Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree Programs
(found programs from 194 schools)


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 tends to be slightly lower than an NP’s.

Below are links to complete lists of Clinical Nurse Specialist programs in each state.


Show me all the CNS programs in:




Interview with NACNS President, Stephen Patten




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.

Expert Advice: What do Clinical Nurse Specialists do?

Lorry Schoenly, PhD, RN is a nurse writer and educator with over 25 years of experience. She has been certified in five different clinical specialties including critical care and emergency nursing. Starting as an associate degree registered nurse, she continued her schooling in traditional and distance-learning settings to obtain a BSN, MSN, and PhD in nursing while working full-time and raising a family. Lorry teaches nursing in a variety of settings including webinars and online nursing courses.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) perform a variety of functions in a healthcare system geared toward improving nursing care, systems and processes. CNS’s are masters prepared and demonstrate advanced knowledge, skill and ability in a clinical specialty. Clinical nurse specialists can work in almost any specialty area and usually first develop their knowledge, skill and ability through work at a staff level of clinical practice. Once proficient, advanced knowledge is developed by pursuing a graduate degree.

CNS’s analyze complex patient and clinical system issues and provide support for the care delivered. This might involve creating or revising clinical processes, implementing new clinical practices, or assisting staff nurses with complex care delivery. Clinical nurse specialists also provide education to staff members to improve skills and lead clinical discussions to improve critical thinking and clinical judgment among staff members in their specialty area. The Clinical Nurse Specialist is often the team member who assists in translating nursing research into practice. Because of the systems approach of the CNS position, nurses in this role often have positions on committees in the healthcare organization that review new equipment, create new policies, or approve research protocols.

Clinical Nurse Specialists most often work in large healthcare organizations within the management of the unit delivering specialty care. For example, an organization may have an Emergency CNS or a Critical Care CNS. These specialists may also have positions within freestanding specialty organizations such as organ transplant or dialysis units.

Nurses who enjoy this position usually have a passion for their chosen clinical specialty and the ability to initiate and implement change. Those who wish to enter the position should seek a graduate degree in a favored clinical specialty. With solid clinical background in the specialty and a graduate degree in hand, a nurse can begin applying for entry-level CNS positions. In a tight job market, nurses who have worked on unit projects such as evaluating new equipment, revising policies or precepting new staff will have the advantage.

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Alabama

Auburn University at Montgomery (Auburn, AL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Nursing
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (Huntsville, AL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS)
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 South Alabama (Mobile, AL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS (online), Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Community Mental Health CNS (online), Maternal Child Health CNS (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Arizona

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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Public Health Nursing CNS (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Arkansas

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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Medical-Surgical (online)
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

Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
California State University-Fresno (Fresno, CA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Dominican University of California (San Rafael, CA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - 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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
San Jose State University (San Jose, CA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - School Nurse CNS
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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, BSN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP/CNS, Masters in Nursing - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP/CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Colorado

Colorado State University-Pueblo (Pueblo, CO)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health CNS
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

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Acute Care (CNS or NP)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, CT)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing (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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (NP or CNS)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Delaware

Delaware State University (Dover, DE)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Public/Community Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Delaware (Newark, DE)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
Wesley College (Dover, DE)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
Widener University (Wilmington, DE)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health-Gerontology Nursing & Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing CNS
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District Of Columbia

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
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Florida

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

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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Family Nurse-Midwife
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville, 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 / Macon, GA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Master of Science in Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Hawaii

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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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

Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Medical-Surgical (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Illinois

DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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
Resurrection University (Oak Park, IL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health CNS
Rush University (Chicago, IL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Community/Public Health CNS (PHCNS) (online), 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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Child and Family Nursing (CNL CNS or Educator) (online), Medical-Surgical Nursing (CNL CNS or Educator) (online)
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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 St. Francis (Joliet, IL)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Indiana

Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Health (online)
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

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

Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, KS)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Family CNS, Gerontology CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Kansas Medical Center (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

Murray State University (Murray, KY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: MSN - Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, MSN - Public Health Nursing
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

Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (Hammond, LA / Lake Charles, LA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Adult/Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Louisiana State University-Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (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

Husson University (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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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

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: Trauma, Critical Care, and Emergency Nursing: A Blended Clinical Nurse Specialist and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Massachusetts

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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
Fitchburg State College (Fitchburg, MA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Forensic Nursing 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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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-Boston (Boston, MA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master's Program in Nursing - Acute and Critical Care CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (North Dartmouth, MA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health, Community Health CNS
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

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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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
Oakland University (Rochester, MI)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - 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

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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
Program Types: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health, Gerontology and Pediatrics CNS
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

Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
St. Louis University (Saint Louis, MO)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult (NP CNS or Nurse Educator) (online), Gerontological (NP CNS or Nurse Educator) (online), Pediatric (CNS NP or Nurse Educator) (online), Psychiatric/Mental Health (CNS NP or Nurse Educator) (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Nebraska

Creighton University (Omaha, NE)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice
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) (online), Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (CNS) (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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New Jersey

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey-Newark (Newark, NJ)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care of the Adult and Aged (NP or CNS) (online), Advanced Practice in Pediatric Nursing (NP or CNS) (online), Community Health Nursing NP/CNS (online), Oncology (Adult and/or Pediatric) (online), Primary Care of the Adult and Aged (NP or CNS) (online), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (NP or CNS) (online)
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 (Wayne, NJ)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Community Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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New Mexico

New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Community/Public Health CNS (online), Medical Surgical (Adult Health) CNS (online), Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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New York

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
CUNY-Hunter College (New York, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master's Program in Adult Health Nursing/Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
CUNY-Lehman College (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
D'Youville College (Buffalo, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
LIU Post (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
Saint Joseph's College-New York (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
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
Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Perinatal/Women's Health NP/CNS (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
SUNY-Binghamton (Binghamton, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Health Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gerontological Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
SUNY-Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The College of New Rochelle (New Rochelle, NY)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: CNS in Holistic Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Nursing
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The 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
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

Duke University (Durham, NC)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Psychiatric/Mental Health NP - Family
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The 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

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)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Gerontology Nursing (CNS or NP) (online), Psychiatric/Mental Health (CNS) (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Ohio

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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 University (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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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
The University of Toledo (Toledo, OH)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing
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
Ursuline College (Pepper Pike, OH)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health CNS
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

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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Oregon

Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, OR)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology CNS, Masters in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Pennsylvania

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
Holy Family University (Bensalem, PA / Newtown, PA / Philadelphia, PA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Community Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE 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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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
Widener University (Chester, PA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health-Gerontology Nursing & Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing CNS
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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Rhode Island

Rhode Island College (Providence, RI)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Health / Acute Care CNS, Public Health / Community Leadership (with CNS option)
University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health & Gerontology CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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South Carolina

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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South Dakota

Mount Marty College (Yankton, SD)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Masters in Nursing (Advanced Public Health Nurse Leader) (online)
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Tennessee

King College (Bristol, TN / Knoxville, TN)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The 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
Union University (Jackson, TN)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Nurse Practitioner/CNS Track
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Management
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Texas

Angelo State University (San Angelo, TX)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Nursing (online), RN-MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Nursing (online)
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 (Dallas, TX / Denton, TX / Houston, TX)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Holistic Adult Health CNS
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
The 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
The 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
The University of Texas-Pan American (Edinburg, TX)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Health CNS
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

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

The University of Vermont (Burlington, VT)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (CNS or NP)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Virginia

Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care CNS (online), Community Health CNS (online)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Radford University (Radford, VA)
Program Types: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Geronotology Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)
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, Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Washington

Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA)
Program Types: Masters in Nursing
Matching Program Tracks: Master of Science in Nursing - Mental Health CNS
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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
Matching Program Tracks: Advanced Practice Forensic Nurse Specialist (APFNS), Clinical Nurse Specialist (Neonatal or Perinatal)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Wisconsin

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: Masters in Nursing, Direct Entry MSN
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: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Matching Program Tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Maternal/Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Nursing Systems Clinical Nurse Specialist (online), Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)

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