Frequently Asked Questions
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. After 16 months in the CNL program, students are eligible to sit for the national licensing exam (NCLEX) and earn registered nurse (RN) licensure. Students 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 national certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
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.
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 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.
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 with an earned 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also have successfully completed the following science courses with labs: Anatomy and Physiology (8 semester hours), Microbiology (3 semester hours); and Statistics (3 semester hours).
How many classroom and clinical hours will I complete in the MSN CNL program?
The MSN CNL program includes classroom and clinical experience. Sixty pre-licensure credit hours with 855 clinical contact hours, and 19 post-licensure 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 program 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 22-month accelerated program with a total of 79 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 it is extremely difficult for students to work and successfully complete this rigorous program of study.
How soon can I apply to this program?
You can apply starting June, 1 2008.
Program Inquiries
901-448-6125
Ron Patterson
Student Affairs - Assistant Dean
rpatte10@utmem.edu
Janet Wood
Student Affairs - Coordinator
jwood26@utmem.edu
Roylynn Germain
Student Affairs – Administrative Assistant
rgermain@utmem.edu
Admission Contacts
UTHSC Admissions Office
P: 901-448-5560
http://www.utmem.
edu/
admiss
UTHSC Financial Aid Office
P: 901-448-5568
F: 901-448-1570
Contact Information
UTHSC College of Nursing
877 Madison Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
901-448-6128
Fax: 901-448-4121
Toll Free: 800-733-2498
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