Clinical Nurse Specialists
Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.
What a Clinical Nurse Specialists does
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice nurses who develop clinical expertise in a specialty area like oncology or cardiac care and improve patient outcomes through direct care and consultation. They often serve as leaders in implementing new clinical practices and protocols.
Education & path
The typical entry point is a master's degree. About 6 years (bachelor's + ~2-year master's).
Estimated cost of that path: ~$70,000. Estimated payback: ~4 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.
Related careers
- Acute Care Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Critical Care Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Registered Nurses — $97,550/yr
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — $64,400/yr
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