Graduate Certificate Program

CNL Certificate Program

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Certificate Program allows students who already hold a master’s degree in nursing to complete the necessary requirements for CNL certification and practice. The 12-credit certificate program consists of the five CNL specialty courses in the master’s CNL emphasis. There are increasing demands to improve quality, safety, and patient outcomes across healthcare settings. Clinical nurse leaders are advanced generalists, academically and experimentally prepared to provide leadership in managing the care environment and improving clinical outcomes.

CNL Certificate Program Curriculum

Students begin coursework in the spring semester and take 3 semesters to complete the requirements. Students must take the following courses:

Semester 1 (spring)

• 761 CNL Practicum I (2 credits) (minimum 112 hours)

• 763 Quality in the Clinical Nurse Leader Role (3 credits)

Semester 2 (fall)

• 757 CNL Practicum II (2 credits) (minimum 112 hours)

• 762 Leadership in the CNL Role (2 credits)

Semester 3 (spring)

• 759 CNL Immersion Practicum (3 credits) (minimum 300 hours)

Admission Requirements

Students applying to the CNL Certificate Program must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of the master’s degree in nursing with evidence of coursework in epidemiology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.

2. Graduate GPA of 3.0 higher

3. Current licensure as a registered nurse

Admission Procedures:

Students applying to the CNL Certificate Program must complete/submit the following:

1. Online application to the UWOSH Graduate School.
2. Name two references from professional colleagues or supervisors.
3. Official MSN transcripts sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
4. Copy of current RN license sent to the UWOSH College of Nursing Graduate Program (email to congrad@uwosh.edu).