
Clinical Experiences
Gain clinical experiences with CNS Preceptors at the region’s top hospitals and health care systems. Our dedicated faculty will work with you to find a clinical placement that aligns with your experience and career goals.
Contribute to excellence in healthcare delivery and outcomes as a clinical nurse specialist.
In this program, you'll explore the advanced role as a clinical nurse specialist while earning a Master's in Science of Nursing. Become a leader in improving patient care outcomes and the quality of health care with a broad foundation in:
The program focuses on delivery of care for late adolescents, adults, and senior adults in wellness through acute care settings, including emergency and critical care environments.
After program completion, you will be eligible to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) national certification as an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. As a certified CNS, you'll be on the track to earning a doctoral degree.
The master's degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
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Students can enroll for the program at either our Main Campus in Chester or Central Pennsylvania campus in Harrisburg.
The program can be completed in 30–36 months at the student’s pace or within the five-year time limit post matriculation.
Students who are registered nurses have the option to enroll in accelerated tracks to earn a master's degree through the RN-to-MSN program option or earn a BSN degree with graduate course credits that can be rolled into a master's degree program.
Students who hold an MSN can pursue a Adult-Gerontology CNS post-master's certificate. The School of Nursing offers a number of post-master's and post-doctoral certificates in different areas of study.
Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.
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All admission requirements, including an interview, must be received and completed before:
Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly.
Gain clinical experiences with CNS Preceptors at the region’s top hospitals and health care systems. Our dedicated faculty will work with you to find a clinical placement that aligns with your experience and career goals.
A flexible hybrid course delivery system offers classes in-person and online at both the Main Campus in Chester and Harrisburg Campus.
Partner with nursing professors who bring years of clinical experience to the classroom. You will join a graduate nursing student community that is guided by close mentorship and one-on-one support from our full-time faculty.
Nursing majors that the opportunity to join mutliple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL), Sigma—International Honor Society of Nursing, and many more.
At Widener, our nursing faculty aren't just teaching the courses but are creating the science of nursing education.
As a clinical expert, you will graduate with the expertise you need to provide care as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Founders Hall, 3rd Floor, Chester, PA 19013
Hyatt Hall, Office #316
Founders Hall
Room 335