OPT Clinical Nursing Instructor Jobs
Clinical Nursing Instructor jobs on OPT are available at nursing schools, community colleges, and hospital-based training programs. Most roles require an active RN license and a graduate nursing degree, which satisfies STEM or non-STEM OPT depending on your program classification. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree was in a STEM-designated nursing field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Luther College seeks applications for part-time, spring semester positions as Clinical Instructors in Nursing with responsibilities to implement and evaluate learning experiences in the clinical setting under supervision of a course coordinator. Seeking instructors with direct client care experience to teach a Monday or Wednesday day shift medical/surgical clinical in the Decorah, IA area beginning February 2027.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The clinical instructors will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill as a clinical practitioner appropriate to the course
- Support a course coordinator in course planning, development and revision
- Utilize contemporary and innovative teaching methodologies in inpatient clinical settings in an effective manner
- Provide for an environment conducive to learning and foster the development of teacher-learner relationships which enhance learning
- Utilize appropriate channels to communicate effectively with appropriate individuals and agencies
- Participate in selected departmental activities
- Collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other disciplines
- Participate in activities to improve the quality of nursing care to the consumer
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in nursing education and nursing service
- Participate in activities for self-improvement of nursing skills and/or teaching skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of Master’s Degree preferred; baccalaureate nursing degree from an accredited program will be considered if actively taking classes towards a Master’s Degree or are a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- Prior teaching experience is preferred
- Evidence of competence in direct patient care with minimum of two years of clinical experience preferred
- Evidence of potential for leadership in nursing and nursing education
- Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.
With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may be asked to participate in program development. Our primary goal is to serve students in the program.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $4,400 to $5,100 per semester clinical section; range is dependent on degree credentials and applicable experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until all clinical positions are filled. Applicants’ dossier should include:
- Cover letter describing interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone); references will only be contacted for candidates under serious consideration with prior notification to the candidate
Questions about the positions may be directed to Laurie Bouska, DNP, RN, Department Head, Department of Nursing, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101; phone: (563) 387-1453; email: laurie.bouska@luther.edu.
Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website and/or the departmental website. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.
INTRODUCTION
Luther College seeks applications for part-time, spring semester positions as Clinical Instructors in Nursing with responsibilities to implement and evaluate learning experiences in the clinical setting under supervision of a course coordinator. Seeking instructors with direct client care experience to teach a Monday or Wednesday day shift medical/surgical clinical in the Decorah, IA area beginning February 2027.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The clinical instructors will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill as a clinical practitioner appropriate to the course
- Support a course coordinator in course planning, development and revision
- Utilize contemporary and innovative teaching methodologies in inpatient clinical settings in an effective manner
- Provide for an environment conducive to learning and foster the development of teacher-learner relationships which enhance learning
- Utilize appropriate channels to communicate effectively with appropriate individuals and agencies
- Participate in selected departmental activities
- Collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other disciplines
- Participate in activities to improve the quality of nursing care to the consumer
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in nursing education and nursing service
- Participate in activities for self-improvement of nursing skills and/or teaching skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of Master’s Degree preferred; baccalaureate nursing degree from an accredited program will be considered if actively taking classes towards a Master’s Degree or are a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- Prior teaching experience is preferred
- Evidence of competence in direct patient care with minimum of two years of clinical experience preferred
- Evidence of potential for leadership in nursing and nursing education
- Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.
With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may be asked to participate in program development. Our primary goal is to serve students in the program.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $4,400 to $5,100 per semester clinical section; range is dependent on degree credentials and applicable experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until all clinical positions are filled. Applicants’ dossier should include:
- Cover letter describing interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone); references will only be contacted for candidates under serious consideration with prior notification to the candidate
Questions about the positions may be directed to Laurie Bouska, DNP, RN, Department Head, Department of Nursing, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101; phone: (563) 387-1453; email: laurie.bouska@luther.edu.
Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website and/or the departmental website. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Nursing Instructor
Verify your OPT category before applying
Clinical nursing instructor roles can fall under STEM or non-STEM OPT depending on your degree. Check whether your nursing graduate program has a STEM CIP code, which determines if you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension after your initial 12-month OPT.
Confirm your RN license is transferable
Most clinical nursing instructor positions require an active RN license in the state where you'll teach. If your license was issued in another state, initiate endorsement early since the process can take weeks and delay your start date significantly.
Target institutions with existing international faculty
Community colleges, university nursing schools, and hospital-affiliated training programs are more likely to have onboarded OPT workers before. Institutions with international faculty already on staff understand employment authorization requirements and are less likely to reject candidates over authorization concerns.
Align your clinical specialty with faculty shortages
Nursing education faces a well-documented faculty shortage in critical care, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. Positioning your application around an in-demand specialty increases hiring urgency and makes employers more willing to work through OPT authorization paperwork with you.
Get your graduate transcripts evaluated early
International nursing degrees often require credential evaluation before an employer can confirm your qualifications meet faculty requirements. Order a course-by-course evaluation from an approved agency before you start applying so it is ready when employers request it.
Be transparent about your OPT end date upfront
Clinical nursing instructor hiring cycles move slowly at academic institutions. Disclose your OPT authorization timeline early so employers can assess whether H-1B visa sponsorship is viable before investing months in interviews and approvals, avoiding last-minute complications for both sides.
Clinical Nursing Instructor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a clinical nursing instructor on OPT?
Yes, if your role is directly related to your degree field. A graduate nursing degree typically supports clinical nursing instructor positions, since the job involves applying advanced nursing knowledge in an educational setting. Your DSO should confirm the role qualifies under your authorized field of study before you accept an offer.
Do clinical nursing instructor jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your nursing degree program has a STEM-designated CIP code. Most traditional nursing programs (BSN, MSN) are classified under CIP 51.38, which is not STEM-designated. However, some graduate nursing programs in nursing informatics or nursing science may qualify. Check your I-20 and confirm with your DSO whether your specific program is STEM-eligible before planning around the extension.
Do employers at nursing schools typically sponsor H-1B visas for instructors?
It varies by institution. Large public universities and academic medical centers with established HR infrastructure are more likely to sponsor H-1B petitions for faculty roles. Smaller community colleges may not have experience with sponsorship. Roles classified as specialty occupations requiring a graduate nursing degree tend to have the strongest case for H-1B eligibility. You can browse clinical nursing instructor openings at institutions open to sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
Is an RN license required to work as a clinical nursing instructor on OPT?
For most clinical nursing instructor positions, yes. Roles that involve supervising students in direct patient care settings almost always require an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of employment. Academic or simulation-based instructor roles without direct clinical supervision may have different requirements, but these are less common. Confirm licensure requirements with each employer before applying.
Can I teach clinical nursing courses part-time while on OPT?
Yes, but OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week in a role related to your degree to maintain valid status. Part-time positions at or above 20 hours per week can satisfy this requirement. Working below 20 hours is considered unemployment under OPT rules and counts against your 90-day unemployment limit, so confirm the scheduled hours before accepting.