The Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares nurses to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by the broader patient base and health care system. Learn how to put evidence-based practice into action and expand your role as a leader.

Program Length

37 credits

Plus 448 clinical immersion hours

 

Program Format

Hybrid Online

Coursework is offered in-person or online in the evenings.

Application Deadline

Sept. 15

For the Spring 2026 semester start

CNL LogoGraduates of this program will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam with the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) to earn professional certification as a CNL. Over the last four years, 100% of our CNL graduates passed the CNL certification exam on their first attempt. 

Why Become a CNL?

There is a critical need to improve the quality of patient care outcomes. Nurses who earn a master's degree as a CNL become clinical leaders who work at the complex intersection of clinical care, population health, and health care management to focus on safety and quality.

Nurse with mask on looking at iPad in clinical setting

Program Curriculum & Outcomes

We were one of the first institutions to offer a master’s degree aligned with the CNL certification, and we are the only CNL program in Upstate NY. The CNL program features hybrid coursework and an immersion experience/capstone project, preparing nurses to:

  • put evidence-based clinical practice into action with a focus on safety and quality
  • improve patient care at the point of care delivery
  • expand their role as care coordinators, clinical informaticists, unit educators, program coordinators, nurse managers, or nurse executives. 
Quotation Mark

The CNL degree really prepares you to jump into any environment and change it for the better. In my current role, I am able to dive into clinical challenges that people are having or clinical workflows on a unit and find ways for technology to meet those needs.

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Rachel Steffen, CNL, RN-BC Headshot

Rachel Steffen, CNL, RN-BC

Program Director of Nursing Informatics, UR Medicine

Meet the Program Director

Maria A. Marconi, EdD, RN, CNE

Maria A. Marconi, EdD, RN, CNE

Director, Leadership and Nursing Education programs

Maria Marconi is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education leader with expertise in nursing education, curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation. She has consulted and presented extensively in the area of academic program development and student learning assessments for pre-licensure programs, focusing on optimizing NCLEX-RN outcomes.

See Maria's Profile

Explore More

Learn more about the Clinical Nurse Leader program, how to apply, and financial aid and scholarship information.

Academics & Curriculum

Eligibility & Admissions

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Interested in a master's in leadership program? Connect with us to learn about the benefits of earning your master's from the University of Rochester.

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