Msn or doctorate to teach?

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Apr 6, 2012

In my area one cannot find a teaching position without a PhD or DNP, except to teach CNA courses. Even the community colleges are making their MSN faculty finish a doctorate or they are being demoted to only teaching clinicals, along with a significant pay cut.

a post masters for a FNP is fine, so long as you go to a reputable school

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Apr 6, 2012

Nurse educator is a broad term. These days, lots of places use the title to designate a nurse in charge of staff development at a hospital, a clinical instructor in a community college, or a professor in a research-intensive university-based nursing program. Each setting and role has minimum educational requirements. A master's would probably be sufficient in a hospital setting or a community college. Clinical instructors in university programs may only have a master's but the preference is for those with advanced clinical degrees (NP or CNS). Assistant professors and up require an earned doctoral degree in nursing or related field. Some universities distinguish between clinical professor tracks and research professor tracks. In many cases, the latter requires a PhD.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Apr 6, 2012

Similarly, if someone had an msn in nursing education and then got a post masters certificate as a nurse practitioner, will employers take you seriously for an NP position?Thank you!!

Why take such a convoluted route to an NP position when you can start an NP program, graduate, get certified, and work as NP without going through the nurse educator master's degree?

I guess that does answer your question in the sense that you may have to explain to prospective employers the reason why you started with a nurse educator master's before starting the post-master's NP program. However, it shouldn't be a big deal because your application will be judged based on your nursing experience, your NP training, and your overall fit for the NP position you're applying for.

LindaBright, MSN · Apr 6, 2012

I believe the qualifications as a Nurse Educator follow the other requirements for any undergraduate or grad-level instructor. A MSN or Master's level degree will get you in as an assistant, but a doctorate-level degree is required as a professor. As has been said previously, the Master's level will allow a degree of teaching, usually within the clinical role, but becoming a nurse educator today requires the higher-level nursing tracks.

In regard to your other question, I cannot imagine an employer would not consider your education background, in combination with a post-grad NP certificate a solid foundation that can benefit patients overall.