How do I become a patient educator?

The qualifications for a career as a patient educator vary among employers. Some healthcare facilities require you to have a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate and experience in patient education or a medical office. Other medical facilities require you to be a registered nurse (RN) before becoming a patient educator, and the qualifications to earn certification vary by state. To become an RN, you need either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing as well as a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Earning a bachelor’s degree has become the standard for most patient educators and is often required for advancement in this career.