Clinical Nurse Specialist Online Degrees: Guide to Top Schools
As a registered nurse (RN), you might want to pursue more job opportunities and command higher pay. This EduMed guide can help you become a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and reach that goal.
We’ll discuss RN programs that focus on this area of nursing so you can get an idea of what to expect. You’ll learn about schools that offer clinical nurse specialist programs, what you need to do to get accepted in a program, and what you will study after you enroll.
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Featured Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
If you’re an experienced RN who wants to become a CNS, you don’t need to worry about not having enough time for your studies. Since schools understand the needs of nurses who are currently working, these programs are often offered entirely online – with the exception of required clinical hours that are completed in an approved healthcare organization.
To further foster student success, you might be able to watch course content when it’s most convenient for you, rather than attending lectures on a set schedule.
However, you might be required to do some work on campus. Depending on the program you choose, you might need to participate in lab work or other in-person activities at your nursing school. Be sure to pay close attention to schools’ expectations as you do your research so you’ll know how much face-to-face work will be expected of you.
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy’s Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist online program gives RNs the advanced skills and knowledge needed to provide a higher level of patient care. The program prepares students to make diagnoses, administer medications, implement non-medicinal interventions, and perform advanced medical procedures. Students also gain an understanding of the billing practices associated with advanced specialized care.
In addition, the program helps registered nurses gain the leadership skills needed to take a managerial role in the workplace. This knowledge prepares students to assess a work environment and implement changes that make the delivery of care more efficient. They will also gain advanced communication skills that they can use to advocate and provide equitable care for their community.
Duration: 16 to 36 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $48,504 (tuition and fees for on-campus residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- At least 2,000 hours of work experience as an RN
- Unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum: Specific classes cover assessment techniques; healthcare policy, economics, and law; advanced pathophysiology; and pharmacology. Required coursework sharpens students’ leadership skills.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist master’s degree program. Students must complete 40 credit hours of classroom instruction plus 672 clinical hours in a healthcare setting. This program gives students the skills and knowledge they need to work as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), educator, researcher, and/or administrator.
Students will learn advanced nursing theory and practice. So, they can have a substantial influence on patient care, whether or not they choose to provide direct care. The program qualifies students to take the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Adult Gerontology certification exam.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $6,293.70 (tuition and fees for first-year residents)/$19,781.10 (tuition and fees for first-year non-residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN from an accredited school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- At least a C grade in prerequisite courses
- Current nursing license
Curriculum: Students will take courses that familiarize them with the complexities of the CNS role. Classes will focus on adult gerontology advanced concepts, including immunological, neurological, digestive, and hematological responses that occur throughout the patient’s lifespan.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist master’s degree program. Students can choose a nursing specialization based on their interests and goals. So, in addition to completing core coursework that builds on their knowledge and experience, they can concentrate their studies on adult, pediatric, or neonatal CNS practices.
Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format to accommodate the needs of working RNs. This format helps students easily fit their studies into a busy schedule. Some courses require students to participate in mandatory on-campus meetings.
Duration: 48 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,486.23 (tuition and fees for full-time students)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN from an accredited school
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of prerequisite courses on assessment, statistics, and research
- Unencumbered and unrestricted nursing license
- Evidence of recent acute-care RN practice with the adult-gerontology, neonatal, or pediatric population
Curriculum: All students must take core classes covering healthcare policy and economics, advanced nursing roles, nursing ethics, and advanced pharmacology. They must also complete coursework related to their concentration and then participate in a CNS residency.
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FAQs About Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
What types of CNS programs are available?
Online CNS programs offer various degrees to suit the needs of a range of academic levels. Whether you’re interested in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, plenty of options exist to help you meet your goals.
For example, MSN programs offer both RN-to-MSN and BSN-to-MSN options. They provide advanced training that nurses need to work as a CNS. BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP programs help learners reach the highest echelons of the discipline. Earning a CNS doctorate degree gives students the credentials needed to work in high-level research, administrative, and academic positions.
Post-master’s CNS certificate programs are designed to help RNs who already attended graduate school gain specialized skills they need to work as a clinical nurse. These programs are specifically designed for students who did not take CNS courses in their MSN program.
Can I choose a specialization in a CNS program?
Yes; some CNS programs allow students to choose a concentration if they want to specialize in a specific nursing discipline. For example, a pediatric specialization gives clinical nurse specialists the advanced skills they need to care for young patients who range in age from birth to young adulthood. Similarly, a neonatal CNS concentration is focused on working with patients from birth through age two.
The adult-gerontology CNS specialization gives students the training they need to support patients from young adulthood into their late years. It is designed for those who want to work with older patients.
Is financial aid available for CNS programs?
Yes; even if you enroll in one of the most affordable online nursing programs, you’ll likely need some help paying for your education. Many general and nursing-specific financial aid options exist; you should know where to look and how to take advantage of them.
RN scholarships and grants are available through colleges, professional associations, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Schools like University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Oklahoma offer financial aid to their students.
You might be able to take advantage of teaching and/or research assistantships, fellowships, or paid internships. These programs can provide a stipend and/or tuition assistance. Be sure to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. You might also be able to enroll in a work-study program through your school.
These options are most attractive because they might help you graduate from nursing school debt-free. However, if you still need more money after getting these types of funding, you don’t have to set aside your education goals. Student loans can help fill any holes if you can’t completely cover the cost of a CNS program.
Should a CNS program be accredited?
Yes; it is imperative that you consider nursing school accreditation when choosing a program. Attending an accredited online CNS program is one of the most important steps you can take as a student. Failing to do so can result in issues with transferring credits to other institutions, seeking certification, and competing for jobs after graduating.
Two programmatic accreditation agencies exist within the world of nursing: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
In addition to programmatic accreditation, you should also choose a school that maintains proper institutional accreditation. Organizations that accredit schools include the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Do I need a license to become a clinical nurse specialist?
Yes; you must complete a graduate-level program and receive certification from a national credentialing agency to work as a clinical nurse specialist. The AACN provides three different certifications for CNS professionals, depending on the type of specialty they practice. These options include ACCNS-AG (Adult-Gerontology), ACCNS-P (Pediatric), and ACCNS-N (Neonatal) certifications.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (AGCNS-BC). Both members and non-members of the ANCC can pursue this certification.
Career and Salary Outlook for Clinical Nurse Specialists
Before jumping headlong into a career as a CNS, it’s important to have realistic expectations of what to expect out of this career and how much money you can earn each year. The good news is, a CNS degree will be worth the time and money that you invest.
Data from O*NET OnLine projected that roles for clinical nurse specialists would increase 6% to 8% between 2023 and 2033. Those numbers mean that approximately 194,500 new jobs should be created during that time period, which is faster than the average growth for all professions.
Reasons for this growth include the ability of APRNs to perform tasks that were previously completed by doctors, a greater emphasis on preventative healthcare, and the retirement of existing CNS professionals.
In addition to healthy job growth, you can expect to earn a high salary after completing a CNS program. Professionals in this field can earn substantial salaries based on their expertise, experience, location, and the level of degree earned. Data from Payscale shows that the average salary for a CNS is approximately $102,435 per year. The bottom 10% of earners bring home approximately $74,000, while the top 10% can command wages in excess of $132,000.
Ranking the Best Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
The proliferation of online CNS programs continues; more options are becoming available from colleges and universities across the country. Since so many schools now offer these programs, it’s important that you conduct research to find a program that matches your academic, financial, and professional goals.
Many students work while completing a CNS program. So, finding time to conduct extensive research can be a challenge. We created data-driven, thoughtful rankings, which are listed below. Each school that is highlighted offers the accreditation that employers expect and the affordability that students need.
You can start your research by perusing the choices that we list below. You can also look at our methodology to find out how these programs were chosen.
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, Michigan
Why We Selected University of Detroit Mercy:
- The program offers a 100% employment rate for graduates in CNS roles.
- The AG-CNS program provides flexible curriculum plans with 100% online courses for convenience.
- Detroit Mercy's AG-CNS graduates achieve a 98% first-time pass rate on national certification exams.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$21,276
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Why We Selected University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center:
- The program offers flexible scheduling with part-time and full-time options to accommodate working nurses.
- The curriculum prepares graduates for specialized certification exams, enhancing career opportunities.
- The hybrid program combines on-campus and online learning, providing a balanced educational experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,119
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course45%
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
DeSales University
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected DeSales University:
- Hands-on learning in a unique gross anatomy lab enhances critical care skills.
- Expert faculty guide students in evidence-based care advancements.
- Specialized focus on adult-gerontology acute care prepares students for high-acuity roles.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$21,120
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
