Program Description
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) track at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing prepares students for a career as state/nationally certified clinical experts within the healthcare organization. Advanced CNS practitioner are involved in a variety of roles including educator, researcher, consultant or administrator in a health care setting.The CNS provides leadership in a clinical setting with the goal of providing quality care in a cost effective manner to individual patients or groups of patients in a selected setting or population. Through autonomous practice, the CNS works within the spheres of patient care, nursing practice, and the organization system to achieve successful outcomes.
The Adult-Gerontology BS to DNP program is 3 years and 6 months full-time. Part-time option is also available. The program is offered in a hybrid format, only requiring four days on campus each quarter.
Program Length
3-4 years full-time5 years part-time
Possible Careers
Clinical nursing leadership positions in acute-care settingsApplication Deadlines
There are currently no published application deadlines.Prerequisites
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program
- GPA of 3.0, both cumulative and in nursing courses
- Current United States RN license before application*
- One year of RN experience in the area of desired clinical concentration is strongly advised for application competitiveness
- Application with personal statement
- Three electronic recommendations (recommenders will receive an email once application is submitted) – preferred: professor, current work supervisor
- Official transcripts for all college credits
- Shadowing highly recommended (4 to 8 hours)
- Interview by faculty members in the School of Nursing
Discipline Accrediting Agency
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are prepared for certification by the State of California and the American Nurses Association as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.State Accrediting Agency
Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).The California Board of Registered Nursing granted continuing approval in 2010 to the School of Nursing.
Expected Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2021-2022
| Year of Program: | Year | Year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | — | — | $27,200 | $26,350 | $17,000 | $22,100 |
| Fees | — | — | $2,757 | $2,757 | $2,757 | $2,757 |
| Books & Supplies | — | — | $1,340 | $1,785 | $950 | $110 |
| Instruments | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) | — | — | $50 | — | — | — |
| Total | — | — | $31,347 | $30,892 | $20,707 | $24,967 |
Notes
Tuition/Fees is an estimation based on 3 quarters with an average of 10 units (2 classes) per quarter. Living Expenses is calculated for financial aid purposes and is based on 3 quarters (9 months). Actual amounts may vary.70-75% of LLU Nursing students receive financial aid.
Estimated Living Expenses
Academic Year 2021-2022, off campus, with a roommate
| Year of Program: | Year | Year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Months enrolled | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | ||
| Room & Board | — | — | $13,275 | $13,275 | $13,275 | $13,275 |
| Transportation | — | — | $2,880 | $2,880 | $2,880 | $2,880 |
| Personal Expenses | — | — | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 | $2,250 |
Notes
- Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
- International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
- In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.