MSN: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Degree Programs & Career
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who holds a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing. A CNS is an expert in a specialized area of nursing, providing direct patient care and expert consultations within his/her specialty. A few examples of areas within which clinical nurses may specialize include adult health, diabetes, geriatrics, home health, pediatrics, psychiatric and mental health, and public health. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) now offers a CNS-BC credential to individuals who successfully complete exams in their areas of specialization. In addition to clinical nurse specialists, the other types of advanced practice nurses are nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
How to Become a CNS
To become a clinical nurse specialist, students typically complete the following steps:
- Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program
- Earn a Registered Nurse Certification
- Meet the professional experience conditions
- Choose an area of specialization such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health
- Enroll and complete a MSN degree with a concentration in clinical care
- Obtain CNS certification and proper licensure (requirements vary by state)
CNS Salary and Career Information
The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a CNS might include:
- Median Expected Salary: $87,867, according to Salary.com’s most recent report
- Job Prospects: Very good to excellent
- Job Setting: Private practices, nursing homes, hospitals, public health organizations, boards of health and education, educational institutions, home health care agencies, insurance companies
CNS Qualifications
To become a CNS, students are typically required to meet the following job qualifications:
- CNS Advanced Practice Certification
- Computer skills using various applications such as word processing, presentation, and online database systems
- Certification in an area of clinical specialty including: neurology, oncology, rehabilitation, trauma nursing, adolescent health, neonatal, pediatric oncology, pediatric pulmonary, school health nursing, anesthesiology, community health, home health care, hospice nursing, occupational health, women’s health
CNS Job Description
A CNS is typically responsible for the following job duties:
- Examine patients to evaluate their medical and physical conditions and develop specific care plans based on health assessment
- Work closely with doctors and other medical professionals to aid in patient diagnosis
- Review patient files to ensure proper data reporting
- Develop a plan of care that address patients’ unique conditions and prescribe proper medication (prescriptive authority varies by state)
- Provide educational and therapeutic support to patients on how best to manage symptoms
- Collaborate with staff on research and professional practice projects
MSN Degrees for Aspiring Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
- MSN: Clinical Trials Research from Drexel University
- MSN: Clinical Nurse Leadership from Sacred Heart University
- RN to MSN: Clinical Nurse Leadership from Sacred Heart University
- MSN: Clinical Nurse Specialist & Nurse Educator from University of Cincinnati
Top Masters in Nursing Schools
A master’s degree in nursing can be the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL). Several accredited online MSN programs are listed below. Fill out any school’s form to quickly receive additional information and application materials.
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Georgetown University – Georgetown University has been educating nurses and helping improve healthcare since 1903. The programs are designed to help the next generation of nursing leaders with majors available in: Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. |
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Capella University – This masters in nursing program is designed specifically for nurses who wish to enter the teaching profession as nurse educators. With practical applications and engaging assignments, student can accomplish the assets required to be successful in leadership and educational positions with in the nursing industry. The Nurse Educator degree curriculum is centered around the industry’s best practices and standards and is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments. |
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a number of RN to MSN degrees for those seeking career advancement. Each program allows students to focus their curriculum on their particular career interest. In addition to the general program, specializations are also offered in informatics and health education. |
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Sacred Heart University – Sacred Heart University offers accredited BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs that prepare students for leadership or specialized positions, including clinical nurse leadership (RN to MSN option), nursing education (RN to MSN option), and patient care services administration (RN to MSN option). |
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American Sentinel University – American Sentinel University offers a wide variety of accredited online masters in nursing degrees, each with a specific focus designed to teach MSN students the exact skills they need for their particular career focus. By specializing in Management and Organizational Leadership, Infection Prevention, Case Management, or Nurse Informatics through online courses as opposed to campus programs, students can complete assignments at a time and place that is convenient. |
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University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix offers a number of online master’s in nursing programs. Their general MSN degree program gives students a well-rounded master’s in nursing education, while more specific degrees are available in health administration, health education, and nursing informatics. |
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Drexel University – The Masters in Nursing Leadership program from Drexel is designed for students who want to take leadership positions in the health community, and involves leadership training and learning the skills needed to manage other nurses. Drexel University provides an affordable option through online courses which can cut down on many of the cost associated with on-ground programs. DU offers a Masters of Science in Nurse Leadership. |
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Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University’s online masters in nursing programs focus on becoming a leader and an educator respectively. These accredited degrees are offered via a fully online curriculum. The Masters in Nursing Leadership prepares RNs for roles as leaders in a variety healthcare settings; the Masters in Nursing Education prepares RNs for teaching positions within the nursing profession. |
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Gonzaga University – Gonzaga University offers a wide range of Masters in Nursing degrees, allowing students to fulfill high level roles and leadership roles in Nursing. These MSN degrees, whose options include nursing education (MSN), nursing education (RN to MSN) and health systems leadership, can be completed at a relatively fast pace and provide more convenience to students with busy or inconsistent schedules. |
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Walden University – One of America’s leading online universities, Walden’s online Masters in Nursing (RN to MSN) program is a masters in nursing program designed for registered nurses. In addition to this general track, concentrated RN to MSN degrees are also offered in education, informatics, and leadership/management. While each program can be completed in just two years it does require a bachelor’s program for enrollment. |
