Clinical Nurse Specialist

Career Description

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are registered nurses who specialize in a speciﬁc ﬁeld of clinical practice.

Annual Salary

Entry: $50,461	Mean: $62,338	Experienced: $75,088
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $24.26	Mean: $29.97	Experienced: $36.10
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

Educational programs for the various specialties may have different entrance requirements. Most require a registered nursing license and some clinical experience in the chosen specialty. Upon graduation, a master’s degree usually is awarded, and graduates are prepared to take a national certiﬁcation exam.

Schools

View Nursing Schools in Kansas City

Professional Associations

National
American Nurses Association
Discover Nursing
National League for Nursing

State
Missouri Nursing Coalition
Missouri Professional And Practical Nursing Student Loan Program
Missouri State Board of Nursing

Additional Information

Learn More About Nursing
Read Personal Accounts of Current Nurses