[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]6-8 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]MSN or DNP[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]35% growth from 2024-2034 (among all APRNs)[/hen-ui-text]SOURCE: BLS [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Clinical Nurse Specialist Overview[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Clinical nurse specialists[/hen-ui-link] are advanced practice nurses (APRNs) who specialize in a particular field of practice or patient population, such as cardiology or pediatrics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nurses are in high demand, like all APRN nurses; earn an above-average annual salary; and can choose from a wide variety of specializations. If this sounds interesting to you, find out how to become a clinical nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nursing specialties can include cardiology, diabetes, pediatrics, mental health, wound care or emergency department care, to name a few. They work in a variety of settings, depending on their specialties, but most often in hospitals. Like all APRNs, they have greater professional autonomy than RNs and can diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments. However, unlike other APRN specialities, they focus on consolation, education, leadership, rather than direct patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a clinical nurse specialist, you must become an APRN by earning an MSN from an accredited program and pass a certification examination in a general area, either adult/gerontology, pediatrics, or neonatal. After this, most employers will require additional certifications, based on your department.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First, you will need a BSN degree (or if you have an ADN, enroll in an RN-to-MSN bridge program). This typically takes four years. Requirements vary by school, but usually require at least a 3.0 GPA and passing grades in biology and math.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam to Receive RN License[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you graduate from nursing school, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, a multi-hour multiple choice examination. You will also need to apply to your state for an RN license and pass a background check. Certain criminal convictions may prevent you from being licensed; check your state regulations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience as an RN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most MSN programs require or strongly prefer at least two years of full-time experience (or the part-time equivalent) as an RN. This also helps you identify your preferred specialty and make sure that it’s a good fit, and an opportunity to find mentors and build your professional network.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The next step in becoming a CNS nurse is earning an MSN or DNP from an accredited program. This typically takes two years for an MSN and at least three for a DNP, studying full-time. Most MSN programs require at least a 3.0 GPA and strong references, as well as RN experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply for CNS Certification in Your Desired Specialty[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You will need to pass the CNS certification examination from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)’s Certification Corporation in either adult/gerontology, pediatric, or neonatal clinical nursing. Most employers also require or prefer other specialty certifications, which also require examinations. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) has more [hen-ui-link href=”https://nacns.org/career-education/professional-certifications/” target=”_blank”]information on certification[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Clinical Nurse Specialist Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When reviewing programs to find the right one for you, consider factors such as cost and financial aid, location or [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/online-programs/”]online options[/hen-ui-link], admissions requirements, board examination pass rates, and reviews and recommendations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing a CNS Specialization[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a CNS, you will choose a primary population specialization of either adult/gerontology, pediatric, or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal nursing[/hen-ui-link] and must pass the certification examination for your chosen area. However, many hospitals or health systems, especially the larger ones, may require or strongly prefer additional specialty certifications, such as cardiology nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Which population specialization you choose will depend on your interests and goals. While adult/gerontology serves the widest variety of patients, demand is high for all three specialties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Clinical Nurse Specialist Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a CNS, you must first earn your RN license, pass your certification examination, and gain RN experience. Then, you can earn an MSN and pass your board certification exam to earn CNS licensure. You apply for your licenses with your state board of nursing, while examinations are administered by private organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”RN Licensure” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an RN license, you must graduate from an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination, a multi-hour multiple choice examination. To maintain your license, you must participate in accredited continuing education, such as attending conferences, classes, or webinars, or reading and passing an examination on professional literature articles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”CNS Licensure” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you graduate from your MSN program, you will need to apply for CNS licensure. Be aware that your practice authority as a CNS will vary from state to state. Some states allow CNSs to diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medications independently, but many require CNSs to collaborate with a physician. Like other nursing credentials, you will maintain your license through continuing education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you’ve received your license, you can start work as a clinical nurse specialist. Use your professional and alumni networks and take advantage of professional association job boards to post your resume and find openings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health systems, private practices, clinics, and government facilities. Their work involves precepting (teaching and mentoring) students, consulting with nurses, working on [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-degree-capstone-projects/”]evidence-based projects[/hen-ui-link] to improve nursing, helping facilitate interprofessional collaboration, and leading the implementation of changes in nursing best practices. The BLS projects 35% growth for all APRNs, and CNS nurse jobs are likely to grow at approximately the same rate. Also like all APRNs, you can expect to earn an above-average salary, though the specifics will vary by location and experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a clinical nurse specialist?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes at least six years, four years for a BSN and two for an MSN. If you already have an ADN, you may be able to enroll in an RN to MSN program, which will take three years. If you study part-time or want to earn a DNP, you will need longer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What qualifications do I need to be a clinical nurse specialist?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a clinical nurse specialist, you will need an MSN or DNP from an accredited program and must pass the specialty board certification examination and earn your state license. Most MSN programs require at least a 3.0 GPA. Some employers may require or strongly prefer additional specialty certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can clinical nurse specialists prescribe medication?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The specific rules vary state by state, but most states do not allow CNSs to prescribe medication without physician involvement. In 19 states, CNSs can prescribe medication, though some states may require additional education. In 23 states CNSs have full-practice authority. In reduced or restricted practice authority states, you may need a physician’s supervision to prescribe medications or may not be able to.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between CNS and NP?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The difference between a CNS and [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] is where each role fits into the care team and their typical responsibilities. Both are APRNs, but NPs usually engage in more direct nursing than clinical nurse specialists and often serve as primary care providers. Clinical nurse specialists spend more time on precepting students, consulting with nurses, and improving evidence-based practices.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1629922631/experts/Shrilekha_Deshaies.jpg” img-alt=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrilekha-deshaies-57008133/” target=”_blank”]Shri Deshaies[/hen-ui-link] is a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Deshaies’ clinical area of expertise is critical care nursing and she is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Shri Deshaies is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]here[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]