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How to Get a Job as a Nursing Instructor

A historic photo of a nurse writing on a chalk board presented to a group of other nurses


Nursing Instructors, also known as Nurse Educators, teach and mentor aspiring nurses in colleges, universities, and clinical settings. They design curricula, deliver lectures, evaluate students’ clinical performance, and ensure that future nurses meet professional standards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing instructors and teachers is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, with about 11,000 job openings each year【source: BLS】.


Entry-Level Requirements for Nursing Instructors

To launch a career as a Nursing Instructor, you typically need:

Education: A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is the minimum requirement, though many universities prefer or require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing Education. Clinical teaching positions at community colleges may accept an MSN combined with relevant nursing experience.

Certifications & Licenses: Nursing instructors must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. Some employers prefer educators with additional certifications such as Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Experience: Most institutions require several years of clinical experience before transitioning into teaching. Supervising nursing students in clinical placements or working as a preceptor is valuable preparation.


Expected Salary for Nursing Instructors

  • Entry-Level: $65,000–$80,000 annually

  • Mid-Level: $80,000–$100,000 annually

  • Senior-Level: $100,000–$120,000+ annually

The median annual wage for nursing instructors and teachers in the U.S. is $84,180【source: BLS】.


Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

  • Strong communication and teaching skills

  • Clinical expertise and current nursing knowledge

  • Patience and mentorship ability

  • Organization and curriculum design proficiency

  • Leadership and emotional intelligence


Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

This career is generally a better fit for extroverts. Nursing Instructors engage in frequent interaction with students, colleagues, and healthcare partners. The role demands strong verbal communication, confidence in group settings, and enthusiasm for mentoring, which align naturally with extroverted traits.


Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Nursing Instructors


Can You Become a Nursing Instructor Without a Degree?

No. Nursing instructors must have at least a master’s degree in nursing and an active RN license. However, experienced nurses can serve as clinical preceptors or adjunct faculty while pursuing graduate education to transition into full-time teaching.


Five Jobs Similar to Nursing Instructor

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • Nurse Administrator

  • Nursing Simulation Coordinator

  • Allied Health Instructor


Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Nursing Instructor Roles


Top Ten Employers Hiring Nursing Instructors


Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Nursing Educators


Nursing Instructors play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of nurses for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Combining clinical expertise with education, this career offers strong job growth, flexibility, and deep professional fulfillment. It’s best suited for extroverts who thrive in leadership, mentorship, and teaching roles.

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