Best Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Programs – 2025

Nurses looking to enter advanced practice and interested in a leadership role need look no further than a clinical nurse leader. This type of specialty nurse has vast knowledge in general medicine and acts as a valuable resource to an interdisciplinary team. Those who want to improve patient outcomes and lead a diverse nursing staff will be well-suited for the clinical nurse leader specialty. Luckily, this new yet growing area of nursing can be accessed via programs across the country.

2025 Best MSN Clinical Nurse Leader Programs

Looking for the best MSN Clinical Nurse Leader programs? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your search with confidence, knowing our rankings are based on solid data. Ready to see how we do it? https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI - Private 4-year - udmercy.edu

Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Detroit Mercy offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program specializing in Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), designed for nurses aiming to advance into leadership roles. This 38-credit hour program blends evidence-based practice with technology and informatics, preparing graduates for the CNL certification exam. Unique features include a clinical immersion project and 100-400 clinical hours, tailored to fit around the student's location. Emphasizing Jesuit and Mercy traditions, the program fosters compassionate, holistic care and leadership in quality improvement. It's ideal for those seeking to impact patient care across diverse settings, with flexible full-time and part-time study options.

• 38 credit hours required.
• Online program format.
• Clinical immersion project included.
• 100-400 clinical hours.
• Eligible for CNL certification.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Emphasizes technology and informatics.
• Leadership and quality improvement skills.
• Full-time and part-time options.
• Integrates Jesuit and Mercy traditions.
• Prepares for advanced generalist roles.
• Focus on compassionate, holistic care.
• Designed for evolving healthcare environments.
• Serves medically underserved populations.
• Clinical sites near student's home.

#2

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - slu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Leader)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Louis University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Leader) program designed for nurses aiming to take on leadership roles in healthcare. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to complete it in just five semesters part-time. It focuses on enhancing skills in patient care management, quality improvement, and clinical coordination. The program is priced at $1,370 per credit and requires applicants to have a bachelor's in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Notably, it includes 525 clinical hours and prepares students for the clinical nurse leader certification exam, supported by nationally recognized faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Online part-time format
• 5-semester program length
• $1,370 per credit tuition
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• 525 total clinical hours
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities
• Holistic admission process
• Nationally recognized faculty

#3

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu

Master's - MSN in Clinical Nurse Leader

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Iowa's MSN in Clinical Nurse Leader program stands out for its innovative approach to nursing leadership, delivered primarily online for flexibility. This 39-semester-hour curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare nurses for pivotal leadership roles, focusing on improving patient care quality through advanced leadership skills. The program uniquely blends online coursework with practical experiences, requiring a campus visit for orientation and capstone defense. It emphasizes transformative thinking and the ability to lead evolutionary changes in healthcare settings. Over six semesters plus a summer session, students engage in a research-driven curriculum, utilizing virtual platforms to master leadership in complex healthcare systems.

• 39 semester-hour program.
• Primarily online with local practicum.
• Campus visit for orientation.
• Capstone defense on campus.
• Six semesters plus summer.
• Focus on leadership knowledge.
• Prepares for healthcare leadership.
• Emphasizes transformative thinking.
• Promotes health and care elevation.
• Virtual platforms for engagement.
• Research-driven curriculum.
• Leadership in complex systems.
• Skills for various settings.
• Enhances patient care quality.
• Innovative program design.

#4

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu

Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Rochester's Clinical Nurse Leader Program stands out for its hybrid format, blending online flexibility with essential in-person experiences. Designed for nurses aiming to lead in patient care improvement, the program emphasizes safety, quality, and healthcare management through a rigorous curriculum of 37 credits and 448 clinical immersion hours. Notably, it boasts a 100% first-time pass rate on the CNL certification exam over the past four years, underscoring its effectiveness. With evening coursework options and financial aid availability, it caters to working professionals seeking advancement. A nursing background is required, ensuring a cohort of experienced individuals ready to transform healthcare delivery.

• 37 credits required.
• 448 clinical immersion hours.
• Hybrid online and in-person.
• 100% CNL exam pass rate.
• Focus on safety and quality.
• Expands healthcare management roles.
• Nursing background required for admission.
• Financial aid available.
• Evening coursework options.
• Prepares for CNL certification.

#5

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA - Public 4-Year - pitt.edu

Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a hybrid Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Master's program designed for nurses seeking to elevate their clinical leadership skills. This program uniquely blends online coursework with in-person experiences, catering to working professionals aiming to impact healthcare quality and patient outcomes significantly. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, students are equipped to lead interdisciplinary teams, implement quality improvement initiatives, and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems. The curriculum is tailored to foster expertise in clinical leadership, preparing graduates for CNL certification and beyond. With a focus on practical application, the program ensures graduates are ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare environments.

• Master's level clinical leadership
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for CNL certification
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Flexible clinical experiences
• Leadership and management training
• Pathway to doctoral studies

*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Choosing a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Program

Deciding on a clinical nurse leader (CNL) program may seem daunting, but remembering to check schools and programs for the following attributes is a great way to ensure success:

Accreditation

A good clinical nurse leader program will be accredited by local, regional, and/or national accrediting organizations to ensure quality. A few to look for include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Program Cost

Most clinical nurse leader programs list tuition costs by credit. Students can expect to find tuition costs that range from around $600 to well over $1,000 per credit for both master’s and doctoral-level degrees. Since doctoral, or DNP, programs require more credits, these programs tend to be more expensive than a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students must also cover the cost of additional fees, textbooks, course materials, and more.

Program Length

Most MSN-level clinical nurse leader programs require around 35 credits, which can typically be completed via part-time or full-time study. Once a student receives their MSN, they can continue to a DNP, which can take another 40 or so credits, depending on the school and program.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

To gain experience, residency programs and other hands-on training can be a valuable part of the clinical nurse leader's preparation. Most schools can help match students with clinical internships and externships, or students can seek them out on their own.

Online/Campus Options

To meet the demands of busy students, many programs offer both online and campus-based clinical nurse leader programs. Some schools will even offer a "hybrid" program, allowing students to take many courses online but also offering classroom-based lectures and labs.

Clinical Nurse Leader Degree Levels Offered

Most CNLs receive their Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). Upon becoming a clinical nurse leader, some nurses choose to go back to school to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. A bachelor's degree and experience as a professional nurse are usually required in either case.

MSN Programs

The most common choice for a clinical nurse leader, MSN-level programs in the specialty prepares RNs to become advanced-practice generalists, taking courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical outcomes management, and more. The program also typically requires approximately 400 clinical hours. As an example, LaSalle University in Philadelphia offers a CCNE-accredited MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program.

DNP Programs

While specific clinical nurse leader DNP programs are hard to find, some schools offer bridge programs for MSN-educated clinical nurse leaders to earn a doctoral degree in a related field. For example, the University of South Alabama offers an MSN to DNP Clinical Nurse Leader Bridge to Executive Nursing Administration, designed specifically for CNLs to earn a DNP in executive nursing administration so that they can further their practice.

Learn about post-master’s nurse leadership certificate programs.

Online Clinical Nurse Leader Programs

With technology playing a bigger role in higher education these days, it's no surprise that online clinical nurse leader programs are rising in popularity. Nurses who want to enter advanced practice are typically busy and may have work or family obligations that make completing a traditional classroom program impossible. Luckily, there are a variety of reputable online options available.

Advantages of Online Programs

Many students enjoy the convenience and flexibility that online programs afford, as they can move through the coursework on their own time and at their own pace. Others are grateful for the ability to complete their degree in large part at home, making it ideal for those who may live far away from a university. Unlike campus-based students, online students don't have to factor in the cost of transportation, gas, parking, and other commuting expenses.

Program Accreditation

Like campus-based programs, online clinical nurse leader programs can (and should be) properly accredited. A good online program will typically be CCNE or ACEN accredited.

Costs and Length

Online clinical nurse leader programs require the same amount of credits as classroom programs at around 35 credits, but students usually have the option of moving through the coursework at their own speed, making the total length a variable factor. Tuition for online clinical nurse leader programs is also similar to campus-based programs and can vary widely depending on the student's school of choice. UMass Amherst, for example, charges $750 per credit for their online MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program.

What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?

Admissions requirements for most CNL programs include:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• CV or resume
• Two professional letters of reference
• Personal essay
• Copy of current U.S. RN license

Certification as a clinical nurse leader can be obtained through the Association of American Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and has the following requirements:

• Must be licensed as a registered nurse
• Must have graduated from a Master's or post-master’s CNL program

Certification is awarded upon successful completion of the CNL examination. Students in their last term of a CNL education program are eligible to sit for the exam.

List of Clinical Nurse Leader Programs

Clinical nurse leader programs can be found from coast to coast; check out our list to find the right program for you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.