Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Nursing instructors teach students how to deliver patient care through classroom lessons and clinical training in hospitals and educational settings. They explain nursing concepts, demonstrate procedures, and supervise students as they work with real patients. Some also conduct research alongside their teaching responsibilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A nursing instructor might spend mornings leading classroom lectures on pharmacology or disease management, then afternoons observing students in clinical settings like hospital units or clinics. Instructors demonstrate patient care techniques, answer questions, grade assignments, and evaluate student performance. They also prepare course materials, meet with colleagues about curriculum, and keep current with nursing practices and healthcare changes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy explaining complex ideas and helping others learn practical skills. If you're curious about how things work—both in healthcare and human behavior—and motivated by research and evidence-based practice, this role suits you. You combine social interest in teaching with investigative drive to understand and improve nursing science.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $129,420 | $129,530 | $129,620 | 1,890 |
| District of Columbia | $86,840 | $107,770 | $125,510 | 110 |
| Delaware | $81,060 | $98,170 | $117,840 | 240 |
| Nevada | $75,940 | $96,500 | $101,270 | 870 |
| Connecticut | $79,550 | $95,500 | $100,170 | 1,380 |
| Idaho | $70,980 | $90,890 | $124,000 | 430 |
| Alaska | $84,690 | $85,650 | $105,350 | — |
| Massachusetts | $75,210 | $85,130 | $108,590 | 2,280 |
| Texas | $65,560 | $84,930 | $106,140 | 6,830 |
| Wisconsin | $76,960 | $84,700 | $100,330 | 1,760 |
| Maryland | $67,510 | $84,050 | $105,860 | 840 |
| New York | $63,270 | $82,950 | $106,520 | 6,340 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- LIUNA Instructor Certification — LIUNA Training & Education
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1072.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.