Clinical Nurse Specialist Online Degrees: Guide to Top Schools

Featured Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

If you’re an experienced RN who wants to become a CNS, you don’t need to worry about not having enough time for your studies. Since schools understand the needs of nurses who are currently working, these programs are often offered entirely online – with the exception of required clinical hours that are completed in an approved healthcare organization.

To further foster student success, you might be able to watch course content when it’s most convenient for you, rather than attending lectures on a set schedule.

However, you might be required to do some work on campus. Depending on the program you choose, you might need to participate in lab work or other in-person activities at your nursing school. Be sure to pay close attention to schools’ expectations as you do your research so you’ll know how much face-to-face work will be expected of you.

FAQs About Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

What types of CNS programs are available?

Online CNS programs offer various degrees to suit the needs of a range of academic levels. Whether you’re interested in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, plenty of options exist to help you meet your goals.

For example, MSN programs offer both RN-to-MSN and BSN-to-MSN options. They provide advanced training that nurses need to work as a CNS. BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP programs help learners reach the highest echelons of the discipline. Earning a CNS doctorate degree gives students the credentials needed to work in high-level research, administrative, and academic positions.

Post-master’s CNS certificate programs are designed to help RNs who already attended graduate school gain specialized skills they need to work as a clinical nurse. These programs are specifically designed for students who did not take CNS courses in their MSN program.

Can I choose a specialization in a CNS program?

Yes; some CNS programs allow students to choose a concentration if they want to specialize in a specific nursing discipline. For example, a pediatric specialization gives clinical nurse specialists the advanced skills they need to care for young patients who range in age from birth to young adulthood. Similarly, a neonatal CNS concentration is focused on working with patients from birth through age two.

The adult-gerontology CNS specialization gives students the training they need to support patients from young adulthood into their late years. It is designed for those who want to work with older patients.

Is financial aid available for CNS programs?

Yes; even if you enroll in one of the most affordable online nursing programs, you’ll likely need some help paying for your education. Many general and nursing-specific financial aid options exist; you should know where to look and how to take advantage of them.

RN scholarships and grants are available through colleges, professional associations, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Schools like University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Oklahoma offer financial aid to their students.

You might be able to take advantage of teaching and/or research assistantships, fellowships, or paid internships. These programs can provide a stipend and/or tuition assistance. Be sure to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. You might also be able to enroll in a work-study program through your school.

These options are most attractive because they might help you graduate from nursing school debt-free. However, if you still need more money after getting these types of funding, you don’t have to set aside your education goals. Student loans can help fill any holes if you can’t completely cover the cost of a CNS program.

Should a CNS program be accredited?

Yes; it is imperative that you consider nursing school accreditation when choosing a program. Attending an accredited online CNS program is one of the most important steps you can take as a student. Failing to do so can result in issues with transferring credits to other institutions, seeking certification, and competing for jobs after graduating.

Two programmatic accreditation agencies exist within the world of nursing: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

In addition to programmatic accreditation, you should also choose a school that maintains proper institutional accreditation. Organizations that accredit schools include the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Do I need a license to become a clinical nurse specialist?

Yes; you must complete a graduate-level program and receive certification from a national credentialing agency to work as a clinical nurse specialist. The AACN provides three different certifications for CNS professionals, depending on the type of specialty they practice. These options include ACCNS-AG (Adult-Gerontology), ACCNS-P (Pediatric), and ACCNS-N (Neonatal) certifications.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (AGCNS-BC). Both members and non-members of the ANCC can pursue this certification.

Career and Salary Outlook for Clinical Nurse Specialists

Before jumping headlong into a career as a CNS, it’s important to have realistic expectations of what to expect out of this career and how much money you can earn each year. The good news is, a CNS degree will be worth the time and money that you invest.

Data from O*NET OnLine projected that roles for clinical nurse specialists would increase 6% to 8% between 2023 and 2033. Those numbers mean that approximately 194,500 new jobs should be created during that time period, which is faster than the average growth for all professions.

Reasons for this growth include the ability of APRNs to perform tasks that were previously completed by doctors, a greater emphasis on preventative healthcare, and the retirement of existing CNS professionals.

In addition to healthy job growth, you can expect to earn a high salary after completing a CNS program. Professionals in this field can earn substantial salaries based on their expertise, experience, location, and the level of degree earned. Data from Payscale shows that the average salary for a CNS is approximately $102,435 per year. The bottom 10% of earners bring home approximately $74,000, while the top 10% can command wages in excess of $132,000.

Ranking the Best Online Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

The proliferation of online CNS programs continues; more options are becoming available from colleges and universities across the country. Since so many schools now offer these programs, it’s important that you conduct research to find a program that matches your academic, financial, and professional goals.

Many students work while completing a CNS program. So, finding time to conduct extensive research can be a challenge. We created data-driven, thoughtful rankings, which are listed below. Each school that is highlighted offers the accreditation that employers expect and the affordability that students need.

You can start your research by perusing the choices that we list below. You can also look at our methodology to find out how these programs were chosen.