Nurse Educator Concentration in Nursing
A nurse educator concentration prepares nurses to teach in academic and clinical settings, including nursing schools, hospitals, and continuing education programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages for registered nurses were $93,600 in May 2024. Nurse educators with MSN or doctoral degrees often earn above this median, especially in postsecondary teaching roles.
Quick Answers
What is a nurse educator concentration in nursing?
A nurse educator concentration is a focused set of courses within an MSN program that prepares nurses for teaching roles in academic institutions, clinical training, and staff development.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework covers curriculum design, teaching strategies, assessment methods, educational technology, and practicum hours in academic or clinical teaching settings.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer nurse educator concentrations fully online for didactic coursework, with teaching practicum completed at local nursing programs or healthcare facilities.
Back to Nursing Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Nursing education in academic and clinical settings
- Degree level: Master’s (MSN) or post-master’s certificate
- Career alignment: Registered Nurse / Nursing Faculty ($93,600 median RN, BLS May 2024)
- Certification: CNE (Certified Nurse Educator) through NLN
- Teaching practicum: Supervised hours in academic or clinical education settings
- Demand driver: Nationwide nursing faculty shortage
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Nursing Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Design | Developing nursing course content, sequencing, and learning objectives |
| Teaching Strategies | Classroom, clinical, and simulation-based teaching methods |
| Assessment and Evaluation | Designing exams, rubrics, competency evaluation, program assessment |
| Educational Technology | Learning management systems, virtual simulation, online course delivery |
| Role of the Nurse Educator | Faculty governance, scholarship, service, and professional development |
| Teaching Practicum | Supervised teaching experience in academic or clinical settings |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- Does the program include a supervised teaching practicum?
- Does the program prepare you for the CNE certification exam?
- Are teaching practicum hours at academic institutions or clinical sites?
- Can you complete all didactic coursework online?
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
How nursing concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary care across lifespan | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Adult-Gerontology | Acute/primary care for adults and elderly | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | Mental health assessment and treatment | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Nurse Educator | Teaching in academic and clinical settings | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Informatics | Health IT, data management, EHR systems | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Leadership | Healthcare administration and management | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.