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Nursing

How to become a nurse educator

Wondering how to become a mentor and teacher to the next generation of nurses? Here are some tips on how to start the journey to become a nurse educator.



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A nurse educator has a vital role in the healthcare system. As the professionals responsible for training, educating and supporting other nurses, they significantly affect how healthcare is provided.

Becoming a nurse educator is an attractive career for many registered nurses, but there’s a lot to consider before taking steps towards this profession. Implementing research principles, using advanced communication and analytical skills, and the ability to put leadership into practice are key skills for becoming a nurse educator.

What does a nurse educator do?

A nurse educator’s role is to plan, design and deliver education to future and current nurses. On a larger scale, they work across many specialisations and settings, both in clinical settings including in hospitals and health centres, and in non-clinical settings, such as a university. These healthcare professionals are responsible for leading new generations of nurses through education and training, and to ensure current nurses are up-to-date on the latest nursing techniques and practices.

Kate Hoskin has had an extensive career as a critical care nurse and nurse educator, and now specialises in patient advocacy. She spoke to us about the versatility of the educator role and how it differs from other roles such as a nurse practitioner or registered nurse.

“Usually, as a nurse educator, you’re employed by an organisation, like a hospital, university or TAFE. Depending on where you apply your skills or prefer to work, there are many great options for a career as a nurse educator.”

How nurse educators make a difference

Unlike other nurse roles, a nursing educator does not have a direct patient care role. Instead, they focus on training and educating nurses, conducting research, presenting at conferences and developing nursing education accreditation standards. Along with these responsibilities, Kate describes their other day-to-day tasks.

“They oversee the recruitment of nurses, collaborate with universities to supervise students and graduates, deliver ongoing staff training and work in policy development and change management.”

A nurse educator usually practises in a specialisation, including paediatrics, aged care, family health and critical care. Other specialisations, like a diabetes nurse educator, require accreditation for registered nurses to become qualified.

Depending on experience, job titles include:

  • academic nurse educator
  • clinical nurse educator
  • staff development educator

The different roles have an assortment of responsibilities, and they’ll differ depending on the settings and specialisation of the educators.

Professional settings for nurse educators

There are many reasons why a registered nurse might choose to expand their practice to education. These include wanting a new challenge, earning an in-demand skill set or the potential for better pay.

The job outlook for a nurse educator is expected to grow very strongly in Australia over the next five years, with a nursing educator salary of around $100,000 a year. However, experience, education and professional setting can impact this amount, with the setting having the potential to influence salary and professional duties. These settings include:

  • Universities and educational institutions. A nurse educator working in a non-clinical setting will plan, design and deliver education to nursing students, monitor course outcomes and update educational needs based on current best practices.
  • Community health centres and hospitals. A nurse educator working in a clinical setting will facilitate practical experiences for those in training, evaluate skills, develop policies and assist with professional development requirements.

How to become a nurse educator

Becoming a nurse educator requires sufficient on-the-ground experience as a registered nurse in a diverse number of settings. In addition, experience in the specialisation you hope to practise in is also a requisite.

Although the pathway will be unique for every nurse, depending on experience and qualifications, these are the traditional steps toward becoming a nurse educator:

1. Consider if this career path is for you

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in both healthcare and education, a nurse educator role could be role for you. A nursing educator role is different to a patient-facing role. Focused on the training and education of other nurses, you may also work in a specialisation like community or family health.

2. Become a registered nurse

To become a qualified nurse educator, you must first become a registered nurse, endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Following this, several years of nursing experience is required to become a nurse educator.

3. Complete a postgraduate degree

Choose a qualification that aligns with your professional goals as a nurse educator. Many nursing master's programs offer a major in education, which is the best option for pursuing this profession.

4. The importance of postgraduate education

A Master of Nursing Majoring in Education, like the one offered by James Cook University Online, is an ideal postgraduate program for becoming a nurse educator. This program delivers the skills required to study in clinical and non-clinical settings and facilitates work across various environments.

For those looking to progress towards a master’s, a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma postgraduate program is an alternative study path which prepares students to take the next step in their career as a nurse educator.

In Kate’s experience, someone who holds postgraduate qualifications or has done further study via nurse educator courses is particularly valued in the public health system. “Public health settings tend to require — or at least appreciate — a nurse educator with a master’s degree, or someone working towards one.”

Although not a condition, undertaking postgraduate study gives you valuable qualifications and career-relevant training. Ultimately, it makes you a more appealing candidate and better poised for professional opportunities that arise.

“As a nurse, there’s always an opportunity to learn,” says Kate. “It’s important to maintain your awareness — keeping up to date with research and evidence-based practice.”

If you decide to study nursing courses online, there are further advantages, especially for registered nurses aiming to upskill while they work.

A study path that suits your life

GlobalHealth Education partners with universities offering quality online education and flexible study for those wanting to become nurse educators. Select one of the course below to enquire and get in contact with a Student Enrolment Advisor. 

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery (QS Stars Rating, 2018-2021) Australia's #1 performing university under 50 (QS Top 50 Under 50, 2020) UTS Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is for nurses that want to build their expertise in interdisciplinary education, collaboration and leadership to influence workplace outcomes in healthcare settings. Students will develop the skills to lead and manage change while implementing effective approaches for building evidence-based teaching and learning capacity in their workplace. This course is delivered 100% online in a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, you will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses: Master of Advanced Nursing (available to registered nurses only) Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare
  • Designing Innovative Learning
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Education major, with its two specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Education major, with its eight specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education

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