at Wilkes University is to prepare advanced practice nurses in the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist with a focus in either gerontological nursing or psychiatric mental health nursing. This multidisciplinary program provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing and continued professional development.

Graduates of the program are eligible to write the certification examination for clinical nurse specialist by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) upon completion of the requirements.

An advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse who is prepared at the master's level to provide direct patient care.

This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Each student's program of study is planned to meet each individual's professional goals and professional requirements.

Program Outcomes...

1. Synthesize advanced knowledge of nursing and related disciplines in the development of advanced practice nursing for the roles of the Clinical Nurse Specialist.
2. Develop clinical expertise as an advanced practice nurse in the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist.
3. Develop skills and abilities to assume the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse.
4. Evaluate nursing research for its applicability to advanced practice nursing.
5. Evaluate applicable knowledge and concepts in nursing to deal with the complexities of a dynamic society.
6. Participate in life-long learning as a part of advanced practice nursing.

Admission Requirements...

1. Graduation from an approved baccalaureate program in nursing.
2. Licensure as a Registered Nurse.
3. One year of clinical experience.
4. An undergraduate statistics course.
5. An undergraduate research course.
6. Evidence of health assessment skills.
7. A statement of professional goals. These goals should relate to the goals of the graduate program in nursing at Wilkes.
8. Two letters of recommendation.

A student whose background is judged to be deficient in any area will be evaluated individually and a program plan which will remedy the deficiency will be developed. Courses to remedy such deficiency do not carry graduate cred.

For a personal interview to discuss program requirements and career goals, please arrange an appointment with the appropriate coordinator.