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Online MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader Track

LEAD PATIENT CARE BY LEADING YOUR TEAM.

Learn to champion patient care, lead interprofessional teams, identify advanced therapies, and communicate critical information in the MSN Clinical Nurse Leader track.

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Complete the form to learn more about this program.

  • Duration 2 years
  • Cost per Credit $630
  • Credit Hours 36

Program Benefits

  • Advance your career in a rapidly growing industry
  • Nurse-friendly, asynchronous course format
  • No campus residency required
  • CCNE-Accredited

CCNE-Accredited Experience

Achieve new heights in your vocation as you impart critical knowledge and inspire genuine enthusiasm.

The master’s degree program in nursing at Queens University of Charlotte is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Career Outlook: Growth 3x the National Average

A nursing team’s ability to provide excellent patient care owes much to its leadership and with a new set of skills, you will be prepared to make the difference. Your advanced skills will be in high demand, as opportunities for RNs climb 14.8 percent over the next decade.1

Clinical Nurse Leader:

$77,637/YEAR

As a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), you would be at the center of patient care, ensuring consistency between interprofessional teams and integrating diverse therapies into manageable plans of care. You would use your skills as a communicator and a listener as a bridge between patient and varied professionals. You would also bring a mastery of data evaluation and the technology needed to track it. The top 10 percent of CNLs earn more than $107,000 annually.2

Clinical Case Manager:

$56,460/YEAR

As a clinical case manager, you would be responsible for coordinating medical care and being an advocate for people to receive the best and most affordable healthcare available. You would use your care planning and communication skills to assist patients with chronic illnesses and other medical needs in navigating the healthcare and insurance systems. The top 10 percent of clinical case managers earn more than $76,000 annually.3

Other titles you may qualify for:

  • Nurse Navigator
  • Clinical Nurse Coordinator
  • Quality Care Coordinator
  • Clinical Program Coordinator
EXPLORE CAREERS

Curriculum: Gain Real-World, Hands-On Experience

In the Clinical Nurse Leader track, gain the skills you need to improve patient outcomes and bring an elevated service approach to your organization. You will study an ethical approach to leadership, the theory and application of advanced therapeutics, and clinical microsystem management.

This program includes a total of 400 clinical hours at a location of your choice, where you will practice the CNL role and gain real-world, hands-on experience improving outcomes with your advanced skills.

Course Spotlight: NUR 652 Management of Clinical Outcomes

Apply advanced therapeutics to complement traditional therapies and improve patient outcomes. Implement an evidence-based process for evaluating the efficacy and risks of various therapies, and learn to integrate therapies into plans of care.

SEE ALL COURSES

Course Spotlight: NUR 653 Management of the Care Environment

Focus on the management of processes and resources within the clinical care environment with the goal of achieving optimal clinical and business outcomes. The clinical component provides students with an opportunity to participate in clinical microsystems management as part of a management team.

More Track Options

MS in Nursing (MSN): Nurse Administrator

Gain the leadership and business skills to guide organizational decision-making and lead a nursing team in the Nurse Administrator track.

MS in Nursing (MSN): Nursing Informatics

Participate in the analysis, design, and implementation of information and communication systems. Study the effectiveness of nursing communications, review informatics research, and learn to deliver the education of nursing informatics and information technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you explore Queens’ Master of Science in Nursing, our dedicated staff is here to ensure your decision-making is stress-free and enjoyable. If you have a question not covered here, request more information or call 866-313-2356.

You can complete your degree program in as few as two years.

The estimated total cost of the program is $22,680. This is subject to change.

Yes, you must pick a concentration. The first six classes are core classes and you can change your concentration at any time leading up to your seventh class.

You can choose from three specializations: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Nurse Administrator, and Nursing Informatics.

The number of clinical hours required is dependent on the track chosen.

  • Clinical Nurse Leader: 400 clinical hours
  • Nurse Administrator: 225 clinical hours
  • Nursing Informatics: 225 clinical hours

Application requirements include:

  • A completed graduate application
  • Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic coursework, indicating evidence of a BSN degree earned at a regionally accredited institution and nursing program accredited by NLNAC or CCNE. RNs with bachelor’s degrees that are not in nursing may be considered for the program.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Evidence of a current unrestricted license to practice nursing in the state in which you will complete any practicum requirements of the program
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Sources:

  1. Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight™. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  2. Payscale (2019 September 3). Average Clinical Nurse Manager Salary. Retrieved September 18, 2019, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Leader/Salary.
  3. Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight™. Retrieved November 4, 2019.