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Practical Nursing Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Practical Nursing Instructor (Full-Time) SUMMARY The Practical Nursing (PN) instructor is responsible for instructing students, organizing the curriculum, overseeing classroom management, tracking ...

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Practical Nursing Instructor information

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$40.5K

$61.7K

$82.5K

How much do practical nursing instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for practical nursing instructor in the United States is $61,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Practical Nursing Instructor Do?

A practical nursing instructor teaches courses in a practical nursing program, often at a community college. As a practical nursing instructor, your responsibilities include preparing course syllabi and curricula, maintaining accurate records about students’ attendance and grades, serving on faculty committees, and acting as an advisor for nursing students. Your job duties include recruiting students; instructing students in classrooms, labs, and clinical settings; and helping students plan their educational journey from enrollment through graduation. You may teach classes such as patient care fundamentals, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Practical Nursing Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Practical Nursing Instructor, you need extensive clinical nursing experience, a valid nursing license (such as RN or LPN), and typically a bachelor's degree or higher in nursing or education. Familiarity with educational technology, simulation labs, and curriculum development tools is commonly required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills enable effective teaching and support for diverse student populations. These competencies ensure high-quality instruction, foster student success, and maintain compliance with educational standards.

What are some common challenges Practical Nursing Instructors face when transitioning from clinical practice to teaching?

Many Practical Nursing Instructors find that adapting their hands-on clinical expertise to an educational setting can be challenging. This transition often involves learning new skills in curriculum development, lesson planning, and student assessment, which can differ significantly from patient care tasks. Additionally, instructors must balance classroom teaching with supervising clinical rotations, requiring strong organizational and communication abilities. Collaborating with colleagues in academic and healthcare settings is also essential to ensure students receive well-rounded, up-to-date training.

What are Practical Nursing Instructors?

Practical Nursing Instructors are educators who teach and train students in practical nursing programs, preparing them to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, supervise clinical practice, and assess student performance. These instructors combine their knowledge of nursing theory and hands-on clinical experience to ensure students gain the skills needed for entry-level nursing roles. They may work in community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare facilities. Their primary goal is to help students meet licensure requirements and succeed in the nursing profession.

How do you become a nursing instructor?

To become a practical nursing instructor, you typically need to hold a valid practical nursing license, gain clinical experience as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and then pursue a master's degree or higher in nursing or education. Additional requirements often include teaching certification or credentials, and some institutions may require experience in teaching or curriculum development.

What job pays LPN the most?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can earn the highest salaries in specialized settings such as surgical or emergency departments, outpatient clinics, or long-term care facilities. Salaries vary by region, experience, and certifications, with some LPNs earning higher wages in states with a higher cost of living or greater demand for healthcare services.

What is the difference between Practical Nursing Instructor vs Licensed Practical Nurse?

AspectPractical Nursing InstructorLicensed Practical Nurse
CredentialsLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license, teaching certification (if required)LPN license, completed approved practical nursing program
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, clinical labsHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, nursing schoolsHealthcare providers, hospitals, clinics
Primary FocusTeaching and training future practical nursesProviding direct patient care

In summary, Practical Nursing Instructors focus on educating and training students to become licensed practical nurses, working mainly in educational settings. Licensed Practical Nurses provide direct patient care in healthcare environments. While both roles require LPN licensure, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Practical Nursing Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Practical Nursing Instructor job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Practical Nursing Instructor jobs? The top employers for Practical Nursing Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Practical Nursing Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Practical Nursing Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Practical Nursing Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,690 per year, or $29.7 per hour.

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Adult Education & Workforce Development/Practical Nursing Instructor
Date Posted:
5/7/2026
Location:
CTE Center at Olean
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
District:
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming Boces
Practical Nursing Instructor
Division: Adult Education & Workforce Development
Supervisors: Principal for CTE/Adult Education & Workforce Development and Practical Nursing Coordinator
Description: Prepare students for a career as a licensed practical nurse through the delivery of NYSED accredited Practical Nursing program. Integrate and apply core academic and clinical skills needed for certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Performance Responsibilities:
  • Develop lesson plans, activities, and organize class time to actively engage students in coordination with other PN staff, Practical Nursing Instructor/Coordinator and Principal.
  • Develop and update the curriculum including activities, assessments, and clinical objectives in coordination with other PN staff, Practical Nursing Instructor/Coordinator and Principal.
  • Assist students in interpreting patients' prescribed therapeutic regimes.
  • Maintain appropriate records and student evaluations.
  • Confer with students and other appropriate personnel regarding progress in the program.
  • Participate in on-going staff development activities and involvement in professional organizations.
  • Provide a sound educational environment in which all students are consistently engaged in the learning process.
  • Use technology effectively for instruction, assessment, record keeping, and communication.
  • Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve challenges to their learning.
  • Provide individual and group instruction appropriate to the needs of the student(s) and the requirements of activities.
  • Instruct students in the appropriate safety precautions, patient care, and the safe operation of equipment.
  • Responsible for the control, storage, maintenance, and use of materials and property to prevent loss or abuse.
  • Attend faculty meetings and participate in collaborative work sessions.
  • Develop professional development goals to enhance teaching skills and/or continued education in their career & field.
  • Maintain credentials where appropriate in the content area.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Terms of Employment: Ten-month position, some summer work required for clinical.
Salary: Per Contract
Job Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Nursing Education or currently enrolled in a Master's Degree in Nursing Education program.
  • New York State Certified Registered Nurse.
  • Successful teaching experience is preferred.