https://nursing.ouhsc.edu/Programs-Academics Parent Page: Programs & Academics id: 35861 Active Page: MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist id: 35863

The Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist program prepares nurses with the knowledge and skills to function as advanced practice nurses who meet the complex needs of adult and geriatric patients. The curriculum equips graduates to apply for and sit for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Adult Gerontology certification exam.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are trained to advance quality of care, integrate evidence into practice, lead clinical innovations, and improve outcomes for patients and health systems. Students learn from expert faculty with extensive experience in clinical nursing, administration, and research. With their mentorship, students contribute to improving health care through OU’s research initiatives and community outreach programs.

Designed for flexibility, the program offers didactic courses in online and hybrid formats and clinical/practica experiences in hybrid settings—allowing students to balance work, school, and clinical learning. Graduates develop subspecialty expertise within adult-gerontology care, including cardiology, nephrology, neurology, oncology, and other specialized areas.

At the OU Health Campus, graduates are prepared to practice in diverse health care settings, including hospitals and acute care, long-term care, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, making a meaningful impact across the continuum of patient care.

Part-time and Full-time completion options

Class Size

Hybrid Program

Average GPA of admitted class

3.30

Curriculum

Program format and/or delivery:

  • Didactic vs. clinical/lab time.
  • MSN—CNS REQUIREMENTS (43 credit hours) 
  • Didactic for MSN Administration/Management: 27 credit hours
  • Clinical/Practica/Didactic: 16 credit hours and 768 hours of clinical

Degree/credit requirements:

  • Total Hours for Degree – 43 
  • Total Clinical Hours –768
  • Courses, concentrations, tracks MSN: Clinical Nurse Specialist 

* New 26-27 catalog coming soon!

Visit the Course Catalog

Admission Requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a United States regionally accredited institution.
  • Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in Oklahoma or compact state by the time of enrollment in the first semester. 
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA for 3.0 in all college coursework at the time of application and at the time of enrollment. 
  • Resume or CV.
  • The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
  • Please Note: The LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP programs in the OU College of Nursing are hybrid and/or online or part-time programs. The F-1 visa regulations require in-person courses, and these programs do not meet those requirements. Thus, international students are not accepted for these programs (LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP). International students are only eligible to apply for the ABSN and TBSN pathways as they have in-person requirements.
  • All applicants should refer to the professional licensure disclosure information for the programs. 

* New 26-27 catalog coming soon!

View the Course Catalog

Applying for Admission  

Please use a personal email address when setting up your NursingCAS account. School email addresses may expire before you receive your admission decision, which could disrupt communication. Using a personal email ensures we can always contact you.  

If after reviewing the qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact Nursing@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.    

Application Process

Step 1

Complete the NursingCAS application 

  • Undergraduate programs: $60 for the first program; $45 for each additional program 
  • Graduate programs: $80 for the first program; $50 for each additional program 

Click here for detailed NursingCAS application instructions  

Step 2

Complete the OUHSC Supplemental application  

  • Beginning July 1, 2025, the OUHSC Supplemental Application fee will be waived for applicants who first apply to a CAS system.  
  • Applicants are advised to have a copy of their transcript from every College or University attended available as reference when completing the application process. 

Please Note:   

  • Admission requirements are subject to change. It is the applicant’s responsibility to stay informed regarding current applicable requirements. Please check the website for updates.  
  • All transcripts must be submitted to NursingCAS. Transcripts sent to the institutions cannot replace the requirement to submit all transcripts directly to NursingCAS. To meet enrollment requirements, transcripts must also be submitted to Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences.   
  • The Professional Transcript Entry option in NursingCAS does not replace the requirement to submit all transcripts to NursingCAS. If you choose the Professional Transcript Entry in NursingCAS, the applicant must still go back into NursingCAS and request transcripts.  
  • NursingCAS can take several business days to verify an application. It is important to submit all your items by the deadlines to ensure that your application can be verified by NursingCAS by the verification deadline. 

Graduate (Certificate, Master of Science in Nursing—MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice—DNP) Fall 2026: Application Deadline: February 2, 2026  

  • Please note that all applicants must be in a verified status with all required materials to be considered a qualified applicant finalized in NursingCAS by February 23, 2026. If the application is not verified in CAS by this date, the applicant will need to reapply in the next cycle. If the applicant is missing the supplemental application or does not have a verified application in CAS by February 23, 2026, the applicant will need to reapply in the next cycle.   

The LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP programs in the OU College of Nursing are hybrid and/or online or part-time programs. The F-1 visa regulations require in-person courses, and these programs do not meet those requirements. Thus, international students are not accepted for these programs (LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP). International students are only eligible to apply for the ABSN and TBSN pathways as they have in-person requirements.  

  • If after reviewing the qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact Nursing@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.    

Program Details

Location Offered

Hybrid

Degree Acquired

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Clinical Nurse Specialist

Admissions

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