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
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2021 | Apr 1, 2021 | — | Jul 15, 2021 |
| Winter of 2022 | Feb 1, 2021 | — | Aug 1, 2021 |
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.
