How to Become a Nursing Professor - Bradley University Online (2024)

How to Become a Nursing Professor - Bradley University Online (1)

A years-long shortage of nursing professors continues to worsen, with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reporting that 60% of nursing schools had full-time faculty vacancies in 2021. The vacancy rate was 8%, up from 6.5% just one year prior. The lack of available professors is among the reasons that U.S. nursing schools turned away 91,938 qualified student applicants in 2021.

The increasing need for professors in nursing is consistent with the demand for postsecondary educators overall. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average employment growth for postsecondary educators as more students seek higher education to help them pursue and advance in their careers.

For the nursing profession, the gap between the number of aspiring students and the availability of nursing professors to teach them could have dire consequences. The nursing field is working to overcome a shortage of practicing professionals exacerbated by stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an increasing need for nursing professors and the importance of their role in preparing future nurses, it’s critical that more individuals pursue the steps required to become a nursing professor. For many faculty positions, the necessary steps include earning a doctoral degree in nursing.

Nursing Education Requirements for Nursing Professors

Nursing professors educate future nurses, generally at colleges and universities. These professionals typically need to hold at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but many colleges and universities require nursing professors to have doctoral degrees.

Certification is another important consideration in how to become a nursing professor. Certification specifically for nursing education is not always required. It can, however, provide additional evidence of nursing expertise and teaching skill, giving individuals seeking nursing professor roles a potential advantage in their job search.

Nursing Education Requirements

In 2021, more than 80% of full-time nursing faculty openings required or preferred a doctoral degree, according to the AACN.

Doctorates in nursing include the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The PhD’s primary focus is research, while the DNP’s main goal is to build advanced clinical expertise. Combined with a strong interest in teaching, the clinical expertise a DNP offers can be a solid foundation for becoming a nursing professor.
A common prerequisite for both types of doctorates is an MSN. Some programs — BSN to DNP programs, for example — include bridge courses that allow students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to proceed directly to working toward a doctoral degree.

Regardless of the selected degree path, nursing professors should have a strong academic background in subjects such as advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. The AACN recommends that nursing professors specialize in a clinical or research area, and many nursing doctoral programs offer this opportunity. DNP programs often include tracks that focus on the nurse practitioner (NP) role and its areas of specialization or tracks that prepare students for leadership roles.

Nursing Certification Requirements

Another AACN recommendation for nursing faculty is to go beyond doctoral training to bolster teaching skills. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) reinforced this position in its 2020 report, recommending an added emphasis on the practices of teaching and learning.

Preparing for and obtaining a certification in nursing education can provide this focus on teaching, and it can show potential employers evidence of a nursing professor applicant’s commitment to nursing instruction.

The National League for Nursing offers certifications for nursing instruction. Certification requires post-baccalaureate nursing education and a registered nurse (RN) license. Applicants also must pass an exam. The exam and periodic certification renewal include a fee, and renewal has experience and continuing nursing education requirements.

Gaining Experience in the Field

Another important step in becoming a nursing professor is to practice nursing in a clinical setting. Aspiring nursing professors can gain experience through working as licensed nurses and by completing clinical requirements for a degree program.

MSN and DNP programs typically include requirements for clinical hours, helping students go beyond theoretical concepts to develop expertise rooted in evidence-based practice. This experience can provide essential in-the-field knowledge that nursing professors need to effectively perform tasks such as developing curriculum and overseeing clinical work.

Real-world experience is valuable for building teaching skills as well. Some master’s and doctoral programs require students to assist in teaching courses. Experience as an assistant professor also can provide opportunities to develop teaching practices that help prepare future nurses and nursing leaders.

Challenges to the Nursing Professor Profession

Those preparing for nursing professor roles should equip themselves for the challenges facing nursing education. Many of these issues — like many of the concerns facing the overall nursing profession — have become more prominent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing professors may face the following challenges, among others.

Evolving Technologies

Nurses must be adept at managing changes in technologies that aid in capturing patient data, diagnosing conditions, and conducting telehealth visits. Nursing professors also must adapt to changes that call for increased use of online education and simulated clinical experiences for nursing students.

Changing Populations

Nursing professors should be prepared to focus their education on changing patient and student populations. Patients and students are becoming more diverse, and an aging patient population demands a greater emphasis on the complex conditions they often face.

Increasing Workload

The increasing percentage of faculty vacancies can leave nursing professors with a larger workload and at risk for burnout. With so many nursing professors leaving their positions, a faculty may lack cohesion — even as staffing shortages call for increased collaboration to cover course assignments.

Shifting Policies

Members of a nursing faculty must stay abreast of ever-changing health care policies and regulations, including those that affect which services they provide and how frequently they offer them. In addition to helping nursing professors meet recertification requirements, continuing education can help them stay current with the policies, practices, and research that their students need to know.

Building the Future Today

As the nation addresses its shortage of nurses, increasing the number of professors to educate future nurses and nursing leaders will be vital. For those exploring how to become a nursing professor, consider Bradley University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice.

With five specialty concentrations, the DNP program offers a variety of opportunities to develop the clinical knowledge and leadership skills to help shape the future of nursing. It provides the flexibility and convenience of online learning while also encouraging collaboration among students and faculty.

Explore how Bradley’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice can help prepare you to educate aspiring nurses and meet your professional goals.

Recommended Readings

Career Profile: Nursing Professor Salaries, Skills and Responsibilities

Ethical Leadership in Education: Resources for Developing Future Education Leaders

Nursing Theories: An Overview

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, DNP Education

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Nursing Schools See Enrollment Increases in Entry-Level Programs, Signaling Strong Interest in Nursing Careers”

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, PhD Education

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions for Academic Year 2021-2022”

American Nurse, ANA Enterprise News April 2021

Incredible Health, “Overview of the Nurse Educator Position”

National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice, “Preparing Nurse Faculty, and Addressing the Shortage of Nurse Faculty and Clinical Preceptors”

National League for Nursing, CNE Academic Nurse Educator

National Library of Medicine, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity”

NPHub, “Should You Get a DNP? Here’s the Answer!”

The Nurse Practitioner, “Lifelong Learning: A Key to Competence”

The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, “Faculty Formation: Philosophical Perspectives, Issues, and Considerations”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Teachers

Wolters Kluwer, “Nursing Faculty Shortage in the U.S.: Has a Pandemic Compounded an Existing Problem?”

How to Become a Nursing Professor - Bradley University Online (2024)

FAQs

How does a nurse become a professor? ›

Most universities hire nursing professors who have earned a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In some cases, universities may hire individuals with a master's degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), if they are also enrolled in a doctoral program.

How good is Bradley nursing program? ›

Bradley is in the top 10% of the country for nursing. More specifically it was ranked #103 out of 1,779 schools by College Factual. It is also ranked #4 in Illinois.
...
Bradley Nursing Rankings.
Ranking TypeRank
Best Value Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Nursing570
Highest Paid Bachelor's Degree Nursing Graduates603
32 more rows

What is the acceptance rate for Bradley University? ›

How can I make the most of my nursing career? ›

10 Ways to Boost Your Nursing Career and Get Promoted
  1. Always Have Good Intentions. ...
  2. Go with Your Gut. ...
  3. Advance Your Knowledge. ...
  4. Be Honest. ...
  5. Be a Leader. ...
  6. Respect Your Patients' Privacy. ...
  7. Represent Your Profession Well - In and Out of the Office. ...
  8. Take Time for Yourself.

How long does it take to become a professor of nursing? ›

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that it can take up to ten years to become a fully tenured professor (www.bls.gov). While you're in school, you should gain as much teaching experience as possible; this can be accomplished through graduate teaching assistantships available in master's and doctoral programs.

How many hours does a nursing professor work? ›

With regard to the Work Process, the nursing professors have their focus mainly on the training of students; the structural settings are adequate to teach classes; most professors have a full weekly workload (44 hours); the work environment is considered as good.

How prestigious is Bradley University? ›

Bradley University is a top-ranked, prestigious, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students the opportunities, choices and resources of a larger university and the personal attention and exceptional learning experience of a smaller university.

Is Bradley a good college? ›

In America's Best Colleges 2019, U.S.News & World Report recognized Bradley as the top Illinois university of its type, and No. 6 among Midwest universities providing a full range of undergraduate and master's programs. Business Week ranks Bradley one of the Top 50 undergraduate Business Schools in the world.

How many students does Bradley have? ›

Does Bradley require GRE? ›

Established in 1897, Bradley University is a private institution that was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It was earlier known as the Bradley Polytechnic Institute.
...
Bradley University Entry Criteria.
CoursesExams
MS(3 Courses)GMAT : Accepted GRE : Accepted IELTS : 6.5 & Above
2 more rows
9 Aug 2022

Is GRE mandatory for Bradley University? ›

Is GRE Required? We require official GRE scores to be submitted by the application deadline of October 15, 2022 Applicants whose official GRE scores are NOT submitted by the application deadline are not guaranteed a review of their application. Bradley University has more than one GRE code.

Is Bradley University a hard school to get into? ›

The school has difficult admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 41 percent (SAT 1080/1280 ACT 22/28). Bradley University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.82.

Who is a good nurse? ›

A characteristic of a good nurse is one that shows empathy to each patient, making a true effort to put themselves in their patients' shoes. By practicing empathy, nurses are more likely to treat their patients as “people” and focus on a person-centered care approach, rather than strictly following routine guidelines.

Is nursing a good career? ›

The nursing field is an ever changing, high-paying, and always in-demand career field with high rates of job satisfaction overall. In fact, Advisory Board found that the vast majority of nurses in all positions—NMs, CNSs, CRNAs, NPs, LPNs, and RNs—all reported 94–98% job satisfaction.

What is nursing Short answer? ›

Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.

What qualifications are required to be a professor? ›

In India, to become a professor you have to pass a special exam of the National Eligibility Test (NET) and State Level Eligibility Test (SLAT). Eligibility: It is mandatory to have a master's degree in any stream with 55% marks (Professor Eligibility).

What makes a great nursing professor? ›

Successful nurse educators are successful in large part due to their leadership skills and ability to engage their students. This involves having vision, inspiring others to align with and work toward that vision and providing them with the tools and guidance needed to realize that vision.

Is it hard to become a professor? ›

Overall, it's extremely difficult to become a professor. Nowadays, there are many more qualified applicants than there are full-time, college-level teaching positions, making tenure-track jobs in particular highly competitive.

Is becoming a nurse educator worth it? ›

Aspiring nurses who wish to enter the educational field have to undergo a lengthier, more time consuming and more expensive academic path, but the result – significantly higher compensation, a less stressful working environment, career options that don't involve direct patient care – make it all worth it.

Where do nurse educators make the most money? ›

The highest paying industries for this profession are: General medical and surgical hospitals, where nurse educators earn on average $123,760. Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals – with salaries of about $94,380. State government (excluding schools and hospitals) – $80,790.

What do nursing professors do? ›

Nursing professors provide education and training for nurses at all stages of their careers—whether they're first-year students or experienced nurses looking to further their professional development. They're experts in the latest research and spend most of their time lecturing in universities.

What is Bradley University known for? ›

Bloomberg Businessweek has recognized Bradley's Foster College of Business as the top private undergraduate business school in Illinois, as well as among the Top 50 business schools nationally, and among the Top 10 schools preparing students "for the jobs they want.”

Is Bradley University d1? ›

The Bradley Braves are the intercollegiate athletics teams of Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois, United States. The Braves' athletic program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and competes at the NCAA Division I level.

What is the Presidential Scholarship at Bradley University? ›

Presidential Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is automatically awarded to new transfer students who have earned a minimum of 24 transferable semester hours and 3.25/4.0 GPA from an accredited college or university.

How competitive is Bradley University? ›

Bradley University admissions is more selective with an acceptance rate of 76%. Half the applicants admitted to Bradley University have an SAT score between 1060 and 1280 or an ACT score of 24 and 30.

Is the area around Bradley University safe? ›

Peoria Neighborhood Student-Related Crime Stats

Bradley University reported 9 safety-related incidents involving students on public property in the Peoria neighborhood around the campus in 2019. Since the number of students at the school that year was 5,929, that's 1.52 incidents per 1,000 students.

Is Bradley University ABET accredited? ›

Our ABET-accredited programs and highly successful alumni have kept the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology continually ranked in the top 30 undergraduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report (2019).

Is Bradley University conservative or liberal? ›

It's a very liberal campus, it seems like, though. Someone who is antisocial might have a challenge adjusting to the university.

Is Bradley University religious? ›

When the university was first founded in 1897 as the Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Lydia Moss Bradley established the university as secular, which it remains as today. Even though Bradley has no official religious affiliation, the organizations that represent them developed regardless.

Is Bradley University regionally accredited? ›

Bradley University Is Regionally Accredited

Attending a regionally accredited institution is important if you may want to transfer credits to another institution or if you want to attend a post-graduate program.

What GPA is required for PHD programs? ›

With GPA, it is recommended that students have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and around a 3.5 discipline-specific GPA to remain competitive for Ph. D. applications.

What GPA do you need for Bradley University? ›

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework to be eligible.

Does Bradley University have an application fee? ›

A non-refundable application fee of $40 may be paid by credit card in the online application. Applications will not be processed until the fee has been received.

Does Bradley have rolling admissions? ›

Bradley Application Periods

All application periods are Rolling Admission. Applications are reviewed as they are completed, and admission decisions are made throughout each admission period. Best consideration for admission and scholarships is provided during the Early Action period.

Is Bradley good for computer science? ›

The bachelor's program at Bradley was ranked #119 on College Factual's Best Schools for compsci list.
...
Bradley CompSci Rankings.
Ranking TypeRank
Best Value Master's Degree Colleges for Computer Science16
Best Computer Science Master's Degree Schools80
90
Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools114
18 more rows

What are the chances of getting into Harvard? ›

How many credits do you need to graduate from Bradley University? ›

Responsibility For Meeting Degree Requirements

A minimum of 124 semester hours is required for all baccalaureate degrees. The curricula of certain departments require as many as 150-155 semester hours.

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard College? ›

What are the weakness of a nurse? ›

When brainstorming your weaknesses, consider using this list of common nursing weaknesses to get started:
  • Spending too much time on paperwork.
  • Paying too much attention to detail.
  • Attempting to complete too many tasks at once.
  • A lack of clinical experience, which may apply to recent graduates or new nurses.

What are the 6 C's of nursing? ›

The 6 Cs – care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, competence - are a central part of 'Compassion in Practice', which was first established by NHS England Chief Nursing Officer, Jane Cummings, in December 2017.

Who is the mother of nursing? ›

Florence Nightingale (Figure 1), the founder of modern nursing of professional nursing, was born in Florence, Italy, on 1820, in an English family; she was named of the city of her birth.

What is the most difficult part of nursing school? ›

Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, instructor at Pima Community College.

Is nursing hard to study? ›

There's a lot to learn, the exams are challenging, the schedules are complicated, and the assignments keep piling up. All of these factors can make life difficult for you as a student. Nursing is a highly competitive field from the moment you begin the application process until you receive your degree.

Why is being a nurse so hard? ›

Business Insider asked nurses to share the hardest parts of their job. Many said seeing patients die after doing everything to care for them is the hardest part. Other challenges include long shifts, having to use time-consuming technology, and a lack of respect from other people in the healthcare industry.

Who is the greatest nurse in the world? ›

International Nurses Day is celebrated on the birthday of perhaps the most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale. Through the years, the nursing profession has seen people from all walks of life find a career full of passion and dedication.

What are 10 roles of a nurse? ›

Nurses care for injuries, administer medications, conduct frequent medical examinations, record detailed medical histories, monitor heart rate and blood pressure, perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, draw blood, and admit/discharge patients according to physician orders.

Why are nurses so respected? ›

A recent Gallup poll found that nursing considered to be the most trusted profession. Nurses earn a record 89% very high/high score for their honesty and ethics, and for patients, that's important. When you're not feeling well, you can be at your most vulnerable.

Can a nurse teach in a university? ›

The qualifications to become a nursing professor include a minimum of a master's degree in nursing combined with years of nursing experience and a valid state nursing license, as you must be a registered nurse to teach and practice. Many university employers require candidates to have a Ph.

What is an associate professor in nursing? ›

Also referred to as: College Associate Professor - Nursing, University Associate Professor - Nursing. Assoc. Professor - Nursing teaches courses in the discipline area of nursing. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement.

What makes a great nursing professor? ›

Successful nurse educators are successful in large part due to their leadership skills and ability to engage their students. This involves having vision, inspiring others to align with and work toward that vision and providing them with the tools and guidance needed to realize that vision.

How much do nursing professors make in California? ›

How much does a Nursing Professor make in Los Angeles, California? As of Sep 21, 2022, the average annual pay for a Nursing Professor in Los Angeles is $65,358 a year.

How do I become a nursing lecturer? ›

A first degree in nursing or health and social care related discipline is essential for lecturing roles in universities. For lecturing jobs in further education, a minimum Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification would be essential, though a degree in nursing would be highly desirable.

Can I be both a nurse and a teacher? ›

You May be Able to do Both. Nursing education is a career path for those interested in becoming a nurse and teacher, as many of their competencies intersect within this profession.

What does a nursing instructor do? ›

Nursing instructors are responsible for preparing their students to safely care for patients. Successfully doing so requires professional nursing experience, additional training in teaching, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

How do I become a nursing assistant professor? ›

Post Graduate Degree in Community Health Nursing from a recognized Indian University or equivalent qualification. Two years teaching experience with one year compulsory service as lecturer Or Three years experience as faculty in Government Nursing Colleges as lecturer in the specialty concerned.

How do I become a nursing professor UK? ›

As far as qualifications to teach are concerned, you will need to complete a postgraduate certificate in learning and teaching (higher education). These are sometimes compulsory for new staff on permanent contracts, but could be done alongside your lecturing work.

What skills do nurse educators need? ›

Nurse Educator Skills Must-Have Core Competencies for Nurse Educators
  • Communication. Nurse educators teach a variety of subjects that include complex medical and scientific terms and definitions. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Professionalism. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • Knowledge and expertise. ...
  • Core competencies.

What is the most important teaching skills a nurse educator must possess and why? ›

Effective Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence are highly valuable to any educator. As critical as it is to be able to speak effectively and convey concepts, it's just as important to be a good listener.

How can I be a good teacher in nursing? ›

Strong verbal communication skills: Nurse educators need to be able to effectively communicate with their students, as well as other educators and healthcare professionals. Interpersonal skills: The ability to create trusting and productive relationships with students is very important in the field of nurse education.

What is the salary for a masters in nursing? ›

The average Master of Science Nursing salary is around $70,000 and with a few years of experience that figure can quickly climb to over $110,000. Additionally, the need for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) is continuously growing.

Which MSN makes the most money? ›

WHAT ARE THE HIGHEST PAYING MSN JOBS IN 2022?
  1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
  2. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) ...
  3. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) ...
  4. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) ...
  5. Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)

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