School of Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role provides leadership for the nursing care of clients at the point-of-care in a variety of care settings. The CNL, with a broad based graduate nursing education, oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of clients, be they individuals, families or populations. Clinically competent from focused experiences as a registered nurse and the clinical emphasis of our program, the CNL actively provides direct care in complex situations. This clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that clients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL collects and evaluates client outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician functions as part of an interdisciplinary team by communicating, planning, and implementing care directly with other health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners.

Visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing CNL website and review these definitions of the CNL role written by practicing CNLs.  A DVD about the CNL role has been developed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and is available for purchase for $8 here. Further, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has created a nationwide CNL Job Bank to help CNLs in their search for employment - visit this job bank to view CNL job opportunities and descriptions.

Our CNL master's program option is designed for the working nurse. The program is 6 semesters (2 years) long and involves part-time coursework (2-3 courses per semester) so students are able to work full time.  Courses are conducted using a blended format of in-person immersion weekend sessions and web-based learning modalities.  In general, weekend immersions involve full days of class on Saturdays and Sundays approximately 3 to 5 times each semester.  See the weekend immersion calendar for Spring 2013 through Fall 2013.The last three semesters of the program include clinical experiences (a total of 500 clinical hours).

The priority application deadline to begin the CNL master's program option in Summer 2014 is January 15, 2014. However, all completed applications received by the Graduate School after the deadline will be reviewed as long as there is adequate processing time and space available. Orientation for students admitted to the summer 2014 cohort will take place on May 8 and 9, 2014 and classes will begin on Monday, May 12, 2014.

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Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
CNL Student Testimonials