Clinical Nurse Specialist

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing program is to prepare professional nurses for advanced practice and to provide a base for doctoral study. The clinical nurse specialist track leads to specialty practice based on relevant theories and research findings. The scope of practice includes expert nursing care of individuals, families and communities. The clinical nurse specialist track offers specialization in gerontology and oncology. Graduates of the clinical nurse specialist track are prepared to deliver direct and indirect advanced practice nursing care through implementation of the sub-roles of the clinical nurse specialist including clinician, educator, manager and researcher. In addition, they are prepared to assume entry-level positions in nursing education or nursing management. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations after accrual of the number of hours of advanced nursing practice specified by the nursing organization offering certification.

Curriculum

The curriculum provides for the attainment of knowledge, skills, values and competencies necessary for advanced nursing practice. The content of the clinical nurse specialist curriculum was developed to conform to professional guidelines such as those published by the John Hartford Foundation’s core curriculum, and advanced practice standards published by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

The curriculum is comprised of six core courses (19 credits), one elective course (3 credits) and 21 credits of specialty courses for a total of 43 credits. The core courses are required of all students. Clinical nurse specialist students choose a specialty track of oncology or gerontology and a role area of management or teaching. The curriculum includes 500 hours of precepted clinical and role specialty practice. The practice environments for the clinical nurse specialist students include ambulatory care, acute care, rehabilitation and long-term care settings. Students are expected to complete core courses prior to courses in their specialty area. This program may be completed on either a full or part-time basis.

Special Opportunities

The College’s prime location in the Philadelphia metropolitan area offers affiliations with many clinical sites where students have the opportunity to do complete clinical rotations. Beyond the Philadelphia area, sites include affiliations in New Jersey, Delaware and other areas of Pennsylvania including Reading, Allentown and Bethlehem.

SimMan™ and SimBaby™ are used in the nursing skills lab to aid in completing advanced assessment utilizing educational technology.

Career Opportunities

The demand for advanced practice nurses has increased dramatically during the current nursing shortage, the “graying” of America, the crisis of escalating costs and no access to care for under and uninsured Americans. Health care reform models include advanced practice nurses to provide expert care. Clinical nurse specialists may be direct care providers in hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices and communities. Graduates also obtain positions as nurse managers, educators and researchers in multiple settings.