Career Description

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) plan, direct and coordinate the daily patient care activities in a clinical practice. CNSs ensure adherence to clinical policies, protocols, regulations and standards.

Academic Requirements

Clinical nurse specialists focus on research and theory in formulating diagnoses and promoting wellness, providing evidence-based advanced nursing care according to their specialty. CNSs must have a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate. Most CNS graduate degree programs require applicants to have gained experience as a registered nurse in the specialty they have chosen. Generally, schools require 1 to 2 years direct patient experience in a clinical setting.

Next Up:

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Instructors teach about nursing in classrooms and clinical settings. Nursing instructors lead, develop and organize teaching programs. They keep informed about developments in the field of nursing and may collaborate with other faculty to address teaching and research issues.

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AT A GLANCE

Salary

$60—100K

Job Growth

32.90%

Education Required

Doctoral or professional degree

Next Up:

Nurse Anesthetists or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists prepare and administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. CRNAs may assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians or dentists.

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AT A GLANCE

Salary

$60—100K

Job Growth

7.44%

Education Required

Master's Degree

Next Up:

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

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AT A GLANCE

Salary

$60—100K

Job Growth

25.48%

Education Required

Master's Degree