I want to provide a brief overview of my job requirements in academia. I currently work in the position of Assistant Professor in nursing. I hold a Ph.D. in nursing. This terminal degree is not a requirement for this position at other institutions. As an academic, you have the opportunity to choose the career path you take based upon your goals and educational achievement.
My job requirements include three categories: research, teaching, and service. Depending on your institution, there are different ways to divide these categories. For example, your institution can require 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service. The tenure review board will assess these areas to determine if you met the requirements to maintain your position or achieve promotion.
I want to explain these categories to provide an idea of what each entails.
Research – I have to demonstrate that I can produce scholarly works in the form of manuscripts, presentations, and grants (funding). I have a research area that I am interested in, and my scholarly works revolve around that research area.
Teaching – I have to demonstrate that I can adequately teach the next generation of nurses. I demonstrate my teaching proficiency in the classroom, clinical, etc. I have to maintain a score of 4.0 in this area, and my SOIs (students’ opinions of instruction) determine my score. Students evaluate my teaching and rate me on a scale.
Service – I have to demonstrate that I can professionally contribute to my school, university, organizations that relate to my research, etc. I accomplish service in several ways. One of the ways I demonstrate service is by serving on committees in my school of nursing and university.
I only provided a snippet of my job. I would encourage anyone interested in academia to find a mentor. They are already aware of the requirements for promotion, and they can help you navigate your promotional journey. I would also encourage anyone interested in promotion to get a copy of your institution’s promotion and tenure guidelines. These guidelines should break down what you need to succeed up the academic ladder.
