Pursue a Clinical Nurse Specialist Degree (MSN)

Widener's CNS program prepares you to thrive as an educator, researcher, and leader.

As a student, you'll dive into advanced nursing practice focused on delivery of care in late adolescents, adults, and senior adults in wellness through acute care settings—including emergency and critical care environments.

Here's what's in store:

  • Learn from clinically active professors who provide one-on-one support.
  • Gain clinical experience at the region's top health care facilities and systems.
  • Study full or part time in a hybrid format.
  • Upon graduation, sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) national certification.

Take the Next Step

Get admissions info and claim your exclusive download that highlights how a Widener MSN will elevate your career.

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Why Widener?

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Connect with Faculty Mentors

Widener faculty bring rich experience into the classroom. But their value runs deeper than resumes and bylines. In each class, you'll experience constant mentoring and feedback, a free exchange of ideas and stories, and a commitment to your individual success. You'll graduate with a support team of professors, scholars, and practitioners by your side. 

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Take Flexible Courses

Planning to work while you study? Pursue your degree part time. Want to study full time? You can do that, too. Either way, you'll take online classes with only one on-campus health assessment course required, in addition to an in-person clinical practica that can be completed in your state of residence.

Nurse educator with students

Join a Dynamic MSN Cohort

You'll connect with a diverse group of nursing faculty and peers right from the start. This collaborative environment not only enriches your learning experience—it helps you build a valuable professional network early on. 

Dwyer School of Nursing Highlights

National Center of Nursing Excellence

1 of 13 schools nationwide to be recognized as a National Center of Nursing Excellence.

Recognized for Advancing Nursing Education

Only school nationwide to be named a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.

Founders Hall midday shot

Renowned in the Region

The Dwyer School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

College of Distinction Nursing 2025-2026 Logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Best Master of Science in Nursing

Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

Your Inside Track to Success

As a clinical expert, you will graduate with the expertise you need to provide care as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Career Focuses

  • Patient Care
  • Education
  • Research
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy

Recent Employers

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Jefferson University Hospitals
  • Main Line Health System
  • Virtua Health System
  • Kennedy Health

Take the Next Step

Get admissions info and claim your exclusive download that highlights how a Widener MSN will elevate your career.

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