FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Master’s Entry CNL

 

What is a Clinical Nurse Leader?

Clinical Nurse Leaders are registered nurses with specialized skills and knowledge about safety and error reduction to better prepare them to care for today’s patients in a complex health care environment. CNLs apply their knowledge of clinical practice to the fullest extent within the scope of RN licensure. Their practice is founded on evidence-based nursing care and team collaboration. CNLs are skilled in quality improvement methods and use clinical data to inform decision-making.

What can I do with this degree?

CNL graduates new to nursing practice work in a variety of clinical settings that provide direct patient care. With experience, CNLs can progress to clinical leadership positions that typically require master’s preparation. The CNL also provides a rigorous foundation for advanced practice education at the master’s, doctoral or research doctorate level.

When do the prerequisite courses need to be completed?

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning studies at the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC), but do not need to be completed prior to application.

Why is the MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) right for me?

Many students pursuing a career in nursing already hold a Bachelors degree in another field. UTHSC recognizes the value of an undergraduate degree and has developed the MSN CNL program that builds on this foundation. During the first 1 1/2 years, students take foundational and clinical specialty courses to achieve competency as a registered nurse. They continue in the MSN CNL program for an additional term to gain essential skills and knowledge for safety and error prevention in complex health care systems. Graduates earn the MSN degree, rather than a second bachelor’s degree, after completing this final term, and are then eligible to sit for the national licensing exam (NCLEX) and national certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader.

Why should I consider getting a MSN CNL from UTHSC rather than getting a BSN elsewhere?

Globally, health care is becoming increasingly complex. Advances in technology, increases in chronic illness, a rapidly aging population, shortages of skilled workers, and dwindling reserves to pay for services are compounding today’s health care challenges. Nurses must know not only how to practice in this complex environment; they also need to know how to improve it. Improving the practice environment requires a fundamental change in how nurses are prepared.

As a part of an academic health science center, our college assumes a leadership role in preparing nurses for this new level of practice. The MSN CNL program builds on the superior pre-licensure foundation from our BSN program and adds courses and clinical experiences in health care systems and quality improvement. This additional content prepares nurses to improve how health care is delivered for better patient, staff, and organizational outcomes.

What are the requirements for the MSN CNL?

To apply to the MSN CNL program, individuals need to have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university and have demonstrated the ability to complete an accelerated nursing program. Applicants must also have successfully completed the following science courses with labs, earning a cumulative science grade point average (GPA) of 2.6: Anatomy and Physiology (8 semester hours), Microbiology (3 semester hours). In addition, students must have successfully completed a 3 credit Statistics course.

How many classroom and clinical hours will I complete in the MSN CNL program?

The MSN CNL program includes classroom and clinical experience. Sixty foundational and specialty course credit hours with 855 clinical contact hours, and 20 CNL-specific course credit hours with 360 clinical contact hours are required for completion.

Do I have to be a nurse or have my BSN to enroll in the program?

No, the MSN CNL Master' Entry second degree option is a pre-licensure entry program preparing students for initial licensure as a registered nurse.

Can I work while matriculating through the MSN CNL program?

The MSN CNL program is a 2-year accelerated program with a total of 80 credits and 1,215 clinical hours. Classes and clinical experiences are scheduled daily Monday through Friday; several courses require night and weekend clinical assignments. It has been our experience that in the first year of study, it is extremely difficult for students to work and successfully complete this rigorous program.

How soon can I apply to this program?

You can apply as early as July 1 for a June 1 start the following year.

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Post - BSN

What is a Clinical Nurse Leader?

Clinical Nurse Leaders are registered nurses with specialized skills and knowledge about safety and error reduction to better prepare them to care for today’s patients in a complex health care environment. CNLs apply their knowledge of clinical practice to the fullest extent within the scope of RN licensure. Their practice is founded on evidence-based nursing care and team collaboration. CNLs are skilled in quality improvement methods and use clinical data to inform decision-making.

 

What can I do with this degree?

CNL graduates with experience can progress to clinical leadership positions that typically require master’s preparation. The CNL also provides a rigorous foundation for advanced practice education at the master’s, doctoral or research doctorate level.

 

Why is the MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) right for me?

In the increasing complex healthcare environment, highly skilled front-line clinical nurses are needed to apply outcomes-based practice and quality improvement strategies to improve patient and organizational outcomes. The CNL program prepares nurses to oversee the lateral integration of care for a distinct group of patients and provide direct patient care in complex situations using a patient-centered interdisciplinary approach. Students learn how to identify patterns of care and evaluate clinical performance at the microsystem (unit/setting) level. The MSN CNL program is ideal for nurses wanting to remain at the front-line of care while leading systematic change that will improve patient outcomes and transform nursing practice.  

 

What are the requirements for the Post - BSN Track?

To apply to the MSN CNL program, individuals need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing science. Applicants must also hold an active RN license and be eligible for TN licensure. Applicants are required to complete an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course (3 semester hours) prior to enrolling in NSG 618 Quality Management.

 

How many classroom and clinical hours will I complete in the MSN CNL program?

The Post - BSN track has both full-time and part-time options, which includes classroom and clinical experience. Courses are web-enhanced with limited on-campus time to support full-time employment. Thirty-three credit hours with 405 clinical contact hours are required for completion.

For additional information about the CNL role, visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) CNL website.

Program Inquiries

901-448-6125

Jamie Overton, M.A.Ed.
Coordinator,
Student Affairs
jgarre25@uthsc.edu

Roylynn Germain
Administrative Coordinator,
Student Affairs
rgermain@uthsc.edu

Contact Information

UTHSC College of Nursing
920 Madison Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
901-448-6128
Fax: 901-448-4121
Toll Free: 800-733-2498

BSN/MSN Current Student
Contact Information

P: 901-448-6149
Toll Free: 800-733-2498