Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the most popular field in advanced practice nursing education is Nurse Practitioner followed by Clinical Nurse Specialist. The most common educational preparation for Clinical Nurse Specialists is a master's degree in nursing with 93.3% of practicing Clinical Nurse Specialists holding a master's degree in advanced practice nursing preparation as CNS. A small percentage hold a doctorate degree. Some of the most popular Online and Campus-Based Clinical Nurse Specialist programs offered in the United States are listed below.
Clinical Nurse Specialist programs clinically prepare registered nurses in the three main areas, patient care, nursing practice and health care organizations. Curriculum incorporates patient safety, nursing leadership and motivation, evidence based practice, innovative techniques in patient care, and collaborative techniques with other health care providers and health care delivery systems. Upon graduation from a Clinical Nurse Specialist program nurses are prepared to integrate evidence based practice into patient care, assist in the development of innovative approaches for health care delivery systems that ultimately improve patient care, to educate nurses and to be a leader.*
The decision to take your nursing career to the next level and starting a Clinical Nurse Specialist program is an important one and one that requires a significant financial, time and personal commitment. There are many indicators that support the benefits of completing a Clinical Nurse Specialist educational program. There is a documented shortage of Clinical Nurse Specialists in the United States and many employers are paying out hefty sign-on bonuses. Clinical Nurse Specialists are also in high demand at Magnet Hospitals to help keep their status.* What all this means is that opportunity is within reach if you are a registered nurse with the right qualifications to meet admission requirements for a Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Contact the schools below to learn more about their programs, admission requirements and to answer any other questions. One other thing, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) reports that Clinical Nurse Specialist salaries range between $65,000 and over $110,000 a year. Salary will depend highly on location, institution, certifications, experience and other factors. You may want to read the article: Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
You will also need to contact your State's Board of Nursing to learn about their specific certification and licensing requirements for Clinical Nurse Specialists, because they will often vary by state.
*(Sources: HRSA 2004, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists)
Clinical Nurse Specialist Online Programs
Liberty University - Department of Nursing
Liberty University's Online MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist Acute Care Track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Graduates are prepared for national certification as a CNS and work as practitioners and/or educators. This program is enrolling now. Request information today!
Program Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist Acute Care Track
- Click Here to request information from the Liberty University Online MSN Program
Rush University - College of Nursing - Illinois
Rush University - College of Nursing is one of the country's most well known and well respected institutions of higher education, particularly in the fields of nursing, medicine, health sciences and graduate study. Located in Chicago, IL, the College of Nursing offers online options for Baccalaureate and Master's educated Registered Nurses. There are a number of clinical sites in the Chicago area that faculty will assist in setting up for the student. The Rush University - College of Nursing received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Programs Offered On-Campus: ADN - MSN - (Clinical Nurse Specialist), MSN - Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Critical Care (Adult) Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Post-Master's Certificates are offered in the same CNS specialties as the MSN programs.
Programs Offered Online: Post-BSNAdvanced Generalist MSN, Community/Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
- Click Here for information about the Rush University College of Nursing Online CNS program.
- Click Here for Information about the On-Campus CNS programs at Rush University.
University of Cincinnati - College of Nursing
The University of Cincinnati - College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Two Master's in Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist programs are offered.
Programs Offered Online: MSN - (Tracks: Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Nurse Educator, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery)
- Click Here for information about the University of Cincinnati Online MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs.
Campus Based Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
Wesley College - Nursing - Delaware
The MSN - CNS program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and designed for those registered nurses with a hospital nursing diploma or an associate's degree in nursing. Registered nurses with baccalaureate level education in nursing or another field are encouraged to apply to the Graduate component of the program. The MSN - CNS program is offered at the Newcastle and Dover campuses. Applicants must be licensed registered nurses.
Programs Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist with a focus in health promotion and wellness
- Click Here to request information about this program
Wesley College, 120 North State Street, Dover, Delaware 19901
