DNP Clinical Nurse Specialist
The clinical nurse specialist program prepares graduates at the doctoral level for advanced practice with a focus on pediatric populations. The CNS influences care outcomes by providing direct patient care, expert consultation for nursing staffs, and implementing improvements in health care delivery systems with a particular expertise in evidence-based practice, safety, and quality.
As a CNS, you will integrate care across the continuum through three spheres of influence:
- Direct patient care
- Nursing and nursing practice
- Systems and organizations
Clinical nurse specialists practice in academic medical centers as well as community hospitals. They work in many settings such as critical care units, sub-acute settings, inpatient units, and specialty practices such as cardiology and orthopedics. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams for the role by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Clinical Experience
One year of full-time experience or its equivalent as a registered nurse is preferred.
*Only accepting students that reside in Texas and New Mexico
DNP Program Highlights
- Admission requirements
- Online Format
- Spring or Fall term admission
- Pediatric focus
- 66 hours total (includes minimum 1,000 clinical hours)
- Three-year track or four-year track available
- Clinical practicum experiences with qualified preceptors take place close to home when possible
- On-Campus Intensives for skills development (one required)
See the course catalog to learn more about our curriculum.