A Nursing Instructor is a professional who educates and trains students in the field of nursing. They combine clinical expertise and a passion for teaching to prepare the next generation of nurses for a career in healthcare.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 18.2% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 8,600
Direct AI exposure: 14% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 61% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $80K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $49K per year | $64K per year | $80K per year | $101K per year | $130K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average. | ||||
Nursing Instructors typically work in academic settings like colleges, universities, and nursing schools. They may also spend time in clinical environments such as hospitals and clinics for practical training sessions with students.
Nursing Instructors play a critical role in the healthcare system by educating and preparing future nurses. They must keep abreast of the latest medical and nursing advancements to provide up-to-date education. Their responsibilities include not only teaching theoretical knowledge but also supervising clinical practice, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in patient care.
These professionals must balance the art of teaching with the science of nursing. They need to be skilled communicators, capable of conveying complex medical concepts in an understandable manner. Moreover, they must mentor students through the challenging journey of becoming competent nurses, providing support and guidance.
The role of a Nursing Instructor extends beyond the classroom and clinical settings. They often engage in academic research, contribute to nursing literature, and play a part in shaping nursing education and healthcare policies.
A Master's degree in Nursing is usually required, which means at least 6 years of post-secondary education (4 years for a bachelor's degree plus 2 years for a master's degree). Some positions may require a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.