What Can You Do With an MSN Degree in Nursing Education in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is an MSN degree in nursing education?

An MSN in nursing education is a specialized graduate program that prepares experienced, BSN-prepared nurses for leadership roles in both academic and clinical settings. It’s designed to build directly on your clinical expertise by adding specific skills in teaching strategies, curriculum design, and student assessment. This is the degree that teaches you how to teach other nurses effectively.

While 17.4% of RNs now hold a master's, the demand for those with a specific focus on education far outstrips the supply. This specialization uniquely combines the science of nursing with the art of teaching, preparing you to become a leader who can develop and mentor the next generation of nurses.

What jobs can I get with an MSN in nursing education?

This degree opens doors to leadership roles in diverse settings, including academia, clinical practice, and community health. Nurses beginning their journey may first explore what can you do with an LVN license to understand entry-level opportunities before advancing to an MSN. Here are some of the most common career paths:

• Clinical Nurse Educator: Training and mentoring nursing staff within a hospital or healthcare system.
• Nursing Professor or Instructor: Teaching and preparing the next generation of nurses in a university, college, or vocational school setting.
• Staff Development Officer: Overseeing all professional development and continuing education programs for a healthcare organization.
• Patient Education Specialist: Designing and managing programs that help patients and their families understand and manage complex health conditions.
• Curriculum Developer: Designing and evaluating nursing curricula and educational materials.

Many assume this degree pulls you away from the bedside, but the data tells a different story. The top industry for nurse educators is healthcare, with 62% of roles based in clinical environments.

How much can you earn with an MSN in nursing education?

You can expect to earn a highly competitive average salary of around $102,000 per year with this degree. While many believe an education track means a significant pay cut compared to specialized clinical roles, the data show a strong and often lucrative career path. For those evaluating options, exploring jobs with a DNP in adult-gerontology primary care can provide insight into the variety of roles and earning potential available.

Your specific earnings will depend on several key factors:

• Work Setting: Educators in local government are often the highest earners, with average salaries reaching $136,450.
• Geographic Location: Major metropolitan areas typically offer higher salaries to reflect an increased cost of living.
• Experience Level: Your years of clinical and educational experience will directly influence your earning potential.
• Type of Institution: Pay scales differ between large universities, community colleges, and hospital-based programs.

What is the job outlook for an MSN in nursing education?

The job outlook for nurse educators is exceptionally strong and stable. With a projected 195,400 new positions expected over the next decade, this career path offers a level of security that is rare in today's job market. For those considering advanced leadership roles, understanding the DNP leadership salary can help gauge the financial benefits alongside the professional impact.

This demand reflects not a temporary surge but a systemic reality. The entire healthcare system relies on a steady stream of new nurses, and that stream is bottlenecked by a national shortage of qualified educators.

As current faculty members retire and the complexity of healthcare continues to grow, the need for skilled teachers will only become more critical. This gives you significant leverage and ensures your skills will remain in high demand for the long term.

Where can I work with an MSN in nursing education?

Nurse educators can work primarily in academic institutions and healthcare facilities. Nurses exploring clinical advancement may also consider a career with a master's in adult gerontology primary care to expand their expertise and opportunities. Here are the most common places you can work:

• Colleges and Universities: Preparing the next generation of BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses for professional practice.
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Focusing on staff development, clinical competency, and onboarding for new nursing graduates.
• Junior Colleges: Teaching foundational nursing skills and theory to students pursuing their associate degrees.
• Technical and Trade Schools: Providing practical, hands-on training for entry-level nursing and healthcare roles.
• Government Agencies: Working in public health, policy, or for organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What skills do you need for a career in nursing education?

Success in nursing education depends on a powerful blend of advanced clinical expertise, a firm grasp of teaching theory, and strong interpersonal skills. Developing these abilities helps nurse educators guide students effectively and prepare future nurses for practice.

Technical Skills 

A graduate program is designed to develop these specialized, technical skills:

• Curriculum Design: Creating effective, evidence-based educational programs and courses.
• Student Assessment: Mastering techniques for measuring learning outcomes and providing constructive feedback.
• Instructional Technology: A deep understanding of modern tools like simulation labs is crucial, a skill set that overlaps with those developed in an accelerated online nursing program in MSN health informatics.
• Evidence-Based Teaching: Applying the latest research on adult learning to instructional methods.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding the accreditation standards that govern nursing education, often validated by credentials like the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification.

General Skills

In addition to technical abilities, these professional skills are essential for success:

• Communication: The ability to clearly explain complex topics to diverse audiences is critical.
• Leadership: Inspiring and guiding both students and colleagues is a key function of the role.
• Critical Thinking: The capacity to analyze educational challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Mentorship: Providing supportive guidance to help students navigate their professional journeys.
• Adaptability: An educator must be able to adjust teaching styles to meet the needs of different learners.

What are the education requirements to enroll in an MSN in nursing education program?

Enrolling in an MSN in Nursing Education program typically requires prior nursing education and professional preparation. Admissions committees typically look for the following qualifications:

• Accredited BSN: An undergraduate degree must come from a program accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN. Many accredited programs now offer flexible BSN to MSN online programs to help working nurses make this transition, but these core prerequisites are the standard for entry.
• Active RN License: A current, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical practice will occur is mandatory.
• Clinical Experience: Most competitive programs require at least one to two years of direct patient care experience to ensure a strong clinical foundation.
• Minimum GPA: Applicants are generally expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Application Materials: Standard requirements include a professional resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining career goals.
• Program Costs: Prospective students should also research tuition, with the median cost for in-state public programs being approximately $7,412 per year.

What alternative paths are available for a career in nursing education?

For nurses considering a move into education, several alternative paths exist beyond the traditional MSN, each tailored to different career timelines and professional goals. Exploring these alternatives is a crucial step in making a confident career decision:

• Post-Master's Graduate Certificate: This credential offers the fastest route to a teaching role for nurses who already hold an MSN in another specialty. It is important, however, to verify that credits from a certificate program will be transferable to a future doctoral program if that is a long-term goal.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A DNP is a terminal degree focused on clinical practice leadership and systems improvement. While some DNP-prepared nurses do teach, the degree's primary focus is on translating evidence into practice rather than on educational theory and curriculum design.
• Specialized Clinical MSN: For some, the right path involves deepening their clinical expertise rather than moving into education. For example, other nurses may opt for a highly specialized clinical path, such as enrolling in the shortest MSN PMHNP program online, to become an advanced practice provider.

What career paths are available to graduates with an MSN in nursing education?

An MSN in nursing education provides a foundation for long-term career paths that lead to significant leadership roles in both academic institutions and healthcare systems. The following positions represent some of the pinnacle roles on a nursing education career path:

1. Dean of Nursing

As the chief academic officer of a nursing school, a dean oversees all academic programs, manages faculty, and sets the strategic vision for the institution. This executive role requires extensive experience in both education and administration, distinguishing it from roles pursued through an accelerated online master of science in healthcare management, which focuses more broadly on business operations.

Median salary: $76,501 per year.

2. Chief Nursing Education Officer

This senior executive role within a large healthcare system is responsible for overseeing all clinical education, professional development, and staff competency programs. This leader ensures that the clinical workforce meets the highest standards of evidence-based practice.

Median salary: $155,833 per year.

3. Nursing Program Director

A program director manages a specific nursing degree track, such as a BSN or MSN program. Responsibilities include overseeing curriculum development, managing the admissions process, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.

Median salary: $93,461 per year.

4. Curriculum and Instruction Consultant

An experienced nurse educator can work as an independent consultant, advising universities and healthcare organizations on designing, evaluating, and modernizing their nursing curricula to meet the demands of modern healthcare.

Median salary: $67,499 per year.

5. Senior Policy Advisor

Experts in nursing education often advise government bodies, professional organizations, and healthcare systems on policies related to nursing workforce development, educational standards, and licensure.

Median salary: $104,760 per year.

How do you get started on your MSN in nursing education?

Getting started on a nursing education degree involves a clear sequence of steps. Breaking the process down into these manageable stages can make the path forward feel clear and achievable.

1. Research Accredited Programs: The first step is to identify graduate programs that are accredited by the CCNE or ACEN to ensure the quality and value of the degree.
2. Strengthen Your Clinical Experience: Gaining at least one to two years of robust clinical experience is essential for building a competitive application profile.
3. Prepare Your Application Materials: Most programs require a professional resume, a personal statement outlining career goals, and official transcripts from all previous academic work.
4. Secure Letters of Recommendation: Choose professional and academic references who can speak directly to your clinical skills, work ethic, and potential as a future educator.
5. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships: Investigate funding options early, as many resources exist specifically for this field, such as the scholarships of up to $8,000 provided by the NLN Foundation.

What advancement opportunities are available after an MSN in nursing education?

An MSN in nursing education opens pathways to executive leadership roles in diverse sectors, including academia, healthcare systems, and policy advising. Beyond senior faculty or director-level positions, here are some key advancement opportunities:

• Chief Nursing Education Officer: In this executive role, you would oversee all educational initiatives and professional development for an entire healthcare system.
• Curriculum Consultant: Experienced educators can work independently, advising universities and corporations on designing and modernizing their training programs.
• Educational Technology Specialist: This role involves leading the integration of simulation, virtual reality, and online learning platforms into nursing curricula.
• Policy Advisor: Graduates can work with professional organizations or government agencies to shape policies related to nursing education and workforce development.
• System-Level Quality Improvement Leader: The skills learned can be applied to broader leadership roles, and some even pursue further specialization through an accelerated MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety online.

Is an MSN degree in nursing education worth it?

An MSN in nursing education is a worthwhile investment for experienced nurses seeking a sustainable, high-impact career that leverages their clinical expertise. This path offers a unique blend of financial stability, exceptional job security, and the profound fulfillment that comes from shaping the future of the nursing profession.

Ultimately, the true return on investment for a nursing education degree goes beyond a paycheck. It offers a solution to professional burnout by providing a long-term career path that honors and amplifies clinical wisdom, ensuring a lasting and meaningful impact on healthcare.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their MSN Degree in Nursing Education Program

Other Things You Need To Know About an MSN in Nursing Education

What is the difference between national and regional accreditation for nursing programs?

Regional accreditation is the most recognized standard for colleges and universities. For an MSN program, you should also ensure it has programmatic accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This specific accreditation is critical because it confirms the program meets the highest standards for nursing education and ensures your degree will be respected by employers and other academic institutions.

Do MSN in Nursing Education programs require clinical hours?

MSN in Nursing Education programs do not require the large number of direct patient care clinical hours needed for advanced practice degrees like an FNP. Instead, these programs require a teaching practicum. This involves gaining supervised, hands-on experience teaching actual nursing students in a classroom, simulation lab, or clinical setting.

How long does it take to complete an MSN in Nursing Education program?

The length of an MSN in Nursing Education program depends on your enrollment status. Full-time students typically complete the degree in 18 to 24 months. Part-time students, which is a common option for working nurses, usually finish the program in about 36 months, or three years.

Can I become a nurse educator if I already have an MSN in another specialty?

Yes, you can become a nurse educator even if your MSN is in another specialty like leadership or informatics. The most efficient path is to complete a post-master's certificate in nursing education. These focused programs provide the essential pedagogical training you need without requiring you to earn a second, full master's degree.