Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader (M.S.)

Students graduate as an advanced generalist Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) with a master of science degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Clinical Nurse Leader national certification examination. The CNL is a role in the field of nursing designed to provide master's­-prepared, point-of-care nurse leaders with the ability to manage and solve complex patient problems within a systems framework.

Admission Requirements

Registered nurses (RNs) who have successfully passed the NCLEX­-RN, currently hold an unencumbered, active RN license in the United States, and who hold a baccalaureate degree in either nursing or another field can be considered for admission. Applicants are required to have a good academic record and completion of coursework in statistics and research.  The following is required:

1. Unencumbered, active RN license in the United States
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing or another field
3. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in associate and baccalaureate programs
4. Nursing experience is preferred but not required for Clinical Nurse Leader and Evidence-Based Practice tracks
5. 3 letters of recommendation

   Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted. Professional references should be substantial, and one academic recommendation is recommended.

6.  Personal Statement. Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
   1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
   2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

RNs whose baccalaureate degree is in a field other than nursing may apply to the master of science degree in nursing (MS) program and will be considered for the track that is commensurate with their clinical experience based on faculty discretion.

Degree Requirements

Clinical Hours: 500*

*

Clinical hours are completed through the following required courses: NURS 926, NURS 927, NURS 928.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Program Learning Outcomes

The Masters of Science Clinical Nurse Leader program builds upon the skills of the baccalaureate prepared nurse.

At the completion of the Master's nursing program, the graduate student is prepared to:

• Integrate, translate, and apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines, to formulate clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice.
• Design person-centered care that builds on a scientific body of knowledge focusing on individuals with multiple complicated circumstances, including family and/or important others.
• Advocate for healthcare delivery from public health prevention to disease management through collaborative activities for equitable population health outcomes.
• Disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health care.
• Integrate established and emerging principles of safety as core nursing values to enhance quality and minimize harm to patients and providers.
• Lead collaborative care teams to optimize patient outcomes and improve health care experiences.
• Coordinate resources for diverse populations to provide safe, quality, and equitable care.
• Utilize informatics and communication technologies in developing and delivering optimal healthcare services according to best practice and professional and regulatory standards.
• Cultivate a sustainable professional nursing identity that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values.
• Utilizes leadership skills, change theories, and effective decision making in advanced nursing roles in the provision of care.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

This is a non-licensure degree program. No additional license is required to practice in this field.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for more information about university programs that lead to professional licensure or certification eligibility.