The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) clinical nurse leader (CNL) is responsible for clinical management of comprehensive client care, for individuals and clinical populations across the continuum of care, and in multiple settings. The CNL assumes leadership/accountability for health outcomes for a specific group of clients within a unit or setting through the assimilation and application of research-based information to design, implement and evaluate plans of care. The clinical nurse leader is also responsible for the coordination and planning of care team activities and functions. Health promotion, risk reduction and improvement in point-of-care outcomes are critical elements in the role of the clinical nurse leader.

Important Program Information

• Program FAQ-- A comprehensive source of programmatic information.

• Program of Study-- A list of all required courses and number of credits for the MSN-CNL program.

• Tuition Information-- A quick guide to full-time and part-time tuition rates.

Program Highlights and Opportunities 

• The program is two years in length and offered as a part-time program of study. All courses are offered online. There is a clinical residency requirement that may be completed at the student's place of employment.  
• Employers that hire CNL graduates report they are superior patient advocates, excellent problem solvers and committed to high quality care at the bedside. 
• Master's-prepared clinical nurse leaders are actively sought by acute care and community settings. Our experience, and that of other CNL programs, reveals a high demand for CNL graduates, prepared for high-level clinical practice. 
• New community college partnerships for progression to CNL

Frank Hicks, PhD, RN
Director of Generalist Education
Phone: (312) 942-5587
Email: frank_d_hicks@rush.edu

Certification and Accreditation

The master's degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Upon graduation from the CNL program students are eligible to sit for AACN certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader.