The nurse educator's career path begins with a foundation of clinical experience. In a teaching hospital or other clinical setting, the minimum prerequisite is a bachelor's degree. In practice, most institutions require a graduate degree. Experienced nurses who want to teach at a college or university will need a Master's degree at a minimum, with a concentration in nursing education. To advance to tenured academic positions and the highest levels of the profession, a doctorate is necessary.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is required for most nurse educator positions and is one of the prerequisites for certified nurse educators. Programs are widely available at the university level. A master's degree program will include a variety of courses designed to offer a "big picture" understanding of the profession. Sample courses drawn from the Villanova College of Nursing website include clinical ethics, advanced nutrition and pharmacology, practicums in a number of specializations and instruction in how to teach.
Doctoral degrees for nurses can be either a Doctor of Science in Nursing (DSN) or a PhD. Either will prepare an experienced nurse for the most demanding roles in the field. Doctoral coursework requires a high level of critical thinking about the profession and its role in society. Sample courses from the Villanova College of Nursing include statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, the philosophy of education, and philosophy and science of nursing. Doctorates generally require a written dissertation.
It is not necessary for a nurse educator to hold an individual certification, but many do nonetheless. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) credentials qualified individuals as Certified Nurse Educators. Applicants who are currently licensed RNs, hold a graduate degree in nursing education and have completed two years' employment as full-time educators are eligible. So are applicants who hold a graduate degree in another nursing specialty but have worked four years as full-time nursing educators. The accreditation, once earned, is valid for five years.