Keywords

clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse specialist programs, clinical nurse specialist education

 

Authors

  1. GERARD, PEGGY DNSc, RN
  2. WALKER, JANE PhD, RN

Abstract

Interest in clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs is increasing rapidly, and schools of nursing are responding to the demand by expanding existing programs and opening new programs. In 2000, the Education Committee of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) surveyed master's-degree programs throughout the country and identified programs that educate CNSs. From that work, it created an updated directory of current CNS programs. This article discusses common requirements of CNS programs, suggests questions that prospective students should consider when selecting a CNS program, and provides a current list of CNS programs in the United States.