A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a member of the nursing profession with graduate-level expertise in evidence-based nursing practices and all aspects of diagnoses and treatment. In general, a CNS will have specific expertise in a specialized area — for instance, gerontological care or pediatrics.
How Do You Become a Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist?
You’ll need to take a certification exam from a recognized certifying body. For several areas of CNS expertise, the most widely recognized credentialing body is the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). They offer computer-based examinations at a number of locations around the United States.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child/Adolescent Psychiatric & Mental Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Pediatrics
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Advanced Oncology (AOCNS)
