What does a Clinical Instructor do?
Clinical instructors provide practical instruction designed to give students on-the-job training and experience working in a professional environment or simulated settings where they can perform the actual job duties of their intended profession. They may be expected to establish or expand programs or develop new, innovative learning formats. These instructors may also treat patients or serve clients.
Clinical instructors typically have an MD or equivalent credential relevant to the area in which they are teaching. They must also possess all required state licenses in good standing, complete a variety of background checks or security clearances, and be board certified or board eligible. Instructors have extensive expertise and credentials in their field, along with teaching experience or an interest in teaching. These positions require good organizational, presentation, and communication skills, and a passion for motivating students.
- Responsible for operating budget, profit and loss and supporting infrastructure for all clinical enterprise activity.
- Participate in appropriate campus and system committees, meetings, projects, and activities.
- Review and optimize clinical operations to decrease costs and/or improve quality of the clinical practice.
- Ensure that safe and reasonable precautions are implemented to protect students, equipment, and facilities.
- Maintain a desirable and safe classroom, laboratory, and clinical conditions.
- Maintain a diagnostic and treatment caseload, provide consultation and deliver training programs locally, nationally and internationally.
- Respond in a timely fashion to information requests and required reports from college.
- Oversee and drive improvements in patient experience, patient satisfaction scores and adherence to national guidelines that support superior clinical outcomes.
- Collect and submit required assessment of student learning data.
- Develop and function as a leader and change agent and function within the educational environment.
- must be fulfilled in accordance with rules and regulations of the state and federal regulatory and accrediting bodies.
- Provide appropriate billing and documentation through the patient's electronic medical record.
- Actively participate in medical student, resident and fellow education.
- Develop and maintain a clinical learning environment conducive to effective learning with the limits of the resources provided.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer science.
- Demonstrated experience with course development and problem solving.
- Able to make decisions quickly and professionally using critical thinking and advocacy skills.
- Can collaborate with others as well as take the lead.
- Dedication to closure and continuous improvement.
- Able to communicate with teams and students using systems such as email.
How much does a Clinical Instructor make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$132,878
/ yrClinical Instructor Career Path
Learn how to become a Clinical Instructor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Clinical Instructor Insights

“The pay is quite good”

“There is no job promotion”

“Big campus as a university.”

“7. No work life balance.”

“Pay keeps getting better and better!”

“I love the department I work in, not perfect but respectful”

“Manager is helpful, no weekends”

“Competitive pay.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Clinical Instructor
When working as a Clinical Instructor, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are BLS Certification, Teaching Experience, BCLS, Interpersonal and Communication, and Meet Deadlines.
- Home Health Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Nurse Manager
The most common qualifications to become a Clinical Instructor include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.