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Question:
What are the educational requirements for online teaching? I will be graduating in May with my BSN and have been an RN for 22 years. I will be starting an MSN in education program this fall.
Answer:
You can pretty much expect online colleges to have the same requirements as any traditional college or university. Postsecondary teachers, in general, must have at least a master’s degree, and very often doctorates, depending on the colleges and courses they teach. In some cases, community colleges will hire teachers who have only a bachelor’s degree, provided they have a certain amount of professional experience. So if you’re already planning to earn a master’s degree in nursing education, you’re on your way to achieving the required level of education.
I should also add that, as an experienced registered nurse (RN), you are in a unique position; while much is made of the current nationwide shortage of nurses, the shortage of nursing faculty presents a potentially greater challenge. Most nurses opt not to earn graduate degrees, which are generally required of faculty, or prefer to work in healthcare settings rather than academic ones. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing says that many schools are looking into alternatives that might stem this faculty shortage. This means that your unique qualifications and desire to teach could open up more doors for you. I’d suggest contacting nursing programs directly about online teaching opportunities that might be available to someone with your experience. You might also look into RN-to-MSN programs to expedite your journey.
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