Best Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs
- 2025 Best Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
- Choosing a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree Levels Offered
- Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
- Clinical Nurse Specialist FAQs
- What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?
- List of Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
For nurses interested in entering specialized advanced practice in order to focus on things like research, education, leadership, and consulting, becoming a clinical nurse leader is a great career aspiration. With master's and doctoral programs available in the specialty, and both classroom and online learning options, earning a degree as a clinical nurse specialist is well within reach.
2025 Best Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
Looking for the best Clinical Nurse Specialist programs? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like accreditation, program quality, and student success. Start your journey to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist with confidence. Check out our rankings to make an informed decision. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Master's - Nursing with a Concentration in Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Neonatal - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's MSN in Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist prepares expert nurses to deliver advanced, evidence-based care in neonatal settings. This specialized 50-credit hybrid program equips students with comprehensive clinical skills, focusing on high-risk neonatal management and professional role development. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AACN Acute Care Neonatal Exam, enhancing career opportunities in specialized pediatric nursing. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and offers flexible full and part-time study options.
- 50-credit hybrid MSN program
- Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration
- AACN exam eligibility
- Evidence-based advanced practice focus
- Flexible full/part-time options
- Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Current RN license needed
- Comprehensive clinical practicum
- Advanced neonatal care courses
Master's - Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist-Educator
Concentration: Adult Gerontology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's MSN in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist-Educator prepares advanced practice nurses for dual clinical and academic roles. With a comprehensive curriculum focusing on evidence-based nursing interventions, teaching, and research, students gain expertise in adult and gerontological care. The hybrid program enables graduates to pursue certification through ANCC or AACN exams. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, baccalaureate nursing degree with 3.0 GPA, clinical experience, and additional academic prerequisites.
- Hybrid/Online Program Format
- Dual Clinical-Educator Preparation
- 47 Total Credit Hours
- Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
- ANCC/AACN Certification Eligible
- Full and Part-Time Options
- Comprehensive Clinical Practicum
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist - Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist prepares advanced practice nurses for specialized roles in neonatal care. The rigorous program equips nurses with sophisticated theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance patient care across wellness and acute care settings. Designed for experienced RNs with a master's degree, the program offers comprehensive training in neonatal nursing, emphasizing clinical expertise, research, and leadership. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can pursue roles as clinicians, educators, consultants, and program leaders in neonatal healthcare environments.
- Post-Master's Neonatal CNS Certificate
- Nationally approved curriculum
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Requires master's in nursing
- Two years neonatal experience
- Research and theory focused
- Leadership skill development
- Clinical practicum included
- National certification eligible
Winona State University
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Doctorate - Post-Master’s DNP and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Winona State University offers a comprehensive Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialized Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration. This rigorous hybrid program transforms experienced nurses into advanced practice leaders, focusing on evidence-based healthcare innovations. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the program requires 32 minimum credits and includes 840 clinical hours, preparing graduates for high-level clinical and systemic healthcare roles. Applicants must hold a master's in nursing and complete prerequisite coursework in statistical methods, health assessment, pharmacology, and organizational leadership.
- Hybrid Post-Master's DNP Program
- 840 Total Clinical Hours
- Adult-Gerontology Specialization
- 32 Minimum Credit Requirement
- Master's in Nursing Prerequisite
- Advanced Clinical Preparation
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Multiple Clinical Seminar Courses
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH - Private 4-year - ursuline.edu
Doctorate - BSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Ursuline College's Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program offers a comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice expertise. This hybrid program prepares specialized nurses to optimize healthcare delivery through evidence-based practice and systems transformation. Designed for full-time or part-time completion, students can finish in 24 months or spread coursework across four years. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical skills, leadership development, and a capstone project, preparing graduates for complex roles in adult-gerontology healthcare settings.
- Hybrid DNP program
- 75 total credit hours
- Full/part-time options
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Advanced clinical specialization
- Leadership development curriculum
- Capstone project required
- Advanced practice preparation
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Public 4-Year - calstatela.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Cal State LA's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers an advanced pathway for clinical nurse specialists seeking to elevate their professional expertise. The hybrid program prepares nurses to transform healthcare delivery through advanced practice, focusing on evidence-based strategies and leadership skills. Designed for experienced nurses, the program requires a master's degree in nursing, national certification, and maintains rigorous academic standards with a 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Hybrid program delivery
- Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- National nursing accreditation
- Active California nursing license
- Full-time program commitment
- Master's degree prerequisite
- National certification required
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu
Master's - Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health
Concentration: Adult Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Adult Health program prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in complex healthcare environments. Designed for registered nurses seeking specialized expertise, the master's degree program offers comprehensive training in adult health, emphasizing advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making. Students develop advanced assessment skills, learn to manage complex health conditions, and gain the ability to provide holistic, evidence-based care. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN licensure, and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and optimal patient outcomes.
- Master's degree in Clinical Nurse Specialist
- 41-45 semester hour program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Unencumbered RN licensure needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Focus on Adult Health concentration
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Doctorate - Nursing Practice, DNP: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare delivery. This rigorous three-year, 65-credit program equips professionals with cutting-edge skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and specialized adult-gerontology care. Designed for experienced nurses with a bachelor's or master's degree, the program offers flexible online and part-time options. Students develop advanced clinical expertise through comprehensive coursework, practical immersion experiences, and a comprehensive DNP project focused on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems.
- Three-year, 65-credit DNP program
- Online and part-time options
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- One year RN experience needed
- Multiple entry pathway options
- Advanced practice leadership training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Comprehensive clinical project required
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, WI - Public 4-Year - uwp.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nursing with a Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration provides advanced nursing professionals with specialized skills to deliver high-quality, comprehensive healthcare. Designed for experienced nurses seeking career advancement, this program prepares graduates to provide expert clinical care, conduct research, and lead healthcare initiatives. Students develop advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment capabilities across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and professional leadership, equipping nurses to address complex patient needs and improve healthcare outcomes.
- Advanced clinical nursing practice
- Research-focused curriculum
- Professional leadership development
- Consortial program with UW-Milwaukee
- Accredited by state and national bodies
Choosing a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program
Choosing the right clinical nurse specialist program can be boiled down to a few key items:
Accreditation
One surefire way to check a program's reputation is to see what kind of accreditation it holds. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are two main accrediting bodies that sign off on quality clinical nurse specialist programs. Some schools and programs also hold local or regional accreditations as well.
Program Cost
Clinical nurse specialist program tuition can vary widely, but many charge between $500 and $1,000 per credit hour. Doctoral programs may be on the higher end of the cost spectrum (but not always). Keep in mind that these tuition figures generally do not include extra mandatory fees, books, course materials, or other related expenses.
Program Length
MSN-level clinical nurse specialist programs usually require around 40 credits and can take roughly 2-3 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time study. DNP-level programs usually take around 3-4 years to complete, and require approximately 75 credit hours.
Internship/Externship Opportunities
Internships, externships, and other residencies are typically required and can usually be arranged in conjunction with the school. Checking to see what arrangements a prospective school has for hands-on clinical requirements is a wise idea.
Online/Campus Options
With the recent upswing in distance-based learning, many schools now offer both online and campus-based options. Some also offer "hybrid" options where students take the bulk of classes online but may be required to make a few trips to campus.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree Levels Offered
Nursing students who wish to enter a clinical nurse specialist program have two options to choose from: the master's (MSN) route, or the doctoral (DNP) route. Both are excellent ways to enter the specialty, and students should consider which pathway is right for them before they start the application process.
MSN Programs
Students opting for an MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist can expect to take courses which correspond to their specialty of choice. Adult gerontology, pediatrics, and mental health are just a few of the specialization areas that clinical nurse specialists can focus on. These programs also require core MSN coursework, to include things like clinical decision-making, healthcare policy, scientific writing, and more. California State University-Dominguez Hills, for example, offers an MSN with a Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration.
DNP Programs
Doctoral clinical nurse specialist programs go above and beyond the master's level to prepare students to manage complex health conditions and work as expert clinicians in a variety of settings. They too can specialize in numerous areas of medicine. For example, the University of Minnesota offers an Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP which allows students to focus on subspecialty areas such as cardiology, critical care, and palliative care.
Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
As nurses seek to further their education, some find that work and family obligations make obtaining a post-graduate degree seem daunting. Colleges and universities are responding by offering more and more programs via distance learning. These online clinical nurse specialist programs offer the same stellar education as classroom programs do, but offer a higher amount of flexibility. Students should, however, pay particular attention to their state’s guidelines on distance education, as there can be some rules and regulations that may impact them. Admissions representatives for online clinical nurse specialist programs can assist with this.
Advantages of an Online Program
Simply put, online clinical nurse specialist programs allow the convenience of letting students take courses from home and usually on their own time schedule. This allows busy RNs the opportunity to earn a degree at their own pace. Online students also don't have to factor in commuting costs such as gas and parking, which can be especially attractive to those in more rural areas who wouldn't otherwise have access to a program in their local vicinity.
Program Accreditation
A good online program should come with accreditations, typically awarded by CCNE or ACEN. A little research on the online school and program can give students peace of mind if they have never participated in distance learning.
Costs and Length
Online clinical nurse specialist programs typically require the same amount of credits as campus-based programs (around 35 credits for an MSN program, and 70 for a DNP). Most online programs allow for full-time or part-time study, giving students some flexibility on how quickly they finish. Tuition is also in the $500 per credit (and up) price range, and students can usually shop around for online tuition that fits within their budget.
Clinical Nurse Specialist FAQs
A CNS can work with a variety of professionals, and it depends on where they work. In the hospital setting, for example, a CNS can interact with those involved with direct patient care such as:
- Nurse assistants
- Technicians
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical Therapists
However, as master’s or doctorally-prepared specialists, they can also work alongside administrative staff such as:
- Managers (clinical and non-clinical)
- Supervisors
- Administrators
- Department Secretaries
- Directors
- Researchers
The beauty of a CNS role is that it is multi-faceted. They straddle both the patient care and administrative role. In this liaison-type role, they can gather information from the front lines of patient care and use it to develop ways to improve healthcare delivery.
What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?
Admissions requirements for most clinical nurse specialist programs include:
- BSN or higher from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Valid, unencumbered RN license
- Application essays
- Current CV or resume
- Professional references
- Some specialized professional nursing experience may be required depending on specialty
Certification as a clinical nurse specialist is awarded via examination by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the AACN Certification Corporation and is broken out into the following specialties:
- Adult Gerontology CNS
- Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS
- Child/Adolescent Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS
- Pediatric CNS
- Neonatal CNS
Eligibility requirements for the exam include:
- Current, active RN license
- MSN or DNP in a clinical nurse specialist program
List of Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
There are a wide variety of both master's and doctoral level clinical nurse specialist available across the country, see the list below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 445-9400
California
Azusa Pacific University
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615
California State University Dominguez Hills
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Online
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA 92096
(760) 750-4000
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923
Mount Saint Mary's University- Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 477-2500
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 623-6116
Connecticut
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 837-8200
Georgia
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 478-4636
Illinois
Rush University
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-7100
Indiana
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-2806
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 464-8600
Louisiana
Louisiana State University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 568-4200
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766
Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Boston
- Nursing MSN Hybrid
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-5000
Michigan
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 355-1855
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 993-1828
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985
Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600
Winona State University Rochester
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7100
Missouri
University of Missouri Health
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-0277
New York
Hunter The City University of New York
NY, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000
St. John Fisher College
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 385-8000
St. Joseph's College New York
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 940-5300
North Carolina
East Carolina University
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6131
Ohio
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-4041
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
(440) 449-4200
Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Online
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
(405) 325-0311
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
(405) 271-2428
Pennsylvania
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-8281
University of Pittsburgh
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Online
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA 18510
(570) 941-7673
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA 17403
(717) 846-7788
Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-1000
Texas
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000
Virginia
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903-3388
(434) 924-0141
Washington
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100
Wisconsin
Alverno College
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
Milwaukee, WI 53234
(414) 382-6000
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(800) 222-6544
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122
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