Program Overview

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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs

Overview

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program at Widener University offers adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist master's, doctorate, and certificate programs. As a clinical nurse specialist, you'll contribute to excellence in healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Program Options

• Master's - Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN
• Doctorate - Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP
• Post-Master's Certificate - Clinical Nurse Specialist

At a Glance

• Offered as: Master's (MSN), Doctorate (DNP), Post-Master's Certificate
• Format: Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
• Credits & Avg. Completion Time:
  • MSN: 42 Credits
  • DNP: 73 Credits
  • Post-MSN Cert: 15 Credits
• College/School: School of Nursing
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Description

Widener's offers adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (CNS) master's, doctorate, and certificate programs.

What is a CNS?

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is trained in advanced nursing practice. Unlike nurse practitioners who have a stronger focus on primary care delivery, CNSs are well-positioned to educate, conduct research, provide leadership, and advocate to improve patient outcomes—opening the doors for a wide variety of careers.

Why Earn a Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree?

You'll explore the advanced role as a clinical nurse specialist and be on your way to becoming a leader in improving patient care outcomes and the quality of healthcare. You'll explore advanced nursing practice regarding delivery of care for late adolescents, adults, and senior adults in wellness through acute care settings, including emergency and critical care environments.

Through a CNS program, you'll explore a broad foundation of topics, including:

• Health promotion/disease prevention
• Concepts of illness care
• Clinical decision making grounded in evidence-based practices

After program completion, you will be eligible to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) national certification as an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Program Details

Master's - Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN

The master’s in adult-gerontology CNS program can be completed within the five-year time limit post matriculation.

View curriculum and coursework for the adult-gerontology CNS BSN-MSN and the accelerated RN-MSN track.

Doctorate - Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP

The BSN-DNP CNS program can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the 7-year time limit post matriculation.

View the academic catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Post-Master's Certificate - Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Adult-Gerontology CNS post-master's certificate focuses on the development of the advanced practice in nursing (APRN) role of the CNS for individuals with a master's degree in another nursing area.

View the academic catalog for program curriculum and coursework requirements.

Admissions Requirements

MSN Admissions Requirements

• Complete online application.
• Application fee of $35.
• Personal Statement.
• Updated resume.
• Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
• Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse. NP or CNS option requires PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinicals or as appropriate. Appropriate state licensure within the jurisdiction of the state where clinicals is required.

DNP Admissions Requirements

• Completed online application
• Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
• Minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
• Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
• Two references—one from an educator or advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
• Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on healthcare practice improvement
• Curriculum vitae
• Valid RN license
• Interview with a nursing faculty member (arranged after a preliminary review of application materials)

Post-MSN Certificate Admissions Requirements

• Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.
• Completed online application.
• Transcript from completed master’s degree program.
• Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse.
• Valid PA State Board of Nursing licensure or as appropriate.
• Two recommendations regarding applicant's practice and potential for the FNP or CNS advanced practice role.
• Goal statement related to FNP or CNS role.
• Proof of health insurance coverage.
• Copy of liability insurance within acceptable limits of the AP specialty.

Tuition and Fees

BSN-MSN

• $1,060 per credit
• 42 total credits
• $44,520 total cost

BSN-DNP

• $1,060 per credit
• 73 total credits
• $77,380 total cost

Post-MSN Certificate

• $1,060 per credit
• 15 total credits
• $15,900 total cost

Financial Aid

Widener University offers various forms of financial aid to help students fund their education. These include scholarships, grants, and employer discounts.

Applying for Financial Aid as a Graduate Student

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants.
• Our school code is 003313.
• In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements, including demonstrating financial need, being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and being enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.

Paths to Savings

• 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
• Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
• Widener Scholarships
• 20% Discount for Widener Alumni (some restrictions apply)

Career Outcomes

• Average Salary: $123,780 for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Source: Payscale.com)
• Recent Employers:
  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Jefferson University Hospitals
  • Main Line Health System
  • Virtua Health System
  • Kennedy Health
• Potential Career Focuses:
  • Patient Care
  • Education
  • Research
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy
• Industry Growth: The clinical nurse specialist role is expected to grow 45% by 2030 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)