Nursing Instructor Jobs in Illinois
Nursing Instructor jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in academic medical centers, community college nursing programs, and hospital-affiliated simulation labs, with openings at every level from adjunct clinical instructor through tenured faculty. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford account for the largest share of postings, with major employers such as the University of Illinois Health, Advocate Health Care, and Loyola University Medical Center maintaining active instructor pipelines. Simulation education, obstetrics clinical instruction, and adult health nursing are among the most consistently sought specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of nurses and advancing excellence in nursing education? Join ATS Institute’s Nursing School, a student-focused institution where education transforms lives. Established in 1998, ATS has built a reputation for innovative instruction, hands-on learning, and a steadfast commitment to student achievement.
We are seeking a dedicated full-time Nursing Instructor to inspire, mentor, and prepare future nurses for success in clinical practice and on the NCLEX-PN. This hybrid position requires on-site attendance at our downtown Chicago campus at least three days per week. Evening availability is required for the current semester, and teaching schedules may vary by semester based on course assignments and program needs. You’ll create a supportive, engaging learning environment that helps students build clinical judgment, strengthen their skills, and grow into confident nursing professionals.
Your Role
The Nursing Instructor plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the realities of modern nursing practice. You will deliver engaging classroom and clinical instruction that integrates theory with hands-on application, ensuring students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for safe and effective patient care.
Through active mentorship, individualized support, and evidence-based teaching, you will help students master core competencies and develop the clinical judgment required for success on the NCLEX-PN and in their professional careers.
Key Responsibilities
- Engaging Instruction: Deliver high-quality, student-centered learning experiences that promote participation, confidence, and skill mastery.
- Clinical Judgement and NCLEX Preparation: Equip students with the theoretical understanding and clinical judgment essential for licensure and professional nursing practice.
- Individualized Student Support: Identify student learning needs, provide personalized remediation, and mentor learners toward academic and clinical success.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Partner with academic leadership, course faculty, and clinical teams to ensure consistency and excellence across the curriculum.
- Continuous Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in nursing, education, and technology to enhance teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.
Why Join Us?
- Shape the Future of Nursing: Empower tomorrow’s nurses with the skills and confidence to excel in patient care.
- Professional Growth: Access continuing education and professional development opportunities designed for academic leaders.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive faculty team that values innovation, collegiality, and shared success.
- Meaningful Impact: Experience the fulfillment of teaching, mentoring, and guiding students toward licensure and lifelong careers in nursing.
Requirements
What We’re Looking For
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, with recent clinical practice and/or teaching experience.
- Licensure: Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois.
- Schedule & Campus Attendance: Ability to commute reliably to our downtown Chicago campus at least three days per week and accommodate teaching schedules that may vary by semester. Evening availability is required for the current semester.
- Attributes:
- A passion for education, mentorship, and professional excellence.
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to fostering student success and academic integrity.
- Ability to inspire critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Benefits
At ATS Institute of Technology, we believe our instructors deserve the same level of dedication and care that they give to their students. We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your well-being, professional development, and long-term success.
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $78,000 – $85,000. Compensation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the institution, based on institutional needs.
Our benefits include:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage designed to support your well-being so you can continue supporting others.
- 401(k) with Employer Match to help you plan for your future with confidence.
- Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and keep your skills at the forefront of nursing education.
- Dedicated Paid Time Off including vacation, personal, and sick days for balance and rejuvenation.
- Paid Holidays to enjoy well-deserved time with loved ones.
- Mission-Driven Work where your expertise directly shapes the next generation of nurses and advances the quality of patient care.
See All 10 Nursing Instructor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nursing Instructor JobsNursing Instructor Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nursing Instructor Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nursing instructor jobs across Illinois.
- Active Registered Nurse license issued or recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Master of Science in Nursing or higher degree required for most academic faculty positions
- Minimum two years of recent clinical practice in the specialty area being taught
- Experience with curriculum development, lesson planning, or clinical simulation design
- Familiarity with accreditation standards set by ACEN or CCNE for nursing programs
- Strong communication skills and ability to evaluate student performance in clinical settings
Nursing Instructor Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nursing instructor in Illinois?
You must hold an active Registered Nurse license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before teaching in a state-approved nursing program. Most Illinois colleges and universities also require at least a Master of Science in Nursing for faculty roles, along with recent clinical experience in the subject area. Adjunct or clinical instructor positions at community colleges can be an entry point for RNs who are still completing graduate education.
How much do nursing instructors make in Illinois?
Nursing instructors in Illinois earn a median of about $79,150 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,690 for the lowest 10% to over $103,220 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire nursing instructors in Illinois?
Employers hiring nursing instructors in Illinois right now include Chamberlain University, Triton College, and UChicago Medicine, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense network of academic medical centers and community college districts means instructor openings appear across both healthcare systems and higher-education institutions throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most nursing instructor jobs?
Chicago, Alton, and Mokena have the most nursing instructor openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of research universities, academic medical centers, and community colleges, while Peoria and Rockford each anchor large regional health systems and two-year nursing programs that generate consistent faculty demand outside the metro area.
Are there remote nursing instructor jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 33% of nursing instructor openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the role depends on supervising students in clinical or simulation settings. The portions most suited to remote delivery are didactic lecture courses, curriculum development work, and online theory sections within hybrid nursing programs.
How can I get hired as a nursing instructor in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing an adjunct clinical instructor role at an Illinois community college while working part-time as a staff RN, since many schools allow candidates to teach clinicals before completing a graduate degree. Large Illinois community college districts such as the City Colleges of Chicago and Illinois Central College regularly hire adjunct instructors. Building a portfolio of preceptorship experience and enrolling in an MSN program signals seriousness to hiring committees and strengthens any application.
Where can I find and apply to nursing instructor jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to nursing instructor jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and credentials, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 10 Nursing Instructor Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nursing Instructor Jobs