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What is Nursing Education?

Nursing education is an academic division within nursing that prepares students to teach a new generation of nurses.  A degree in Nursing Education is constructed to be academically rigorous to help graduates become proficient, well-rounded nurse educators.  Successful nurse educators will possess robust problem solving skills, communication skills, time management, attention to detail, and personnel management skills.

Blending managerial know-how with technical skills and industry expertise will help nurse educators prepare legions of nurses for the future.  The combination of these latent skills will help to resolve myriad issues that will arise within a complex healthcare environment.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$75,030

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

50.60%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

56,210

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nursing Education Degree

Duke University (Durham, NC) is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university houses one of the top nursing schools across the United States. Duke University offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. School of Nursing has a wide range of majors for its Master of Science in Nursing program. Nursing Education is one of the majors that are offered through distance education. Students are required to attend on-campus classes at least once per semester for face-to-face interactions. Graduates are expected to gain nurse educator competencies through courses on master’s-level concepts, advanced clinical foundations, and focused on education. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is recognized as a great institution of higher learning and research. Penn houses the first medical school and one of the pioneer centers of technological invention. Penn boasts an Ivy League quality of education for their Nursing programs. Graduate programs are designed to enhance students’ clinical skills and prepare them to be leaders and educators in the field of nursing. Penn has a certification program for Transformative Nursing Education. The program offers graduate courses that use experiential learning approach to prepare students to be leaders in nursing education. The program has courses about adult learning theory, essential teaching strategies, and hands-on teaching practice opportunities. Graduates are eligible for national certification programs.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, GA) is the oldest public university in the state. It provides students access to quality education in a variety of academic disciplines. The university is also recognized around the world for its research activities. The university is affiliated with the University of Michigan Health System. The School of Nursing is one of the 13 schools and colleges in the U of M. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees in nursing. Student-nurses enhance their skills through the Clinical Learning Center and clinical placements administered across more than 600 partner facilities. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

 New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. Programs are organized across 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. The university is also known for its top notch healthcare professional programs. NYU’s Nursing Education is a subspecialty under the dual degree option of BS/MN program and advanced certificate program. Students are trained to take on advanced roles across nursing disciplines. Graduates are eligible to take on national certification examinations after finishing the advanced certificate program. NYU’s graduate and advanced programs are great options to further education and enhance skills. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Villanova University (Villanova, PA) is a private Catholic higher education institution that offers a wide range of academic disciplines. It is considered the oldest Catholic university in the state. The university offers a wide range of career opportunities for students and nursing professionals. The M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing houses programs that focus on clinical skills as well as educational and leadership courses. VU offers master’s for Nursing Education track granting master’s degree or certificates. These programs aim to prepare nurse professionals to be educators of the nursing practice and leaders in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs across undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and professional programs. The university also has active research programs. It is home to several relevant discoveries and innovations. University of Rochester manages a School of Nursing. It offers several bachelor’s programs and a wide range of areas of study for its graduate programs. UR Nursing provides hands-on experiences using innovative simulation technology. Students learn from industry leaders and educators. The School of Nursing has dual-degree programs for high school students, accelerated bachelor’s degrees, or an online program for the RN to BSN track. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a private research university that houses a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university has programs taught in conjunction with University Circle institutions which includes several medical and art centers. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers bachelor’s and master's degrees in nursing. It also has several programs granting doctoral degrees. The top ranked Nurse Education degree from CWRU is a highly regarded program that is found within its post master’s certificate program. Courses for this program are distance education-friendly allowing more flexibility and efficiency for students. CWRU’s nursing programs have been consistently ranking among the best in the country. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University (Washington, DC) has a variety of programs that can be beneficial while working alongside leaders of politics, science, law and many other disciplines. GWU’s School of Nursing has bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also has professional programs for those who aim to enhance knowledge and skills. Nurse Education is a post-graduate certificate program. Certificate programs allow professionals to develop a specialty in the nursing practice or open a new career path related to the field. Nursing Education Graduate Certificate is offered as an online program which aims to train nurse professionals to be first-rate educators of the discipline. Students are expected to finish the courses within a year. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) is a private Christian university that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. The university also has a highly active research program. Nursing and Education are some of the popular majors in TCU. Nursing has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.  Students who are interested in nursing education can take a master’s degree program or a post-graduate certificate course. TCU requires a nursing practice experience or an RN degree from interested applicants for the MSN program. Courses are delivered online allowing students for a more flexible and efficient learning. 

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) is a public university known for its academic programs related to medical and health professions. The university was named as one of the “top 100 best national universities” in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. It is popular for its cutting-edge facilities, research activities, and quality education. The university has several tracks under the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The basic baccalaureate is a four-year program. The curriculum requires general education coursework and nursing majors including patient-centered nursing practice. Accelerated and RN baccalaureate programs are also offered in the university. 

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) is a public university and one of the 23 schools under the California state system. The university grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university also houses highly ranked undergraduate and graduate programs. CSULB is one of the universities that offer the lowest student tuition rate in the state. The School of Nursing offers undergraduate programs, master’s, and post master’s programs. Graduate studies provides students the opportunities to develop particular nursing skills and become competent industry leaders. 

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburg, PA) is a public university that offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. Pitt has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country for its academic and research programs. The university provides comprehensive nursing programs from undergraduate to doctoral as well as professional degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education focuses on preparing nursing professionals to take on roles related to nursing science. The program provides other courses under the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences with the purpose of producing graduates that are liberally educated. Students are given theoretical and practice coursework including practice tests in preparation for the NCLEX. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university that focuses on agriculture, environmental and marine sciences, and alike. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs. Texas A & M also manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar. A & M is also highly recognized for being a highly active research university boasting world-class research facilities and strong student and faculty researchers. The university offers a MSN program focused on nursing education. The program delivers online courses that train nurse professionals to be equipped educators across different clinical settings and education environments. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam administered by the National League for Nursing. 

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA) is a public research university that extends its academic programs into five campuses and several satellite campuses. University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a variety of nursing programs from undergraduate up to doctoral programs. A graduate certificate in Nursing Education is offered to nursing professionals who aim to extend their skills and knowledge to new breed of nurses. The program is open for students who are currently enrolled in several graduate programs - Clinical Nurse Leader (MS-CNL), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD. Instructions on research and expertise online education are integrated into the curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs that will assist students to grow and develop in their chosen fields. It has several undergraduate majors and graduate programs focused on nursing, business, and education. The college also grants postgraduate degrees. Nurse educator is a track that can lead to an MSN degree or a post-master’s certificate. The track is for nursing professionals who want to prepare to teach in an academic or healthcare setting. It also provides top-notch clinical experience for students. 

Acceptance Rate

52.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Union University (Jackson, TN) is a private evangelical Christian university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is recognized as a top tier university, ranking consistently among the best. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered in Union University. The program specializes on executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, and nurse practitioner disciplines. Administration is one of the tracks offered under the master’s degree track. The university offers a part time and 16-month full time graduate nursing administrative curriculum for professional nurses. Christian teachings play an important role on the program curriculum.  Interested students can also earn a dual-degree between MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Chatham University (Pittsburgh, PA) is a private university originally established as a woman's university. Since 2015, the university began extending its education to male students. The university grants certificates and academic degrees from baccalaureate up to doctoral level. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. Professionals who aim to be nurse educators can take a Nurse Educator Certificate program. It prepares nursing professionals with basic teaching tools to teach nursing across academic or clinical settings. The program covers two semesters. Interested students can opt to take a practicum course for extra credit.  

Acceptance Rate

62.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education including DNP programs for nursing professionals. The College of Nursing aims to provide top-notch education, relevant research, and quality clinical care to students and the community. The college offers a variety of nursing programs that assists students and nurse professionals to be leaders, scholars, and educators in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

SUNY at Brockport (Brockport, NY) is a public university under the SUNY system providing a wide range of academic disciplines for students and professionals. The university houses the Decker School of Nursing that has programs that provide students quality nursing education, scholarship and top notch clinical practice. The school grants bachelor's, master's, post-master's certificate, doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. Nurse education is an advanced certificate program. It requires applicants to have a master’s degree in nursing. The program teaches students to learn current technological trends and advanced nursing and teaching skills and knowledge before assuming the role of nurse educator. 

Acceptance Rate

54.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ramapo College of New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ) is a public liberal arts college. The college offers  programs in arts, business, social and natural sciences, and humanities. Professional programs in nursing and social work are also available. Master of Science in Nursing Education offers three tracks to choose from: family nurse practitioner, nursing administration and nursing education. Future nurse educators will be exposed to an interdisciplinary program. Some courses are from the Ramapo Master of Science in Educational Technology Program.  Graduates can immediately assume roles across institutions of higher education or health care delivery agencies.

Acceptance Rate

65.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Bradley University (Peoria, IL) is a private university housing a wide range of academic programs for students. The university is focused on providing undergraduate degrees but it has several graduate programs focused on a variety of academic disciplines. The university is listed as one of America’s Best Colleges. One of the popular programs in the university is nursing. The curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to produce confident and skilled healthcare professionals as well as industry leaders and educators in Nursing and nurse science.  

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, IL) is a private Nazarene university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university extends its programs at a site in Hong Kong and through distance education. The School of Nursing offers a variety of academic programs in nursing. Nursing Education is one of the concentrations offered under the Master of Science in Nursing program. Students are trained with nurse educator core competencies. The program can take up at least 15 months.

Acceptance Rate

57.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Endicott College (Beverly, MA) is a private college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. Several graduate programs in Business, Education, Nursing, Computer Science, and Political Science are also offered. The college has a Master of Science in Nursing Education program. It trains nurse professionals who aim to assume an advanced role as a nurse educator across academic or health care organizations. Students can complete the program within 18-24 months. 

Acceptance Rate

69.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

CUNY Hunter College (New York, NY) is known to be the largest college in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It is also recognized as one of the oldest colleges in the United States offering programs across a variety of areas of study. The college grants undergraduate and graduate degrees including doctoral degrees and accelerated and advanced certificate programs.  The School of Nursing has several graduate programs that prepare students to be industry leaders and educators. It has programs that are designed to enhance clinical skills as well as leadership skills. 

Acceptance Rate

35.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Concordia University (Mequon, WI) is a private university affiliated with the  Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The university offers a long list of undergraduate majors and minors. It also has several graduate programs including doctoral/professional programs. A few of the doctoral programs are focused on pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing practice. The university offers an MSN - nurse educator program designed to allow nursing professionals to advance their careers. The program will train professionals to be committed educators and mentors to nursing students. A nurse educator certificate program is also available. Both programs are delivered online as a benefit and convenience to students near and far.

Acceptance Rate

64.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Nurse Educator Degrees

Nursing Education can run the gambit from Licensed Practical Nursing through Doctor of Nursing Science programs and everything in between. Our goal is to provide you with an array of options to help you understand the programs available and prospective career tracks in nursing.

From affordable online nursing education options that get you into the workforce in short order to doctorate programs in nursing, you will find a number of nursing degrees below for you to research further. Taking the time to understand the different careers in nursing, you will be better equipped to map out your vocational goals and aspirations to chart a course accordingly.

Nurse Educators Education Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, the academic track for nurse educators will appeal to managers and leaders first and foremost. Individuals who enjoy teaching others and helping develop talent are the most likely to gravitate to this field of nursing. Academic requirements will vary from university to university, but a number of overlapping classes will emerge. A sampling of popular nurse educator courses include:

Online LVN and LPN Nursing Degree

The Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree programs are one of the fastest programs available to get you into the nursing vocation. LPN and LVN programs typically take about a year to complete depending on the school criteria and courses taken in a semester or quarter.

Degree Program Length: The LVN and LPN programs are a convenient means to the nursing profession as many state-approved, accredited local schools offer such courses. From local community colleges and technical institutes to community hospitals, the LVN/LPN programs are a viable option for many students looking to enter the nursing field. Online courses allow students the opportunity to dovetail these nursing programs into a busy work schedule or hectic life with synchronous or asynchronous learning.

Nursing Careers: The LVN and LPN programs are designed to provide students with the essentials to become a nurse and gain entrance into the field. Students will need to successfully complete a state approved, accredited nursing program and pass the state administered NCLEX examination along with any additional state tests before licensure is issued to practice nursing for your state of residence.

Online LPN to ADN Degree

Programs such as the LPN to ADN nursing degree are known as bridge programs. Bridge programs are designed to help working professionals upskill and broaden their base of knowledge in preparation for new job responsibilities or a different job altogether. The LPN to ADN bridge programs are specifically designed to help LPNs and LVNs work towards an entry-level RN position.

Degree Program Length: The LPN to ADN or LVN to ADN bridge program will consume more time than an LPN program as general education courses are part of the course curricula. General education classes like English composition, philosophy, and psychology will help you think about issues differently and provide a more well-rounded world view.

Whether you select an online LPN to ADN program, a classroom-based course, or hybrid track you will be able to consume the information taught towards your associates degree in nursing. Before earning your ADN, you will need to invest time performing rotations and clinical observations at a school-approved medical facility.

Nursing Careers: Many nursing professionals view the LPN to ADN bridge program as a segue to a BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those interested in forging forward with additional school work. If you are working while earning your degree, make sure to talk to your supervisor or human resources representative to see if tuition reimbursements are available.

Online Associate of Science in Nursing

The online Associate Degreein Nursing or ADN is a degree emphasizing technical skills over academic theory providing students with more hands-on learning opportunities to supplement lecture material. The Associate Degree in Nursing is a quality education option for those students with limited nursing experience seeking to begin a career in nursing as a Registered Nurse. Approximately one-third of students earning an Associate Degree in Nursing will go on and earn a BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Degree Program Length: An Associate Degree in Nursing will last approximately 2-years of full-time study and is offed by community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes around the country. These programs can be taken on-site or online on a full-time or part-time basis to accommodate busy student schedules.

Nursing Careers:ADN degrees are ideal for students looking to enter the nursing profession as a Registered Nurse (RN) in an accelerated fashion versus the additional length of time taken to earn a bachelors degree in nursing.

Online LPN to BSN Degree

The LPN to BSN is a bridge program for nurses who already have work experience as a licensed practical nurse. As an LPN, the college or university essentially gives you built-in credit for life experience and work experience in lieu of investing a full four years into a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

Much like the ADN program, students will be required to take a number of general education courses to enhance and broaden your world-view. Student who successfully complete the LPN to BSN degree program online or on-site from a state-approved, accredited higher education institution, will be eligible to begin working as a Registered Nurse.

Degree Program Length: The LPN to BSN bridge program can be completed by full-time students in as little as a years time and longer for part-time students depending on the number of credits taken at a given juncture. Make sure to spend substantive time discussing your class load with your academic advisor prior to matriculation as the LPN to BSN degree program is more rigorous than the traditional LPN or LVN programs.

Nursing Careers: Students earning a BSN degree can enhance your career options and leadership opportunities depending on the work setting and your work experience. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing can also be viewed as a great starting point for nursing professionals looking to take earn a graduate degree in nursing. In terms of compensation, a nurse with a BSN is often seen as more senior than a nurse with an ADN which would translate into a higher wage in most cases.

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree

On-site or online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN or BScN) is also known as a Bachelor of Science (BS) with an Emphasis in Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing (BN).  Regardless of the acronyms used, the BSN degree provided students with a robust academic foundation to help ensure students have a vibrant career in the nursing field.  The five most common types of online BSN degree programs are the RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, Second Degree BSN, and BSN Degree.

1.  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is a 4-year online degree or classroom-based program and seen as the gold-standard for most healthcare organizations. BSN programs are divided in halves with the first half being spend with remedial sciences along with general education courses.

The second half of the 4-year BSN program includes a number of nursing theories, practices, methodologies, and principles necessary to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.  The NCLEX is a standardized test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) which is a prerequisite to earn a nursing license in the United States.  As mentioned previously, a BSN degree is required for working professionals or students looking to obtain a graduate degree in the nursing field.

Nurses with a graduate degree in nursing often find themselves teaching others in a school or corporate training setting or performing clinical or academic research.  It is worth noting the Bachelor of Science degree is required for the following types of Advance Practice Nurses (APN):  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

2.  Accelerated BSN

An Accelerated BSN is a compressed Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program offering credit for life experience and prior general education courses. Depending on the credits recognized by the institution, students can typically complete an Accelerated BSN program in one to two-years.

3.  RN to BSN

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a bridge program created for RN’s with a prior degree such as an associate’s degree or nursing certificate. Online RN to BSN programs are typically popular for working professionals looking to earn an advanced degree while working.  Online classes from most colleges and universities can be taken during the evenings and weekends to accommodate for hectic work schedules.

4.  LPN to BSN or LVN to BSN

Licensed Practical Nursing and Licensed Vocational Nursing are interchangeable vocational terms in most cases. While the job functions are essentially the same for LVN’s and LPN’s, the term LVN is used by the nursing boards in California and Texas while all other state nursing boards recognize LPN as the predominant nomenclature for this profession.  An LPN to BSN or LVN to BSN degree program provides nursing professionals with a means to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing quicker than the traditional BSN track.

5.  Second Degree BSN

The Second Degree BSN is a degree created by colleges to undergird an accelerated career transition for working professionals coming from an industry outside of nursing. By allowing credit for previous general education courses, students can move through this degree program in one to two years depending on the number of credits taken and school criteria.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree

The MSN degree is built to help working professionals and graduate students deepen their skill set and prepare for career advancement opportunities.  On the other hand, ADN and BSN programs are created to help nurses enter the field at entry-level and mid-level positions.  Online MSN degrees can take 1-2 years to complete which can be longer if students enroll in joint degree programs.  Joint degrees add degree specialization and industry credibility to an MSN degree.

Nurses earning a MSN degree are classified as Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).  Examples of a joint MSN degree can include Public Health, MBA, or Healthcare Administration.  The four most popular types of MSN degree programs for students to consider are: CNM, CRNA, CNP, and CNS.

1.  Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse Midwife or CNM blends the traditional role of a gynecologist with that of a nurse midwife.  CNM's are extremely active in the holistic health and well-being of women of all ages.  A Certified Nurse Midwife will provide a variety of consultations and examinations in an office setting or in-home.  Given the training, certification, and licensure of a CNM they will typically have the autonomy to make healthcare and critical care decisions.

2.  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)

A CRNA or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is a type of APN that is licensed and trained to provide anesthesia to patients.  Anesthesia can be provided to healthy patients for minor procedures to infirm patients seeking comfort and relief.  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists can work in a variety of organizations from a military facility or home care to private clinics.

3.  Certified Nurse Practitioners

A CNP or Certified Nurse Practitioners are a type of APRN working side-by-side with physicians, performing medical research and advocating for patients. CNP’s may elect to specialize in various sub-categories of healthcare such as: family care, pediatrics, oncology, women’s health, cardiology, surgical services, and pain management.  Certified Nurse Practitioners work in an array of settings like small clinics, home care, physician’s offices, and hospitals.

4.  Clinical Nurse Specialists

A CNS or Clinical Nurse Specialist the final type of APN and is authorized to provide specialty care or primary patient care. Examples of specialized care include differing domains such as: care type (psychiatric, pediatric), medical setting (emergency room, clinic), demographic (elderly, children), disease type (diabetes, oncology), and medical concentration (stress, pain).

Online Doctorate Nursing Degree (PhD) Programs

The Nursing Science doctorate degree is a nursing equivalent to a PhD in nursing.  The Doctor of Nursing Science is commonly abbreviated as DNS.  Meanwhile, some university programs will utilize a variety of nomenclature to describe this degree such as DSN, DNE, DNSc, or DScN.  This degree is formally recognized by the United States Department of Education and the National Science Foundation as being on par with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing.  The most common online doctoral degree program include a doctorate in nursing education, DNS, and PhD.

1.  Doctorate of Nursing Education (DNE) Degree

The 3-year Doctorate of Nursing Education (DNE) emphasizes the development and expansion of APN skills, leadership, and management.

Degree Program Length: The Doctorate of Nursing Education are 3-5 year programs of full-time work.  A subset of the DNE is the Doctorate of Nursing Practice or DNP that is closer to a 3-year program arranged specifically to benefit working professionals.

Nursing Careers: Doctorate of Nursing Education programs equip students with the skills to perform deep research, work in clinical care, systems management, and make empirically-based decisions for the benefit of an organization, school, patient, or clinic.

2.  Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) Degree

DNS or DNSc students are effectively nurse scientists equipped with vibrant analytical skills coupled with a managerial aptitude to help shape health care systems and organizations.

Degree Program Length: A DNS degree will last around five-years of full-time classes and part-time options can extend this accordingly.  Upper level classes for DNS students will include rigorous courses, deep clinical case studies, research, a clinical defense and dissertation.

Nursing Careers: Upon graduation, DNS degree holders can work as a healthcare analyst, professor, healthcare administrator, or in the executive leadership of private and public institutions.

3.  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree

A Doctor of Philosophy degree is a PhD program composed to help nurses advance the nursing field and improve healthcare delivery methodologies.  It is worth noting that colleges and universities across the country have shifted many DNS programs to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree programs limiting the DNS programs available.

Degree Program Length: Doctor of Philosophy degrees are 4-5 years of full-time study with part-time programs available for qualified students.  The PhD degree program will require that students engage in extensive research projects along with a find dissertation in lieu of clinical rotations.

Nursing Careers: Graduates holding a Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Nursing will be equipped to perform research for public and private institutions along with the ability to teach in a variety of schools and corporations.

Employment Outlook & Nursing Specializations

Nurse Educators will be trained in the science of healthcare coupled with the art of managing individuals. The core skills learned in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs will prepare students for a number of employment opportunities. Depending on your qualifications and availability, you may elect to pursue a career in any of the following: Department Director, Nurse Executive, Nurse Administrator, Quality Improvement Manager, Ambulatory Care Manager, Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Executive, LPN, Chief Nursing Officer, RN, LVP, or similar tracks.

In addition to the job duties to consider, nurse educators can find themselves employed by differing organization types. Examples may include large public healthcare organizations, private ambulatory care clinics, hospitals, home healthcare agencies, or government agencies.

Nurse Educators Salary & Career Growth

Nurse educator salary is currently averaging approximately sixty-thousand dollars a year.  The top 10% of health educators in the U.S. average $97,160 a year with the bottom twenty-five percent averaging around forty thousand dollars a year.  Meanwhile, the mean annual income for a Registered Nurse is $73,550 or $35.36 an hour.

Prospective growth in nursing is estimated to be well above the national average.  As an example, jobs for health educators is slated to grow at 17% with RN's coming in at 16% for the next ten year reporting timeframe.  The rate of growth and overall compensation for nurse educators will vary from region to region and job to job.  Generally, the more education and work experience in nursing will translate to greater job stability in a higher income bracket.

Nurse Educator Resources

For more information about Nursing Education degrees, sort the accredited universities below or visit our online nursing search page or career portal to learn more about a variety of careers in nursing.   You may also benefit from reading our Complete Guide to Nursing or by researching associations such as the ANA, NSNA, or the ACHNE.

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