Master of Science Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader Track

A certified CNL is a master’s educated nurse, prepared for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting in today’s changing environment. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. Professionals earn this distinction through CNL graduate education, supervised clinical experience, a clinical immersion, and meeting the highest standards of practice of professional nursing care validated by their performance through the CNL certification examination (Clinical Nurse Leader: CNL certification guide, 2016). It is recommended that students have had at least a minimum of two years of work experience in nursing healthcare or a professional practice setting.