ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Practical Nursing Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

All JobsPractical Nursing Instructor JobsPractical Nursing Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Practical Nursing Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$43K

$65.4K

$87.5K

How much do practical nursing instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for practical nursing instructor in Portland, OR is $65,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $75,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 I become a nursing instructor?

To become a practical nursing instructor, you typically need to hold a valid registered nurse (RN) license, gain clinical experience as a practical nurse, and obtain a master's degree in nursing or a related field. Additionally, teaching certification or faculty preparation courses may be required, and strong communication and teaching skills are essential.

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 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.

Is LPN a dead-end job?

Practical Nursing Instructors often have experience as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), but the LPN role itself is not necessarily a dead-end job. Many LPNs pursue further education or certifications to advance into roles such as Registered Nurses (RNs) or specialized healthcare positions, making it a potential stepping stone in a healthcare career. Career growth depends on additional training, experience, and individual goals.

Can an LPN be an instructor?

Yes, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can become practical nursing instructors if they meet additional requirements such as obtaining a nursing license, gaining experience in clinical settings, and completing instructor training or education. They often teach in vocational schools, community colleges, or healthcare training programs, focusing on practical skills and patient care techniques.

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 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 is the highest paid LPN position?

The highest paid LPN positions typically involve specialized roles such as legal nurse consultants, case managers, or working in outpatient clinics and home health care, often requiring additional certifications or experience. Salaries for these roles can exceed the average LPN salary, especially with advanced skills and in high-demand healthcare settings.
More about Practical Nursing Instructor jobs
What are popular job titles related to Practical Nursing Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Practical Nursing Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Practical Nursing Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Practical Nursing Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
Practical Nursing Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Practical Nursing Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,423 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
PT/FT Instructor MA/NA/Clinical - MUST BE AN OREGON RESIDENT

PT/FT Instructor MA/NA/Clinical - MUST BE AN OREGON RESIDENT

Bryan University

Portland, OR • On-site

$40 - $48/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

At Caregiver Training Institute/Bryan University we believe in challenging the boundaries of traditional education and in liberating the innate greatness in people. We know that online learning is the best option for students looking to transform their lives. We offer career-focused degree programs that empower Bryan University graduates with the knowledge and practical skills that lead directly to professional careers.

Visit https://bryanuniversity.edu/about/careers/ to learn more about what makes us stand apart.


Pay Range: LPN: $40 - $44/hr; RN: $45 - $48/hr, depending on experience.


Bryan University has been recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Arizona for the past 7 years in a row!

Organization

Caregiver Training Institute (a subsidiary of Bryan University) trains students to become Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Medication Aides. Students come from many backgrounds (future nurses, English learners, career changers). The goal is to prepare students to work in healthcare in as little as 3 weeks.


Job Type

Dynamic and energetic both full-time and part-time instructors for all programs needed: Nursing Assistants and Medication Assistants (primary instructors and clinical instructors) or willing to obtain ALL positions upon hire (must meet OSBN teaching requirements). Looking for instructors in Portland and surrounding cities.


  • Schedule
    • Class/Lab: Monday-Friday 7:30am-3pm, as needed
    • Clinical week: daily hours from 6:30-3:00pm 2:00p-10:00pm, or 12 hours if desired (as needed)
    • Typical program length: 4 weeks
    • Programs repeat every month.


Main Job Duties

As the instructor, you will:

  • Teach nursing assistant and medication assistant class lectures and labs
  • Demonstrate caregiving skills to students
  • Answer questions and lead discussions
  • Supervise students during clinical training
  • Take attendance and give tests
  • Help students learn how to provide safe patient care
  • Follow school and state nursing regulations
  • Utilize computer/audiovisual equipment


Class sizes:

  • Up to 20 students for didactic
  • 1 instructor per 10 students in labs and clinicals for NA
  • 1:1 student/teacher ratio for MA in clinicals


Requirements

To apply you must:

  • Be a Registered Nurse (RN) (LPN)with an active Oregon license
  • Have at least 1 year of nursing experience
  • Experience teaching adults • Be comfortable using a computer (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoints, LMS)
  • Be able to teach and guide adult learners
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk from 4-8 hours


Preferred:

  • Train-the-Trainer certificate
  • Experience in long-term care facilities
  • Approval from the Oregon State Board of Nursing


Bryan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.