Below is a complete list of nationally accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
(found programs from 171 schools)
Featured School | |
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| D’Youville College Campus Location(s): Buffalo, NY Accreditation: CCNE accredited Featured CNS Programs: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health | ![]() |
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The good news is that you can find a lot of clinical nurse specialist programs to choose from. In case you want to use the Wizard to do a more specific search (nursing schools by state, online RN to MSN programs, etc.), just use the search box in the upper right corner of this page.
What Does A Clinical Nurse Specialist / CNS Actually Do?
There are a lot of similarities between the CNS and NP specialties in terms of populations and sub-specialties. However, the Clinical Nurse Specialist often works in a hospital setting, providing expert care and mentoring other staff members, whereas Nurse Practitioners frequently work outside of the hospital, in more generalist roles.
You can find more information about this role on the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) website. Interestingly, according to the NACNS, over 14,000 nurses are certified as both Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists. A number of the program tracks below prepare students for both - make sure to ask the school whether this is the case or whether you have to choose between the two of them. The average salary of a Clinical Nurse Specialist is slightly lower than an NP’s - in the $75,000 to $80,000 range.
How Do I Become A Clinical Nurse Specialist?
The first step in becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist is to attend a nationally accredited Masters program that offers CNS tracks. As with other roles, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the primary and most respected source of board certifications, offering them for:
- Adult Health CNS
- Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health CNS
- Child\Adolescent Psych & Mental Health CNS
- CNS Core Exam
- Diabetes Management - Advanced
- Gerontological CNS
- Home Health CNS
- Pediatric CNS
- Public/Community Health CNS
Other specialty certifications are available from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation, and the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board. You will take the appropriate certification exam at the end of your degree program. As always, make sure to check with the Board of Nursing in the state where you intend to practice, for any state specific requirements.
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Alabama |
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| Auburn University-Auburn & Auburn University-Montgomery (Auburn, AL) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Nursing Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Troy University (Troy, AL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS, Maternal-Infant Health CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville (Huntsville, AL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Mental Health CNS, Maternal Child Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Arizona |
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| Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist: Education Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Public Health Nursing CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Arkansas |
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| Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Nursing CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Medical-Surgical Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AR) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Community/Family Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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California |
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| Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Nurse Practitioner, Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| California State University - Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| California State University - Fresno (Fresno, CA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| California State University - Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| California State University - Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Loma Linda University (Loma Linda, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult and Aging Family CNS, Growing Family CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Mount Saint Mary’s College (Los Angeles, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Track Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and Elderly (Acute Critical Care Nursing NP/CNS CNS or Nurse Educator) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| San Francisco State University (San Francisco, CA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of California Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care (CNS and/or NP), Gerontology (CNS and/or NP), Oncology (CNS and/or NP), Pediatric (CNS and/or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of California San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Cardiovascular Nursing (CNS), Critical Care/Trauma Nursing CNS, Gerontological Nursing (CNS or NP), Oncology Nursing (CNS or NP), Perinatal Nursing Advanced Practice (CNS), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Advanced Practice (CNS or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Colorado |
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| University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs, CO) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Colorado Denver (Denver, CO) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
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Connecticut |
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| Saint Joseph College (West Hartford, CT) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing (CNS or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Acute Care (CNS or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Western Connecticut State University (Danbury, CT) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Yale University (New Haven, CT) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (NP or CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Delaware |
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| University of Delaware (Newark, DE) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Wesley College (Dover, DE) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
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District Of Columbia |
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| Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS/Nurse Educator, Community/Public Health Nurse Specialist Educator Program (CNS), Immigrant Refugee & Global Health CNS, Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute & Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Florida |
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| Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS/NP Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Georgia |
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| Armstrong Atlantic State University (Savannah, GA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Emory University (Atlanta, GA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Family Nurse-Midwife Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Georgia College and State University (Milledgevilee, GA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Nursing - CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS/NP, Child Health CNS/Pediatric NP, Perinatal CNS/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health CNS/NP Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Mercer University (Atlanta, GA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Hawaii |
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| Hawaii Pacific University (Kaneohe, HI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Clinical Nurse Specialist Educator Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, HI) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS, Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS, Child & Adolescent Psychiatric/Mental Health CSN Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
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Idaho |
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| Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Medical-Surgical Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Illinois |
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| Governors State University (University Park, IL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: CNS in Adult Health Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care CNS, Adult Health CNS, Cardiovascular Health and Disease Management CNS, Cardiovascular Health and Disease Management CNS/ANP, Oncology CNS, Oncology CNS/ANP Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse, Community Health Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community/Public Health CNS (PHCNS), Critical Care CNS (CCCS), Gerontological CNS, Medical-Surgical CNS, Pediatric CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Saint Anthony College of Nursing (Rockford, IL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing (Peoria, IL) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Child and Family Nursing (CNL CNS or Educator), Medical-Surgical Nursing (CNL CNS or Educator) Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, IL) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care (CNS or NP), Advanced Community Health Nurse Specialist, Geriatric (CNS or NP), Mental Health (CNS or NP), Occupational Health/Advanced Community Health Nurse Specialist, Pediatric (CNS or NP), Perinatal CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Saint Francis (Joliet, IL) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| West Suburban College of Nursing (Oak Park, IL) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS | |
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Indiana |
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| Ball State University (Muncie, IN) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Purdue University Calumet (Hammond, IN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Saint Francis (Crown Point, IN / Fort Wayne, IN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Iowa |
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| University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult/Gerontological NP or CNS, Community Health Nursing (CNS), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (CNS or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Kansas |
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| Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Family CNS, Gerontology CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Kansas (Kansas City, KS) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult/Gerontological Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Wichita State University (Wichita, KS) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health & Illness Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Kentucky |
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| Murray State University (Murray, KY) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Louisiana |
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| Intercollegiate Consortium - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult/Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Intercollegiate Consortium - Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond, LA) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult/Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans, LA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Nursing CNS, Parent-Child Health Nursing CNS, Psychiatric and Community Mental Health Nursing CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Maine |
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| Husson College (Bangor, ME) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Southern Maine (Portland, ME) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (AHCNS), Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (APMH/CNS), Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist & Nurse Practitioner (APMH/CNS-NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Maryland |
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| Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Forensic Nursing Focus, Clinical Nurse Specialist/Health Systems Management, Women’s Health CNS/Nurse Midwifery Track (Midwifery is in partnership with Shenandoah University) Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (Bethesda, MD) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Maryland (Baltimore, MD) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: CNS/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, CNS/Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program, CNS/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing CNS/NP Adult Focus, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing CNS/NP Family Focus Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
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Massachusetts |
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| Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health NP/CNS, Community Health NP/CNS, Family Health NP/CNS, Forensic Nursing CNS, Gerontological NP/CNS, Pediatric Health NP/CNS, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP/CNS, Women's Health NP/CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Worcester, MA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: MSN with Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions (Boston, MA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care CNS, Adult Primary Care CNS, Family CNS, Gerontology CNS, Pediatrics CNS, Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS, Women’s Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Northeastern University (Boston, MA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult or Child Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Regis College (Weston, MA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute/Critical Care Clinical Specialist Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Salem State College (Salem, MA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice I Rehabilitation Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| University of Massachusetts - Lowell (Lowell, MA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Worcester State College (Worcester, MA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
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Michigan |
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| Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids, MI) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult/Elderly APN (NP/CNS), Child APN (NP/CNS), Family APN (NP/CNS), Mental Health APN (NP/CNS), Women’s Health APN (NP/CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Madonna University (Livonia, MI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health: CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Nursing Education (NE) with CNS Option Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Care/Public Health/Home Health Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist, Occupational Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric Mental Health - CNS and NP Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Minnesota |
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| College of St. Scholastica (Duluth, MN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Minnesota State University Mankato (Mankato, MN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (Moorhead, MN) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Winona State University (Winona, MN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Missouri |
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| Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult (NP CNS or Nurse Educator), Gerontological (NP CNS or Nurse Educator), Pediatric (CNS NP or Nurse Educator), Psychiatric/Mental Health (CNS NP or Nurse Educator) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Missouri - Columbia (Columbia, MO) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Nebraska |
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| Creighton University (Omaha, NE) Program Types: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner/CNS, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, NE) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Gerontological and Geropsychiatric Nursing (NP or CNS), Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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New Jersey |
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| Rutgers The State University of New Jersey-Newark (Newark, NJ) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care of the Adult and Aged (NP or CNS), Advanced Practice in Pediatric Nursing (NP or CNS), Community Health Nursing NP/CNS, Oncology (Adult and/or Pediatric), Primary Care of the Adult and Aged (NP or CNS), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (NP or CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (Newark, NJ) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Child & Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey (Wayne, NJ) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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New Mexico |
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| New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community/Public Health CNS, Medical Surgical (Adult Health) CNS, Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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New York |
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| D’Youville College Campus Location(s): Buffalo, NY Accreditation: CCNE accredited Featured CNS Programs: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health | ![]() |
| Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY) Program Types: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Health Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gerontological Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| College of New Rochelle (New Rochelle, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: CNS in Holistic Nursing Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| CUNY - College of Staten Island (Staten Island, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Nursing CNS, Adult Health Nursing CNS/NP, Gerontological Nursing CNS, Gerontological Nursing CNS/NP Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Lehman College-The City University of New York (Bronx, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Nursing CNS, Advanced Nursing CNS, Nursing of Older Adults CNS, Parent-Child Nursing CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Long Island University C. W. Post Campus (Brookville, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Molloy College (Rockville Centre, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatry NP Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Sage Colleges (Troy, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health (NP or CNS), Community Health (CNS CLS Educator or Administrator), Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (NP CNS NP/CNS Educator or Administrator) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Saint Joseph’s College (Brooklyn, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult/Gerontology CNS, Maternal-Child CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| St. Joseph’s College (Brooklyn, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| State University of New York Downstate Medical Center (Brooklyn, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult Track), Clinical Nurse Specialist (High Risk Mother and Infant Track) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| State University of New York Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Perinatal/Women's Health NP/CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University at Buffalo - SUNY (Buffalo, NY) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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North Carolina |
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| Duke University (Durham, NC) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Critical Care (NP or CNS), Gerontology (NP or CNS), Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Oncology (NP or CNS), Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Children’s Health (PNP or CNS), Psychiatric/Mental (CNS or NP/CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Greensboro, NC) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
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North Dakota |
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| North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Gerontology Nursing (CNS or NP), Psychiatric/Mental Health (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Ohio |
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| University of Cincinnati ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Campus Location(s): Cincinnati, OH Accreditation: CCNE accredited Featured CNS Programs: Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator | ![]() |
| Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Public Health Nursing, GNP/Gerontological CNS, Medical Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psych-Mental Health NP/CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Kent State University (Kent, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS, Pediatric CNS, Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Malone College (Canton, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing (Columbus, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health & Illness (ANP or CNS or ANP/CNS), Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (NP or CNS), Women’s Health (NP or CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Akron (Akron, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Gerontological Health Nursing - CNS, Behavioral Health Nursing - CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Toledo (Toledo, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Wright State University (Dayton, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Child/Adolescent Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist for Chronic Illness Care, School Nursing CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
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Oklahoma |
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| University of Oklahoma Health Science Center (Oklahoma City, OK) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care CNS, Case Management CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
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Pennsylvania |
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| Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health & Illness, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| DeSales University (Center Valley, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Advanced Practice Nurse/CNS Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Gannon University (Erie, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Medical-Surgical CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Gwynedd-Mercy College (Gwynedd Valley, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: CNS in Gerontology, CNS in Oncology, CNS in Pediatrics Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| La Salle University (Philadelphia, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health and Illness CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Misericordia University (Dallas, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS, Clinical Trials Research CNS, Community Health CNS, Gerontology CNS, Nursing Administration CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited | |
| Thomas Jefferson University (Danville, PA / Philadelphia, PA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care (NP and/or CNS), Adult Health (NP and/or CNS), Pediatric (NP and/or CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Option Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Medical-Surgical, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Psychiatric Mental Health Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (West Chester, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Gerontological Nursing (CNS), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| York College of Pennsylvania (York, PA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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South Carolina |
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| Clemson University (Clemson, SC) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult/Gerontological Nursing (CNS), Child/Adolescent Nursing (CNS) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care Clinical Specialist, Community/Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Specialist or Clinical Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Tennessee |
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| King College (Bristol, TN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Union University (Jackson, TN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Nurse Practitioner/CNS Track Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Tennessee Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Specialist, Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Women’s Health Clinical Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Management Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
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Texas |
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| Angelo State University (San Angelo, TX) ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Nursing, RN-MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Nursing Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
| Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Health (Medical-Surgical) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Houston, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care Nursing (CNS or NP), Adult Health (CNS NP or Education), Gerontological Nursing (CNS NP or Education) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Critical Care Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist), Medical-Surgical Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, TX) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Utah |
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| Brigham Young University (Provo, UT) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Vermont |
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| University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (CNS or NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Virginia |
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| Liberty University ONLINE CNS PROGRAMS OFFERED Campus Location(s): Lynchburg, VA Accreditation: CCNE accredited Featured CNS Programs: Acute Care CNS | ![]() |
| Radford University (Radford, VA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Geronotology Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric Mental Health (CNS NP or CNS/NP) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute and Specialty Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: NLNAC accredited | |
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Washington |
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| Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, WA) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Washington (Seattle, WA) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Forensic Nurse Specialist (APFNS), Clinical Nurse Specialist (Neonatal or Perinatal) Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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Wisconsin |
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| Alverno College (Milwaukee, WI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist / Nurse Educator Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) Program Types: Direct Entry MSN, Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS, Older Adults CNS, Pediatric Primary Care NP/CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (Eau Claire, WI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Medical-Surgical CNS Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
| University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI) Program Types: Masters in Nursing Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Accreditation: CCNE accredited | |
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