Missouri

Nursing faculty shortages at colleges and universities across the country are imposing significant limits on the number of students admitted each year into nursing programs. Because the need for nurses is greater than ever, eliminating the faculty shortage and increasing student capacity in nursing schools has become critical.

What are the educational and training requirements for nursing educators and faculty? A graduate degree in nursing is the minimum requirement to enter the field of teaching. Nurse educators prepare for their teaching career by obtaining either a master or a doctoral degree in nursing. It is common for individuals to first obtain a master's degree in nursing with a concentration in nursing education. This type of degree is sufficient to start as nursing faculty in community colleges and nursing schools offering associate and baccalaureate in nursing degrees.

For those who plan teaching at the university and graduate level, a doctoral degree in nursing is preferred and often necessary. A doctoral degree is also known as a terminal degree, and it offers several benefits and advancement opportunities not available to those with only a master's degree. For example tenure can only be held by nursing faculty with doctoral degrees. Moving from clinical practice to academia is an important personal decision. Nurses need to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options.