If you’re still in high school and you’ve already decided that becoming a CNS is the right choice for you, consider having a talk with your guidance counselor about your career plans. See whether you can add more science and math classes to your schedule, along with any health-related courses your school may offer. It’s also a good idea to look for internships, part-time jobs and volunteer opportunities at a local hospital, clinic or home health agency.
After high school, you’ll need to earn a four-year degree in nursing. Look for an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (pre-licensure) degree. As a nursing student, you’ll take a blend of classroom lectures, lab courses and clinical rotations.
Once you earn your bachelor’s degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to acquire your nursing license. Then, you’ll need to spend a few years as a working nurse to gain practical experience while sharpening your nursing competencies. The next step is to head to graduate school to earn either a master’s degree or a doctorate; you may also want to earn a nursing education certificate.
After completing your graduate education, you’ll almost be ready to begin working as a clinical nurse specialist. The final steps are to pass the certification exam for aspiring CNS providers, and to apply for state certification in your specialty area.
After high school, the first step in the process of how to become a clinical nurse specialist is to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. You can expect this to take four years of intensive, full-time study. During the first part of your degree program (pre-clinical), you’ll take classes and labs, studying topics such as the following:
- General, organic and biochemistry
- Human anatomy and physiology, with a look at immunity, metabolism, acid–base balance and all of the bodily systems
- Pathophysiology, including the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of diseases and other health conditions
- Lifespan development of individuals, including their physical, cognitive, social and psychological development
- Behavioral healthcare, with a look at nursing interventions and pharmacotherapy for patients with serious and chronic mental illnesses
After you complete the pre-clinical portion of your degree, you’ll begin your clinical rotations. The clinical program is designed to enable you to take what you’ve learned at school and put it to work in a nursing environment. You’ll be assigned to a nursing unit in a hospital or clinic, where you’ll provide care to your patients under the close supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
Upon graduating with your BSN, the next step in the process of how to become a CNS is to earn your nursing license. All aspiring RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is a national exam that takes up to five hours to complete. If you don’t pass the exam the first time, you’ll be able to retake it.
It’s best not to make any major plans following your graduation. You’ll need to spend as much time as possible preparing for the NCLEX-RN. Try to schedule the exam within a couple of months of your graduation date so that the material is still fresh in your mind.
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and receive your state nursing license, you’ll be ready to apply to nursing jobs. You’ll need to acquire a few years of nursing experience before heading back to school.
At this time, you may want to apply to a nursing residency program. These programs are designed specifically for new nurses who prefer a structured entry into the nursing profession. You can expect plenty of hands-on work, along with additional classroom instruction and mentorship. Residency programs are typically offered by large healthcare systems and university hospitals.
Another option to consider is becoming a travel nurse. This path can be particularly well suited to new nurses, who are less likely to have started a family. As a travel nurse, you would join a travel nurse agency that would connect you to temporary nursing jobs. Working as a travel nurse is an exciting opportunity to travel and enjoy being a long-term tourist while also working and acquiring nursing experience.
No matter which option you choose, remember that nursing involves lifelong education. Make sure to stay on top of the latest research and trends in nursing by reading professional publications and connecting with your professional network. You’ll also need to complete continuing education courses to maintain your license.
When you’re ready to head back to school, you’ll need to consider whether to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Currently, it’s possible to become a clinical nurse specialist with a master’s degree. However, there have been some calls for the DNP to be considered the minimum qualification for an APRN. When researching MSN or DNP programs, look for programs specifically designed for clinical nurse specialists.
Both MSN and DNP CNS programs will take a deep dive into advanced topics of relevance for an aspiring CNS, such as nursing research and evidence-based practice. However, an MSN does not require original research and a dissertation, whereas a DNP program does.
Once you graduate with your MSN or DNP CNS, you're ready to sit for your certification exam. The organization responsible for certifying new clinical nurse specialists is the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which administers the certification programs.
To become certified, you’ll need to submit proof of your eligibility, such as all of your transcripts. You’ll also need to sit for a board certification exam, which may be available via live, remote proctoring in some cases. Upon successfully passing the exam, you’ll be able to apply for APRN certification from your state board of licensure.
Note that your board certification from the ANCC will eventually expire. When you receive your certification, make a note of the expiration date and develop a plan to complete all required professional development activities over the next few years. Be sure to submit your application for renewal well ahead of the expiration date of your certification.