SECTION VI: GENERAL INFORMATION ON GRADUATE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Program
Upon completion of 37 credit hours, including a minimum of 500 hours of experiential learning hours, students are prepared for successful completion of the CNL certification exam as managed by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), an autonomous arm of AACN.
A certified CNL is a master’s educated nurse, prepared for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting in today’s changing healthcare environment.
CNLs oversee:
- care coordination
- provide direct patient care in complex situations
- put evidence-based practice into action
- ensure patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery
- evaluate patient outcomes
- assess cohort risk
- have the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary
The CNL is a leader and active member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The implementation of the CNL role will vary across healthcare settings.
CNL Certification via American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Link to section
The CNL certification exam is a three-hour computerized multiple-choice exam that is governed by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), the autonomous certifying arm of the AACN. CNL students may register for and take the CNL certification exam during their final semester or upon graduation from an accredited CNL program. There is extensive guidance for exam applicants on the CNC website. Students are required to complete the application within the CNC Application Portal and are asked for the Program Director’s name and email address - for completion of the Education Documentation Form (EDF).
Please note, at URSON these forms (EDF) will be completed by the SON Registrar’s Office, (DO NOT list the CNL Program Director). The completed EDF form is due by the exam registration deadline so please be sure to submit your application promptly so that the Registrar has time to complete their validation content.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Link to section
Master of Science 37 credit hours (448 clinical hours + 56 field immersion hours) Link to section
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NUR 401 | Foundations of Scholarly Writing in the Health Professions | 1 | |
| NLX 420 | Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Educators and Nurse Leaders | 4 (including 1 credit hour [56 hours] of clinical hours) | |
| NLX 421 | Physiology, Pathophysiology, & Pharmacology for Nurse Leaders and Educators | 4 | |
| NLX 422 | Health Assessment for Nurse Leaders and Nurse Educators | 3 (including 1 credit lab) | |
| NLX 467 | Population Health | 3 | |
| NLX 470 | Foundations of Healthcare Leadership | 4 (including 1 credit hour [56 hours] of field immersion hours) | |
| NLX 473 | Financial Management for Health Care Leaders | 3 | |
| NLX 475 | Leadership in Clinical Nursing | 4 (including 2 credit hours [112 hours] of clinical hours) | |
| NLX 476 | CNL Immersion Experience | 3 (including 2 credit hours [112 hours] of clinical hours) | |
| NLX 485 | CNL Capstone | 4 (including 3 credit hours [168 hours] of clinical hours | |
| NUR 564 | Quality Safety and Informatics | 4 | |