Nurse Educator Role Guide: What Is a Nurse Educator, What Do They Do, How to Become One & More

Nurse Educators play a vital role in the field of nursing and healthcare education, preparing the future generations of nurses and ensuring the continuity of the industry. They also represent the bridge between clinical expertise and teaching, which enriches their area of work and the knowledge necessary to practice.

The role of a Nurse Educator is also one of the most sought-after career paths for many professionals in the industry, providing not only a flexible and comparatively less stressful job but also the fulfillment of guiding aspiring nurses on their way to achieving their dream career and full potential. There are also many drawbacks to the profession, with lower wage estimates due to irregular working throughout the year, diverse requirements, as well as the need for continuous preparation and learning.

If you are considering becoming a Nurse Educator and want to know more about what the role entails, we will provide you with all the necessary information, suggestions, and recommendations for pursuing the career, as well as actionable tips along the way.

What Is a Nurse Educator?

A Nurse Educator (NE, sometimes Nurse Instructor or NI) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who teaches, prepares, and trains nursing students and practicing nurses. NEs may work in many work settings, including academic institutions, teaching hospitals, or clinical settings. They are responsible for curriculum design, course development, student mentorship and education, as well as for the maintenance of educational standards and their alignment with current clinical practices and policies.

Nurse Educators generally require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specializing in education and instruction, as well as specific accreditation to start practicing. Although their primary responsibilities concern educating future nurses, they differ in many ways from other training and faculty staff in the industry.

Nurse Educator vs. Nurse Trainer

Although both roles focus on instruction, Nurse Trainers typically work in healthcare settings and organizations, providing job-specific and technical training, while also responsible for onboarding new employees and communicating and implementing policy updates. Comparatively, Nurse Educators align more with formal education, generally finding work in academic institutions and teaching foundational and advanced nursing concepts and practices.

Nurse Educator vs. Nurse Teacher

While the term is used interchangeably with Nurse Educator (or Instructor), there are some notable technical differences between the two. The role of a Nurse Teacher is more narrow and applies to professionals working in practical nursing and clinical programs, whereas Nurse Educators may also be involved in research, policy development, curriculum evolution, and leadership.

Learn more about the differences and similarities between nursing and teaching positions.

How to Become a Nurse Educator: Degrees, Learning Path, and Certifications

If you want to become a Nurse Educator, you need to fulfill some standard steps that mainly concern academic routes and achieving a certain level of qualification and education.

Education & Degrees

The central prerequisite for Nurse Educators is earning a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in education. Alternatively, you can start working in nursing education with higher-level degrees, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Applied Practice (DNAP), or a PhD in Nursing Education.

However, the shortest and easiest route to becoming a Nurse Educator is earning an MSN degree that allows you to specialize in education.

At Nightingale College, you can enroll in the MSN Ed Program, a hybrid 2-year CCNE-accredited learning option that combines online instruction with on-ground activities (in-person seminars and preceptorship experiences) occurring in Supervised On-Ground Field Experience (SOFE) areas, in order to deliver top-quality education in the most accessible and flexible way possible.

Enroll in the MSN Ed Program at Nightingale College and achieve your Nurse Educator career!

Learning Path

In order to study to become a Nurse Educator, you must follow a specific learning path that qualifies you for enrollment in an MSN program. Here are the standard steps you need to take in your learning journey:

1. Get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – You can earn a BSN degree by either enrolling in a full-time 3-to-4-year nursing program or by first getting an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), earning your RN certification, and advancing to the BSN level by enrolling in an RN-to-BSN path.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN – Pursuing a Master’s in Nursing requires you to earn your RN certification and start practicing in a clinical setting or otherwise. Once you complete a qualifying program, you must sit and pass the NCLEX-RN.
3. Gain clinical experience – The next step is accumulating clinical experience, preferably but not necessarily in a related work setting. Often, 2 years or more are recommended before advancing your education via an MSN and pursuing certification as an APRN.
4. Enroll in an MSN program with a specialization in education – Master’s programs available to nurses often provide specific qualifications that may dictate your future career options.
5. Check the accreditation requirements and earn certifications – Nurse Educators require specific types of certifications to practice. Requirements may vary depending on your state and target work setting. Make sure to check these requirements in time and earn the correct certifications to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
6. Optionally, pursue higher education – While earning a DNP, DNAP, or PhD in Nursing is not a requirement to start practicing as a nurse, pursuing higher education can improve your career outcomes and qualify you for specific positions (particularly leadership and research roles). 

Learn more about the importance of continuing education as a nurse.

Career Ladder

The standard career ladder for Nurse Educators starts with the role of a Registered Nurse. While starting with a lower position (Licensed Practical Nurse or Certified Nurse Assistant) is feasible, you will eventually need to become a staff RN.

A frequent route at this juncture is to become a Clinical Instructor and accumulate experience in the field of nursing education. Once you qualify academically, you can pursue certification as a CNE. From this point on, you can advance your career by becoming a Senior Faculty member and, depending on the academic and experience requirements, a Program Director or Dean within a learning option.

Certifications

The certifications available for aspiring Nurse Educators are:

• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) – Widely seen as the gold standard of professional accreditation, this certification is offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).
• Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl) – Recommended for aspiring NEs who want to specialize in clinical-focused instruction.
• Nurse Executive – Board Certified (NE-BC) – A type of certification that qualifies you for various leadership roles in the field of nursing.

Throughout your career journey, you will also have to sit the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and complete accreditation modules such as the NAHQ (National Association for Healthcare Quality) credential that helps to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and proficiency in healthcare quality concepts, strengthening your expertise in safety and systems-based practice. Learn more about the nursing certifications you should have. 

If you want a more in-depth guide to the process of becoming a CNE, read our guide to becoming a Nurse Educator.

What Does a Nurse Educator Do?

The activities and expertise of a Certified Nurse Educator go beyond the process of teaching learners, encompassing all aspects of nursing education from beginning to end. Below, you will find out the scope of practice, necessary skills and abilities, and general responsibilities of Nurse Educators.

Nurse Educator Scope of Practice

The central points of the scope of practice of Certified Nurse Educators are the development and implementation of curricula, assessment of learning outcomes, supervision of clinical practicums, educational research, and student mentorship and advising in both academic and clinical settings.

The role of CNEs is three-pronged, encompassing academic development (devising curricula and practical programs), the assessment and supervision of educational outcomes and proficiency, and finally, the guidance and mentorship provided to aspiring nurses. Thus, Nursing Educators ensure the health of the healthcare industry, ensuring its continuity by creating and maintaining formative programs while also taking an active role in the development of future nurses.

Nurse Educator Skills and Requirements

The role requirements emerging from the scope of practice of CNEs result in a diverse array of skills and responsibilities:

• Leadership, demonstrated in the teaching of lectures and labs, as well as in leading clinical experiences and simulations.
• Strong clinical expertise and ability to translate experience into educational practices.
• Ability to communicate and present clearly and effectively, following concept-based curricula in both foundational and advanced nursing areas of study.
• Evaluation aptitudes necessary to assess student performance and the effectiveness of current teaching practices and policies.
• Motivation to stay up to date with evolving research in clinical and educational fields.
• Ability to reach and formulate actionable guidelines in teaching practices and policies.
• Mentorship abilities and versatility in approaching complex nursing situations, concepts, and subjects.
• Desire to participate in accreditation and policy development.
• Willingness to overcome difficulties in periods of higher intensity.
• Research literacy in the fields of healthcare, nursing, and adjacent areas of expertise.

Nurse Educator Salary: Nationwide & Highest-Paying States in 2025

The national average salary for Nurse Educators in 2025 is $87,090 per year, according to BLS data. While it is an improvement in their earning potential from previous wage estimates, the current CNE salary is still low, especially when compared to other MSN Nurse salaries and Nurse Practitioner wages. 

The main reason for lower wages is the fact that professionals working in academia generally earn less than nurses active in clinical settings. Additionally, most Nurse Educators follow an academic calendar (typically working 9 or 10 months per year), having lower workloads or time off during the summers or holiday periods, which can contribute to lower salaries, despite fact that CNEs generally sign 12-month contracts and work throughout the year not only in teaching but also in advising, committee work, and research. 

The lower salary is not only an issue for aspiring Nurse Educators but also for the industry in general, adding to the ongoing nursing shortage and the high burnout rates among currently working faculty.

States with Lowest and Highest Nurse Educator Salary Estimates

The state where Nurse Educators are paid the best is Oregon, where CNEs earn an estimated salary of $109,570 per year, followed by the District of Columbia, where they bring home $107,570 per year, and Texas with a Nurse Educator salary of $104,640 per year. 

Here are the 10 highest-paying states for Nurse Educators and the respective yearly salaries:

1. Oregon – $109,570
2. District of Columbia – $107,570
3. Texas – $104,640
4. California – $101,770
5. New Jersey – $99,990
6. New York – $99,170
7. Hawaii – $97,820
8. Alaska – $94,990
9. Connecticut – $93,090
10. Massachusetts – $90,830

Considering salaries adjusted to the cost of living in each state, the list of the top-paying states changes, with Texas coming in first with an adjusted Nurse Educator salary of $112,880 per year, followed by Oregon, with $97,830 per year, and Alabama, with $93,739 per year. 

Here are the 10 states with the highest adjusted salaries:

1. Texas – $112,880
2. Oregon – $97,830
3. Alabama – $93,739
4. West Virginia – $93,555
5. Michigan – $91,969
6. North Dakota – $90,816
7. Montana – $90,232
8. Nebraska – $89,871
9. Indiana – $89,215
10. South Carolina – $89,124

Read more about Nurse Educator salaries in the US and nurse salaries by state for various roles and levels of certification.

Where Do Nurse Educators Work?

Currently, there are about 89,900 Certified Nurse Educators (including Instructors and Teachers) working in various work settings and fulfilling different roles. Below, you can discover the most frequent work settings for CNEs, the best-paying workplaces, and the overall career outlook for the role. 

Job Outlook for Nurse Educators

Nurse Educators represent one of the fastest growing jobs in the industry and in general, among all occupations (academic or otherwise).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall increase in employment of Nurse Educators (including Nursing Instructors and Teachers) is estimated to be 18% throughout the decade (2023-33), which is much faster than the increase for all occupations (4%) and educational instruction and library occupations (2%). 

The net growth represents 16,100 new jobs for Nurse Educators, bringing the overall employment to 105,900 jobs at a national level by 2033.

Work Settings for Nurse Educators

As a Nurse Educator, you can work in academic environments but also find plenty of career opportunities in other spaces that won’t necessarily bind you to a classroom. 

The most frequent work settings for CNEs are:

Working in either of these environments as a Nurse Educator can be less stressful than working in hospital and clinical settings as a primary care nursing professional. You will gain more flexibility without sacrificing the appeal of your career. However, as you can see above, the highest Nurse Educator salaries are still met in hospital settings (despite the considerably different roles you will fulfill), with these work settings employing a relatively small percentage of CNEs.

Learn more about the least stressful nursing careers.

When considering the industries where Nurse Educators earn the best salaries, the list changes from one of the most frequent work settings:

• Offices of physicians – $169,990
• Educational support services – $153,740
• Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals – $129,140
• General medical and surgical hospitals – $101,290
• State government (excluding schools and hospitals)  – $100,030

Is Becoming a Nurse Educator Worth It?

Yes, the Certified Nurse Educator role is one of the most rewarding career choices in the field of nursing, despite lower estimated salaries and a broader list of necessary skills and responsibilities.

If you are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and shaping the nursing profession for a better future, becoming a Nurse Educator is the way to go. And, although they require a certain amount of advanced education to start practicing, CNEs benefit from one of the best job outlooks in the industry (and across sectors), stable work schedules, less stressful work environments, growth opportunities for career and academic advancement, and the possibility of having a profound impact on healthcare as a whole.

If you want to get the education necessary to become a Certified Nurse Educator, consider enrolling in Nightingale College’s Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN Ed) Program, a hybrid learning option that combines online instruction and in-person activities and experiences to deliver CCNE-accredited education in the most approachable and accessible way possible. The flexibility allowed by the learning system is also career-friendly, enabling you to advance your education and keep an active professional life. 

Learn more about the MSN Ed Program and enroll today to advance your education and career!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Nurse Educators Need Clinical Experience?

Yes. Most CNE roles require applicants to have between 2 and 5 years of clinical, bedside, or specialized nursing experience before they can transition to a role in education.

Can I Become a Nurse Educator with a BSN?

No, generally, institutions require prospective Nurse Educators to have at least a Master of Science in Nursing (preferably concentrated on education), with candidates who hold only a BSN being able to apply for assistant or adjunct roles.

Is a Nurse Educator a Full-Time Job?

Yes, though part-time or adjunct positions exist in the industry. Many full-time Educators work regular academic schedules with occasional clinical supervision. While some may follow the academic calendar (having summers off or with lower workloads), many CNEs are professionally active throughout the year, particularly those in research or leadership positions.

Do CNEs Still Work in Clinical Settings?

Some Nurse Educators will maintain part-time clinical roles or take an active role in supervising learners in hospitals. However, the majority will focus on teaching, research, and development.

What Is the Difference Between an MSN in Education and a Generalist MSN?

MSN programs in education prepare learners specifically for teaching roles, incorporating pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment courses meant to develop the key aptitudes necessary for the CNE role. Comparatively, generalist MSN programs will provide the general education required to advance to the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) roles.

Can Nurse Educators Work Remotely?

Yes, and opportunities for non-bedsite work-from-home jobs for CNEs are becoming more frequent with the increasing number of hybrid nursing programs and the broad adoption of clinical simulations. Considering the current trends in nursing education, Nurse Educators will have more options to work remotely.

If you want to complete your education remotely or within hybrid learning options, consider enrolling in one of the academic programs at Nightingale College and advance your education.