What degree needed to become a clinical instructor?

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Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

Hello all,

What degree is needed to become a clinical instructor? Is it MSN or doctorate? I am in the process of applying to an accelerated BSN program next year (career changer my name implies) and would like to possibly get a masters soon after that, once I get some RN experience under my belt (I am more interested in nursing education and/or management rather than NP). Is a doctorate necessary? Any information regarding degrees and type of experience needed would be appreciated. Thanks

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Some programs, not BSN programs, will hire nurses to teach with experience and a BSN. Many programs however, require a masters degree. A doctorate is not necessary, but many instructors I've known, either have one or are actively pursuing one.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Even the ADN program in my town requires MSNs. In fact they had lost their ACEN accreditation and the lack of MSN prepared faculty with experience was one of the reasons. I taught for ten years in a BSN program and am planning on getting my DNP, just in case I return to teaching. You will need to check with local nursing programs to see what they require.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

I'm a clinical instructor for a practical nursing program, with 2.5 years acute experience and a BSN, currently pursuing my master's. The ADN programs around my area require either current possession of a MSN or enrolled in master's program.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

All in my area now require MSN, and x experience in a particular area to teach didactic. Varies by school. Good luck

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

As you probably gathered, RN programs generally prefer that instructors have at least an MSN because it is required by some State Boards and accrediting agencies that at least a certain percentage of faculty members have MSN's. However, if you are planning a career in Nursing Education, you need to consider a few things:

1. You can teach in CNA programs and LPN programs (and maybe a few ADN programs) with just a BSN.

2. The "better" schools have higher standards for their faculty than the bare minimum.

3. For any career advancement in teaching at the BSN level, you will probably need a doctorate eventually. The MSN's are limited in their ability to progress into the professor-level and/or tenure track positions.

4. The pay for MSN-prepared faculty is less than that of the tenure track, doctorally prepared faculty. It is often less than that of an experienced staff nurse at a local hospital.

So yes, there are teaching jobs available at the MSN level. However, if you are planning a career in nursing education at the college/university level ... be prepared to get a doctorate if you want career advancement and/or a lot of options.

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Specializes in Med-surg, home care.

Thanks for feedback everyone!

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i am clinical instructor for LVN students and I am a BSN. Lto secure a full time faculty position and MSN is required for the ADN program....good luck

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