take on educator positions in patient care settings and institutions of higher learning.

Request more information about our nursing degree programs today.

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