Clinical Nurse Leader Concentration

The CNL is designed for the nurse who wants to assume a leadership role wherever healthcare is delivered and impact quality and safety in patient care. This emerging nursing role was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to improve the quality of patient care and better prepare nurses to thrive in the complex healthcare arena.

Clinical Nurse Leader Applicant Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in nursing from CCNE, ACICS, ACEN, or NLN accredited program of nursing is required.  Requirements for admission include an application, transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, pre-requisite statistics course with a grade of B- or better, and a copy of current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practice requirements will be completed. A GRE score may be required. One year of clinical experience is preferred prior to beginning clinical courses.

The Clinical Nurse Leader curriculum may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, health promotion, and patient/family education deepen the student’s understanding of wellness, illness and treatment modalities.

Courses in organizational theory, leadership development, informatics, healthcare quality, finance and economics, ethics, and a role seminar prepare the student to be a leader in the clinical area.

Courses in research and statistics teach the student how to strengthen evidence-based practice. The CNL Clinical Practicum enables the student to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical application. A microsystem project culminates the student’s application of the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired throughout the CNL education experience.

The CNL’s graduate education prepares the individual to practice at a higher level of clinical competence at the point of care, improve patient outcomes, serve as a leader within the interprofessional team, and be a resource for nurses.

Upon graduation, candidates are eligible to sit for certification through The Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), which is the autonomous arm of AACN responsible for all certification functions. The CNL certification is based upon a national standard of requisite knowledge and experiences, thereby assisting employers, the public, and members of the health professions in the assessment of a CNL.