Overview
The Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to function as an advanced practice nurse to meet the needs of adult-geriatric patients. Students can develop subspecialty expertise within the adult-gerontology population including such areas as cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and oncology, among others. CNSs are equipped to advance quality of care, integrate evidence into practice, develop and lead clinical innovations, and improve patient and system outcomes. Graduates practice in a wide range of health care settings that include hospitals and acute care, long-term care, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation care.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist curriculum prepares graduates to apply for and sit for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Adult Gerontology certification exam.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are enrolled in the prescribed courses and to pay tuition and fees at the time designated by the Bursar's Office. Details regarding tuition/fee charges and collection are available from the Bursar's Office.
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the NursingCAS application
- Undergraduate programs: $60 for the first program; $45 for each additional program
- Graduate programs: $80 for the first program; $50 for each additional program
Step 2
Complete the OUHC Supplemental application
- Undergraduate and Graduate programs: $75 application fee
- Applicants are advised to have a copy of their transcript from every College or University attended available as reference when completing the application process.
Program Objectives
Those who earn a post-graduate clinical nurse specialist certificate often:
- Lead and collaborate in an interdisciplinary healthcare team
- Assist and offer guidance to patients and their families as they navigate the complex healthcare delivery system
- Serve as educators, consultants, evidence-based researchers, change agents and case managers, as well as clinical nurses
