Nurse educator lingo 101

Specialties Educators

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After reading many, many threads I'm a little confused with all the abbreviations. I'm interested in eventually becoming a lecturer in the anatomy/phys, pathophys venues. What are my options in how to get there? With all the NPs, MSNs, PhDs, EdDs, I'd like to know that opportunities and differences. Are there specific programs for educators or do you simply concentrate in education while getting higher level degrees? Is it more advisable to get clinical related degrees (NPs) so that you can teach and practice at the same time? Or is a hard core education/research degree more valued in the academic world? Thanks for the advice!

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, NurseEllie,

If you are just wanting to do seminars and the like as a lecturer, you don't normally need the advanced degree (MSN/PhD).

If you want to teach college/university level courses, you will need to have at least MSN and working on PhD in most places and in others a PhD.

Some places will allow the BSN prepared teach clinical and some do not. MSN only.

Many educators do not go for NP and many do. I know that may sound a little vague, but that's what happens. I am NP and am educator. I did not become NP to teach. That desire came later.

Some are certified as educators. They have MSN and CNE (certified nurse educators). But, their higher degree is Masters in nursing and speciality education with a certification.

Many different ways to pursue this. And, yes, there are MSN programs with the emphasis in education.

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