Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Provide advanced nursing practice care to children with complex health problems

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role. CNSs use theory and research to diagnose, treat, and manage patients and specialty populations from wellness to acute illness. The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing the practice of nursing.

Learn More About the CNS Role

Our pediatric focus-area courses enable you to tailor your studies to meet career goals or emerging employment opportunities in:

  • Hospitals and acute care
  • Rehabilitation care
  • Accountable care organizations
  • Community heath agencies and clinics
  • Private practice settings

Program Format

Courses are taught in online, distance-accessible formats. There are some required on-campus lab days, and all clinical hours must be completed within the state of Indiana due to supervision requirements.

The degree can be completed in a three-year, part-time plan of study, or—if space in the program allows—a two-year, full-time plan of study.

Certification

When you graduate, you will be eligible for national certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. As an advanced practice nurse, you will also qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensing Board.

MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time - Fall
Fall
Description Course Credits
Nursing Theory I NURS-N502 3
Nursing Research Methods I NURS-R500 3
Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan NURS-Y625 4
Total   10
Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time - Spring
Spring
Description Course Credits
Clinical Hours 150
Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Scientific Basis of Practice - Developing the Expert Nurse NURS-M570 4
Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice NURS-N504 3
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan NURS-Y612 3
Total   10
Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time - Summer I and II
Summer I and II
Description Course Credits
Measurement and Data Analysis NURS-R505 3
Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan NURS-Y515 3
Total   6

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time - Fall
Fall
Description Course Credits
Clinical Hours 150
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN I NURS-C640 3
Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Symptom and Functional Enhancement - Developing Problem Solver NURS-M580 5
Total   8
Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Track - Full Time - Spring
Spring
Description Course Credits
Clinical Hours 225
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN II NURS-C650 3
Clinical Nurse Specialist III: System Leadership for Innovation in Nursing Practice NURS-M590 5
Total   8