Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Overview

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Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Yearly Salary

High: $133K
Median: $75K
Low: $41K

Demand

Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend

Core Tasks

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and papers.
  • Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Assess clinical education needs and patient and client teaching needs using a variety of methods.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as pharmacology, mental health nursing, and community health care practices.
  • Demonstrate patient care in clinical units of hospitals.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Mentor junior and adjunct faculty members.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Coordinate training programs with area universities, clinics, hospitals, health agencies, or vocational schools.
  • Maintain a clinical practice.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Conduct faculty performance evaluations.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

Technology Skills

Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Calendar and scheduling software
Computer based training software
Sakai CLE
Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Information retrieval or search software
iParadigms Turnitin
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Medical software
MEDITECH software
Multi-media educational software
Interactive learning software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Image scanning software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Tools Used

Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Videoconferencing equipment
Cleaning and janitorial supplies
Chemotherapy spill kits
Clinical nutrition
Nasogastric tubes
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Student response systems
Consumer electronics
Television monitors
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Conference telephones
Dialysis equipment and supplies
Permacaths
Independent living aids for the physically challenged
Portable sitz baths
Intravenous and arterial administration products
Intravenous tubing
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Specimen collection containers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Urine strainers
Medical apparel and textiles
Chemotherapy protective wear
Medical diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine products
Angioplasty balloon catheters
Medical facility products
Cardiac chairs
Medical training and education supplies
Intravenous simulation arms
Mobile medical services products
Automated external defibrillators AED
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Photocopying equipment
Orthopedic and prosthetic and sports medicine products
Traction weights
Patient care and treatment products and supplies
Patient bedpans
Patient exam and monitoring products
Manual blood pressure cuffs
Personal safety and protection
Protective face shields
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Webcams
Physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation products
Continuous passive motion CPM machines
Plumbing fixtures
Portable whirlpools
Respiratory and anesthesia and resuscitation products
Apnea monitors
Surgical products
Tracheotomy kits
Wound care products
Suture removal kits

Top 10 Knowledge Required

Medicine and Dentistry
92%
Importance

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Education and Training
91%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Psychology
90%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

English Language
89%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Biology
83%
Importance

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Customer and Personal Service
79%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics
79%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Therapy and Counseling
76%
Importance

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Sociology and Anthropology
74%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Computers and Electronics
72%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Top 10 Skills

Instructing
85%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies
83%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Speaking
83%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension
80%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Writing
80%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning
78%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making
78%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Monitoring
78%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Top 10 Abilities

Oral Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
83%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Speech Clarity
80%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Speech Recognition
75%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Top 10 Work Activities

Training and Teaching Others
99%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Getting Information
94%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
94%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Assisting and Caring for Others
93%
Importance

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
93%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working with Computers
92%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
91%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
90%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information
89%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
86%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Evaluate student work.
  • Supervise laboratory work.
  • Supervise student research or internship work.
  • Guide class discussions.
  • Assess educational needs of students.
  • Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
  • Prepare tests.
  • Teach physical science or mathematics courses at the college level.
  • Develop instructional materials.
  • Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
  • Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
  • Develop instructional objectives.
  • Maintain student records.
  • Advise students on academic or career matters.
  • Research topics in area of expertise.
  • Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.
  • Collaborate with other agencies and institutions to coordinate educational matters.
  • Develop organizational methods or procedures.
  • Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
  • Select educational materials or equipment.
  • Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
  • Promote educational institutions or programs.
  • Perform student enrollment or registration activities.
  • Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
  • Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
  • Direct department activities.
  • Monitor performance of organizational members or partners.
  • Evaluate performance of educational staff.
  • Write grant proposals.

Education

Interests

Social
100%
Importance

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Investigative
70%
Importance

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Conventional
48%
Importance

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Artistic
47%
Importance

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Realistic
43%
Importance

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Enterprising
31%
Importance

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Values

Relationships
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Support
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Colleges

SAGE Scholars Member Schools that offer majors leading to this career.

Check out the College Search to see the full list of schools with majors for this career.