Looking for the chance to play an active role in healthcare policy, nursing education, and program development? The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) DNP may be right up your alley. If you’ve already determined that the DNP is right for you, skip ahead to our program listings. But if you’d like some background on this program, including information on the CNS vs. NP, certification requirements, typical curricula, and examples of DNP capstone projects, read on!
Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Modern Clinical Nurse Specialist
Often found in supervisory or management roles, a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an elite APRN who specializes in a select area of clinical care. According to the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), these areas include:
- Population Group (e.g. pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics)
- Practice Setting (e.g. critical care, ER, long-term care)
- Disease or Medical Sub-Specialty (e.g. diabetes, oncology, palliative)
- Type of Care (e.g. psychiatric, rehabilitation)
- Type of Problem (e.g. pain, wounds, stress)
No matter which specialty they choose, CNSs are expected to operate under 3 spheres of influence, providing expert clinical care to patients, education to nursing personnel, and leadership over the larger healthcare system. They diagnose and treat diseases, mentor staff, manage units, develop nursing policies, instigate healthcare programs and initiatives, advocate for patients, and – most importantly – improve patient outcomes. In some cases, that means CNSs are supporting nursing practice in complex settings such as hospitals and large healthcare organizations.
CNS vs. NP
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Nurse Practitioner (NP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An APRN with Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification in a select specialty. e.g. acute care. | An APRN with specialty certification. e.g. Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC). |
| Role | Provide clinical care, mentorship, teaching & consulting. Advocate for patients, research and design healthcare programs, evaluate staff & take an active role in management. | Provide direct patient care for diverse populations under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician. Diagnose and manage illnesses, prescribe medications & counsel patients. |
| Career Opportunities | CNS, program director, case manager, care coordinator, trauma coordinator, staff development coordinator, research coordinator, clinical instructor. | NP in a variety of care areas, including pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, gerontology, and women’s health. |
| Setting | Frequently acute care (e.g. hospitals). | Frequently outpatient and primary care (unless they are specifically trained as acute care NPs). |
Note: Interested in both career options? Some schools offer combined dual CNS/NP programs that allow you to sit for the CNS and specialty NP certifications. This will give you more flexibility in the job market, where NP job openings often exceed CNS listings.
CNS Licensure & Certification Requirements
Many RNs pursue a DNP in order to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Like other specialty titles (e.g. nurse anesthetist), this is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) qualification. CNSs typically work in acute care facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and physician offices, or in long-term care and community-based healthcare settings.
In order to be certified as a CNS and licensed in your state, you may be required to:
- Earn an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Pass the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state in which you intend to practice.
- Earn a post-baccalaureate degree (e.g. the DNP or the MSN) from a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Pass a national certification exam.
- Maintain your certification & licensure through continuing education.
Please check with your school and your State Board of Nursing for more information on which national certifications are required to practice as a CNS. For example, an oncology nurse may need Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist certification from the Oncology Nursing Society. Others may require certification from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) (multiple CNS certification options) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (e.g. AGCNS-BC).
DNP programs should clearly state that they are accredited and able to prepare you for CNS exams. If it isn’t already listed on the website, ask the school for its pass rates on the CNS certification exam.
Helpful Professional Organizations
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
The Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP
Typical CNS DNP Curriculum
The DNP is designed to prepare CNSs become expert clinicians and leaders in the healthcare arena. That means the curriculum is a mix of advanced science, clinical practice, evidence-based research, and career training. Look for programs that give you opportunities to practice your specialty in clinical settings (e.g. hospitals, hospice programs, state agencies, etc.), expose you to relevant populations (e.g. urban, underserved patients), and allow you to individualize the program to meet your goals. Good schools often state that they are following curriculum recommendations laid out by the NACNS (e.g. CNS Core Competencies) and the AACN (e.g. Scope & Standards for Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialists Practice).
Course-wise, you can expect to build on your knowledge of areas like physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, population health, and diagnostic reasoning. Most programs will also allow you to choose an area of clinical emphasis (e.g. surgery, orthopedics, trauma, etc.). Remember that – in addition to your clinical specialization – you will be taking classes in areas such as finance, public policy, ethics, research skills, and informatics. These are intended prepare you to take an active role in management and program development. If you are interested in hands-on primary care, you may wish to consider an NP DNP instead.
Examples of CNS DNP Capstone Projects
- Effect of an Intervention to Increase Knowledge of the Danger of Delay in seeking Treatment for Chest Pain (Case Western University)
- Identifying Gaps in Perioperative Registered Nurses Knowledge of the Cleaning and Decontamination Process for Surgical Instruments. (University of Alabama)
DNP Programs with a Clinical Nurse Specialist Focus (DNP-CNS)
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DNP-CNS Programs in Alabama
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of South Alabama has 3 pathways for its Adult-Gerontology CNS DNP. Nurses who have their MSN in this specialty can earn a DNP in the same specialty for 36 credits. Post-master's students seeking a new specialty can add AGCNS certification with 53 to 62 credits. Students in the BSN to DNP program earn an MSN and DNP in AGCNS with 62 credits. Specialized courses in the CNS major include diagnostic reasoning and clinical concepts and the CNS role, with 3 semesters of practicum experiences. The required DNP courses focus on topics such as quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and using data in decision making. All students must complete a DNP project, which includes an AGCNS residency. This program is delivered online, and new groups of students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. Students arrange their clinical experiences in or near their home communities.
DNP-CNS Programs in California
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Clinical Nurse Specialist[MSN required]
The Clinical Nurse Specialist BS to DNP program at Loma Linda University is available as a full-time or part-time program. The CNS adult/gerontology curriculum requires 109 quarter units (the equivalent to 73 semester hours). The core courses prepare students for a career in the CNS leadership role, where they will be involved in patient care, nursing practice, and leading the health care organization. Students study topics such as health systems finance, leadership, policy development and advocacy, social determinants of health, and translational research. They also take courses in pharmacology and health assessment and clinical courses that focus on the adult population. Classes are scheduled to accommodate the needs of working nurses. Loma Linda also has a pediatric CNS program, but it is on hold.
DNP-CNS Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP-CNS Programs in Illinois
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP Completion - Clinical Nurse Specialist[MSN required]
DePaul University's College of Science and Health has a DNP completion program for nurses with a master's degree and certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The curriculum requires 38 credits in the doctoral core and eight credits in the doctoral specialty. The DNP core takes a system-level view of nursing practice with classes covering topics such as health care economics, program evaluation, informatics, and leadership. Several courses prepare and guide students through the process of completing a DNP project. The curriculum includes a class on evidence-based practice research methods and theory, where candidates develop a scholarly inquiry proposal that will translate science into practice. Students implement and evaluate the project during a practicum class. Candidates must present the results in a manuscript of publishable quality.
Governors State University
University Park, Illinois
Accreditation: ACEN
Governor's State University has four concentrations available for students seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice: direct practice, community behavior, leadership/administration, and practitioner/educator. Nurses who enter the program with a master's degree must complete 44 to 47 credits, including 29 credits in the DNP core, 10 to 13 credits in the concentration, and five credits in the scholarly project. Nurses who begin the program with a BSN must also complete the work for an advanced practice role, with one option being to train as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in adult/gerontological health. The CNS portion of the program requires 42 credits, so the total needed for the BSN to DNP program ranges from 86 to 89 credits, depending on DNP concentration. The DNP program places emphasis on caring for vulnerable populations.
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology Specialization[online][BSN to DNP option]
The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago offers a BSN to DNP program that allows nurses seeking the Clinical Nurse Specialist role to take a specialty concentration in oncology. It's a 65-credit program that prepares nurses for systemwide leadership roles and expanded roles in oncology care. Most courses are delivered online, and students come to the campus in Maywood, Illinois, once a semester for an immersion session where they attend classes, seminars, and presentations. Students may follow a full-time or part-time plan of study. Faculty members design the clinical rotations for students, and the university has academic practice partnerships around the Chicago metro area. CNS students may also be able to complete clinical rounds near their homes. Graduates are eligible to take the CNS certification exam.
Rush University
Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Neonatal - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Pediatric - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Nurses who want an APRN role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist can choose from three population focuses in the DNP program at Rush University. The options are neonatal, adult-gerontology acute care, and pediatric care. Rush has tracks for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses and offers full-time and part-time options. The pediatric CNS program is mostly online, with campus visits required for orientation, physical diagnosis, clinical simulations, and three DNP milestones. The neonatal CNS program is also presented online. The adult-gerontology acute care CNS program uses a hybrid format with about three-quarters of the academic coursework online. AGAC students must come to campus weekly for classes and complete their clinical practice rotations in the Chicago area. The Rush University DNP program ranked #8 on the 2021 U.S. News list of Best Graduate Schools.
DNP-CNS Programs in Indiana
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of Southern Indiana has a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist that prepares nurses to influence patients and their families, the nursing staff, and the organization or system they work for. The 78-credit program uses a hybrid format that delivers most classwork online and includes two or three days of on-campus meetings each semester. During the mandatory face-to-face sessions, students attend presentations, meet with faculty, and work on projects. The curriculum is arranged so that students take the DNP coursework and other foundational classes early in the program. During the final year, students take specialized CNS classes and gain CNS practicum experience. The required DNP project must reflect the student's study concentration.
DNP-CNS Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The Adult-Gerontology CNS program at Louisiana State University Health School of Nursing is an 83-credit BSN to DNP program. The curriculum uses patient assessments, seminars, discussion, and case studies as well as clinical practicums. During their clinical experiences, students focus on acute, chronic, and long-term care of patients. In addition to the AG-CNS concentration, students may select a dual concentration in AG-CNS and acute care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, a 103-credit program. For further specialization, students can take advanced specialty elective courses in emergency nursing, nephrology, or oncology nursing. The DNP-level coursework emphasizes research and its use in developing systems of care. Students also gain skills in leading organizations and building interdisciplinary teams.
DNP-CNS Programs in Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Accreditation: CCNE
Nurses who want to prepare for a Clinical Nurse Specialist role can choose from three specialties at Johns Hopkins University: pediatric critical care, adult-gerontological health, or AG critical care. All three programs are available in an online format with immersions that meet at the Johns Hopkins campus in Baltimore. All of the CNS DNP programs seek to provide nurses with a background in clinical theory and leadership expertise to improve the delivery of care, manage resources, and serve as educators and patient advocates. The onsite immersions - three mandatory and two optional meetings--help students to develop their scholarly project. The faculty works with candidates to help them select DNP projects that build upon research being performed at Johns Hopkins and its partner institutions.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bethesda, Maryland
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences accepts applications from commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Its Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program is for uniformed nurses with a BSN and two years of nursing experience in perioperative care. The program emphasizes pre- and post-surgery throughout the curriculum, and graduates should be qualified to work in critical care situations with wounded soldiers. Some classes, such as Ethics and Policy in Federal Health Systems or Concepts in Operational Leadership and Readiness, tweak the standard DNP curriculum to fit a military context. Others, like Operational Readiness: Critical Care Air Transport Teams, are completely unique. Students looking for further adventure and/or challenges can choose elective practicums in Dive Medicine, Military Mountain Medicine, or Cold Weather Medicine. The 97-credit program follows a three-year course plan and is taught out of USU's Bethesda, Maryland campus.
University of Maryland-Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Adult-Geronotology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
The University of Maryland School of Nursing has a unique doctorate in acute care of adult-gerontology patients that qualifies graduates to seek certification as both a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Nurse Practitioner. The program has a focus on trauma, critical care, and emergency care. Courses for this BSN to DNP program use a blended format that combines online classes and face-to-face meetings. Post-baccalaureate students can earn the DNP in as few as three years or choose a four-year or five-year plan. The CNS/NP program requires 80 credits and 1,080 clinical hours. The School of Nursing works with agencies around Maryland and Washington, D.C., to find clinical sites for students. Candidates may work clinical hours in emergency departments, acute care, and critical care units or with specialized teams such as transplant or stroke.
DNP-CNS Programs in Michigan
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
Nurses who enter the Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program at Michigan State University have to come to the campus only once, for an orientation before they start classes. All the coursework is in an online format, and students can complete the clinical courses at sites in their community. Michigan State's CNS program has an adult-gerontology population focus and prepares graduates to take either of the two adult-gerontology CNS certification exams. (The most recent graduating class has a 100% first-time pass rate on the ANCC exam.) The DNP coursework for this program prepares nurses who can provide leadership at the clinical, organizational, or systems level. Courses cover topics such as informatics, health care policy, managing health care quality, and evidence-based practice.
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, Michigan
Accreditation: COA
Students in the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program at the University of Detroit Mercy develop competencies in providing advanced holistic care and caring for adults and older adults. The BSN to DNP program is delivered online, and students have the option of exiting the program after they complete the requirements for the MSN in AG-CNS. The entire BSN to DNP program requires 66 credits, and full-time students can earn the doctorate in nine semesters. They receive the MSN at the end of the fifth semester. Students are required to locate a CNS preceptor, who are typically found in acute care settings. Detroit Mercy graduates have a 100% first-time pass rate on the national AG-CNS certification exam. They also have a 100% employment rate.
DNP-CNS Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult Health/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing gives out not just one, but 50 Bentson Scholarships to DNP students each year. The $20,000 award is one of 18 scholarship funds earmarked for graduate students. Competition may still be intense, given that the school runs 12 post-baccalaureate DNP concentration, including an Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist track and an Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track. Both are 75-credit programs that require full-time commitments for three years (or part-time for four) and three trips per term to campus, including a four-day intensive. The rest of the program is online. Both programs also boast individualized course plans and clinical placements. The subject matter covers a lot of bases, including holistic assessment, innovation, and teaching. Students can opt in to the DNP/MPH dual degree program by adding 12 elective credits to their track and choosing a final project that covers both degrees.
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is one of the options for the DNP program at Winona State University. Students who enter the program with a BSN complete 72 credits and 1,140 clinical hours. The curriculum is broadly divided into nursing science core classes and AGCNS specialty classes. Core classes cover health policy, leadership, evidence-based practice, and health promotion. Students are also required to complete a DNP project to demonstrate how they use evidence-based practice strategies in a clinical setting. Classes in the specialty include advanced nursing practice courses covering molecular, genetic and immune mechanisms in disease, clinical pharmacology, and health assessment. Students also develop and synthesize the CNS role. Post-baccalaureate applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 and a year of clinical nursing experience. There is also a post-master's track, open to students with an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, APRN licensure, and CNS certification.
DNP-CNS Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
There are five areas of study in Mizzou's online DNP, including a Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Gerontology track. While that curriculum is around 79 credits, applicants have the option of pursuing a dual emphasis. Thanks to the presence of two electives in the curriculum, that only adds anywhere from 11.5 to 21.5 credits to the program, depending on whether students choose the Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric and Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, or Nursing Leadership emphasis. To accommodate working RNs, the Sinclair School of Nursing lays out course plans that take between four and six years of study. Students won't have to move, either, as the school maintains long-term clinical agreements with hundreds of sites from Hawaii to New Jersey. All students must complete 1,000 hours, plus a residency project to graduate. A post-master's plan requires around 39 credits, including 510 clinical hours.
DNP-CNS Programs in New York
CUNY College of Staten Island
Staten Island, New York
Accreditation: AACN
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
CUNY College of Staten Island has two programs leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist. One pathway is for nurses with a BSN. The advanced standing program is open to nurses who have a master's degree and certification as an adult-gerontological CNS. To receive advanced standing, applicants must show they have three years of full-time clinical experience. The advanced standing curriculum may vary based on a student's previous education. Nurses with a BSN must complete 75 credits and perform 1,000 clinical hours, including implementing a capstone practice project in a clinical setting. Two courses - one focused on the proposal for the scholarly project and the other focused on implementing the plan - help guide students to a successful capstone effort.
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Molloy College has a post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a track for certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists. The curriculum includes nine core classes and 500 hours of clinical role immersion residency, resulting in a total of 37 credits for the degree. Most of the coursework uses a hybrid format, with classes focusing on topics such as health care economics and finance, foundations of leadership, and evidence-based practice. Through coursework and a required scholarly project, students enhance their critical thinking, prove their ability to translate science into practice, and exercise their leadership and policy skills. Molloy College has partnerships with 250 clinical sites where students may be able to complete their practicum experiences.
Saint John Fisher College
Rochester, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at St. John Fisher College has an option for BSN-prepared nurses who want an advanced practice role as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The CNS curriculum requires 62 credits for nurses with a BSN, while nurses with an MSN and CNS certification must complete 33 credits. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available. Classes use a blended hybrid format, and students take part in simulations, case studies, and seminars. Courses meet on weekday evenings to accommodate practicing nurses. Candidates must complete 1,000 clinical hours, and students are assigned to interdisciplinary settings where they work with a mentor who is a clinical expert. Practicum sites give students a range of experiences and allow them to implement evidence-based innovations.
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Nurses who have a master's degree and certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist can advance their skills in the Post-MS to DNP program presented by the University at Buffalo School of Nursing. The 36-credit program uses an online format designed for part-time students, who can earn a doctoral degree in five to seven semesters. Courses cover topics such as health policy, informatics, leadership, and program evaluation. Candidates learn to use evidence-based knowledge to improve practice outcomes at all levels of health care, from the individual to the system. Students may complete the 400 clinical hours for the DNP project with their current employer. Options for the DNP project include implementing a quality improvement, a health care delivery innovation, or a demonstration project.
DNP-CNS Programs in Ohio
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Accreditation: CCNE
Kent State University structures its BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program so that RNs who want to become an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist can earn the APRN certification and a master's degree in 2 years, then finish the requirements for the DNP in an additional 2 years. The curriculum for the CNS concentration is delivered completely online, and students complete practicum experiences in their home community. CNS students begin their practicum in the second semester and put in more than 500 clock hours in clinical rounds during the first 2 years. Classes and clinical experiences focus on advanced nursing care for adults of all ages across the health continuum, and the curriculum qualifies for Acute Care CNS-Adult-Gerontological certification. Once they've earned the MSN, students start the DNP portion of the program, including classes in evidence-based practice, organizational systems, and quality improvement. DNP students also complete a scholarly project.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, Ohio
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program at Ohio State University uses a variety of formats. The AG-CNS specialty coursework is only available as an on-campus program, but all DNP coursework is delivered online. Students may take classes in both modes in a semester, as the typical CNS course of study has students completing DNP core classes and specialty classes in the first half of the program. The second half of the program is devoted mainly to practicums in the CNS role and work on the DNP scholarly project. Students with a BSN complete 69 or 70 credits to earn the CNS DNP. Full-time students can complete the degree in four years, including taking classes two summers. They can take the CNS certification exam at the end of the third year.
DNP-CNS Programs in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has recently started a BSN to DNP program that includes a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The CNS track uses a hybrid format with classes meeting in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Lawton, Oklahoma. Full-time students can earn the 67-credit CNS doctoral degree in three years, and part-time students can choose a four-year or five-year plan. Students take foundational science and skills courses at the beginning of the program, followed by research and statistics classes. They end the program by completing a practice inquiry project. The curriculum requires nurses to work more than 1,000 practicum hours, and the Ziegler College of Nursing has a placement coordinator who arranges placements based on a student's interests, skills, and home location.
DNP-CNS Programs in Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Gerontology[BSN to DNP option]
BSN-prepared nurses in the University of Pittsburgh's DNP CNS program chose a clinical focus area for their studies. Options include general medicine or surgery, critical care, oncology, cardiopulmonary, or trauma and emergency preparedness. The BSN to DNP program is delivered onsite, although some classes may be delivered synchronously via distance technology. Students learn to treat patients in acute and ambulatory settings. The curriculum includes advanced practice nursing classes and coursework supporting the CNS role, such as health care delivery systems, grant writing, and management theory. CNS majors interested in teaching can take additional classes in instructional design and curriculum evaluation. BSN to DNP CNS majors complete their clinical rounds at hospitals in Pittsburgh. The CNS DNP also has pathways for nurses with a master's degree. Students with CNS certification can complete the DNP entirely online. Post-master's students adding the CNS specialty take online and onsite classes.
Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Widener University has a 66-credit Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist option for its BSN to DNP program. Classes meet at two campuses - Harrisburg and Chester, Pennsylvania--and courses for the DNP portion of the program use an online format. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes specific to the CNS role cover late adolescence through adulthood, older adulthood, and practicing in critical care and emergency settings. Students complete 500 hours of direct patient care in the CNS role. For their DNP-level classes, they perform another 560 hours in direct and systems-based care. The DNP practicum hours also include work for the final DNP project, which can be an individual or group study that translates evidence into practice to improve health outcomes.
DNP-CNS Programs in Texas
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Accreditation: CCNE
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Texas Christian University prepares DNP Clinical Nurse Specialists with a focus on either the pediatric or adult-gerontology population. Students enter the online program in the summer term, and they are required to come to campus one time during their studies for a skills development intensive. Because a CNS operates in several spheres of influence - from direct patient care to working toward system wide improvements - courses cover a variety of topics. CNS students take classes in health care finances, systems leadership, innovation, decision science, and translational research, as well as courses in diagnostics and patient care. Students also complete at least 1,000 clinical hours, which they may be able to perform with a preceptor in their home community.
DNP-CNS Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The University of Virginia's BSN to DNP program allows nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS on their way to a doctorate. Students can choose from the standard 2+2 plan, where they spend two years earning the MSN and another two on the DNP, or an accelerated three-year program. Both options provide a seamless transition from master's work to doctoral level work. The CNS curriculum includes 82 credits and more than 1,060 clinical hours. UVA also has a DNP track for nurses with a generalist MSN who want CNS certification - such students may be able to transfer up to 12 credits from their master's program. CNS applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience and must obtain licensure in Virginia.
DNP-CNS Programs in Washington
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
MSN to DNP - Clinical Nurse Specialist[MSN required]
Nurses with at least a year of experience in their population focus are eligible for the BSN to DNP program in Clinical Nurse Specialist at Seattle Pacific University. Classes meet on campus one day a week, and nurses with a BSN can earn the 93-credit degree in 11 to 15 quarters, depending on whether they follow a full-time or part-time schedule. Nurses with an MSN and CNS certification finish the doctorate much faster. Courses directly related to the adult-gerontology CNS role include gerontology, acute care of adults, and chronic and behavioral health conditions. Students also complete a simulation and field experience practicum before then begin a CNS role practicum. CNS students typically complete their mentored learning experiences in a large health care organization.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, Washington
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist[MSN required]
DNP - Women's Health Clinical Nurse Specialist[MSN required]
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Women's Health Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The University of Washington School of Nursing accepts BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses into its DNP program that has tracks in Women's Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. Only full-time students can enroll in any CNS DNP track. The curriculum spans three years, and during the first year, students take core DNP classes in a hybrid format that requires them to be on campus one day each week. The second year's courses are more track-specific and require students to be on campus one or two days each week. During the third year, students complete clinical training and work on their DNP final project in conjunction with a clinical agency. Pediatric CNS graduates are eligible for the national certification exam. (There is no certification exam in women's health.)
DNP-CNS Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontologic Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
The BSN-DNP program at UWEC College of Nursing and Health Sciences requires 73 credits and can be taken as part of a three-, four-, or five-year plan. The hybrid structure calls for students to be on campus just one day a week. The same is true for the 31-credit MSN-DNP program, which is available in a 2.5-year format. In addition to imparting advanced nursing skills, the Adult-Gerontologic Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks both emphasize culturally sensitive care, leadership tactics, and informatics. Students need Wisconsin RN licensure before matriculation so they can participate in clinical practicums. Enrollees show they've learned how to apply research data to patient-centered care via a seven-credit DNP project spanning their final semesters.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Accreditation: CCNE
The Adult/Gerontology CNS DNP at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has 3 components: leadership/policy expertise, systematic evaluation of practice, and clinical practice. The curriculum includes coursework, clinical experiences, and a scholarly project to enhance skills in the 3 core components. The program follows a cohort model, so students move through the program as a group and develop a strong network. Courses use a hybrid format with in-person meetings at least monthly. BSN to DNP students complete more than 1,000 clinical hours, with half in clinical practice and half in clinical leadership. MSN to DNP students complete at least 500 clinical hours in leadership. All clinical placements are arranged by the School of Nursing. The program has 3-year and 4-year options for post-BSN students and a 2-year plan for post-MSN students. The recent entering class had an average BSN GPA of 3.8 and 4 years of work experience.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Maternal/Child Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Pediatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
UW Milwaukee's BS-DNP curriculum lets students choose between three- and four-year plans with fall and spring starts. The first year of the Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track, which requires 65 credits, takes place entirely in the classroom, where students learn about biostatistics and cultural diversity, evidence-based practice and epidemiology, and theory and pathophysiology. In the middle of their second year, they begin taking practicums and creating a game plan for their DNP project, which they complete in their final term. Advanced practice nurses with CNS certification and a master's can sidestep on-campus courses and slide into the 32-credit online DNP. Students in search of funding may find it via the Milton and Joan Morris DNP Fellowship, which is reserved for DNP doctoral candidates who serve older and chronically ill patients. Students from Illinois, Minnesota, and the Midwest benefit from tuition reciprocity and exchange agreements, which bring their tuition costs down.