What education level is required to be a clinical instructor?

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I was reading through some posts and saw that some of you said you worked as a clinical instructor while attending online school for your MSN. I thought you had to already have a MSN to be any type of instructor. Can someone fill me in? Is it different for community college vs. university? Thanks.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Requirements vary from state to state and from school to school. Some schools can and do use nurses with only a BSN to teach clinicals -- especially schools who are providing LPN, ADN, or Diploma level education. Most major universities require an MSN or higher to teach.

But as I said ... there is a lot of variation from place to place. You'll have to check the local schools in your area to know for certain what might be available where you live.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

llg is right, it varies.

In general, a BSN can teach clinicals in an LPN or ADN program; to be in the classroom our state BON requires you to be taking courses and get an MSN within 5 years. Usually a least a degree higher than the one you are teaching, except of course for PhD!

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yes here in MI if you have a BSN you can be a clinical instructor for ADN/LPN schools and if you are getting or have your MSN you can be a clinical instructor for BSN schools.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

in my state you are required to have a MSN to teach ADN or BSN programs. However, they will waiver if you are within a few hours of the degree.

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I know of a BSN-nurse with a MEd (Master of Education) who was employed as an adjunct at ADN and PN programs.

Another colleague has a BSN and EdD (Doctor of Education) who is employed at an ADN program. Because she does not have a MSN, she is not qualified to teach at the BSN level.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.
I know of a BSN-nurse with a MEd (Master of Education) who was employed as an adjunct at ADN and PN programs.

Another colleague has a BSN and EdD (Doctor of Education) who is employed at an ADN program. Because she does not have a MSN, she is not qualified to teach at the BSN level.

Each state has different requirements

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

In AZ a BSN is required for clinical instructors, and MSN for didactic. It is very difficult to find either willing to do the jobs.... I know many great clinicians with ADN degrees that have a great deal to offer, and it is a shame they cannot teach clinical.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Indiana has the requirement of BSN for clinicals for ASN, and LPN, and a MSN is required for all didactice and BSN clinicals. PhD is required for anything above, as I understand. I teach clinicals for an ASN program, and love it. I'm currently in a MSN program to teach. I can't wait to hit the classroom!

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