Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Gerontology Health (CNS)

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program empowers experienced registered nurses to expand their clinical expertise and develop advanced practice skills. Graduates gain the knowledge and leadership capability to influence three key areas of healthcare: direct patient care, the nursing workforce, and organizational systems.
Clinical nurse specialists earn an average salary of over $120,000 annually, reflecting their competence in improving patient care outcomes and optimizing medical care systems.
Why Earn a CNS Master of Science?
Graduating with a Master of Science as a Clinical Nurse Specialist from Molloy University empowers students to lead confidently. Graduates gain specialized knowledge, ethical decision-making abilities, and a commitment to transforming public health. This program prepares students to excel in an evolving field while making a lasting impact on patient care and the broader healthcare system.
As a recipient of the Molloy University CNS Master of Science, you will be qualified to:
- Demonstrate and transmit a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of individuals, families, and communities through professional nursing role modeling.
- Exhibit stewardship and ethical decision-making.
- Take responsibility and accountability for advanced professional practice in increasingly complex healthcare environments.
- Lead based on theory, research, and practice.
- Design and implement impactful research.
- Advocate for a healthier global society.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for professional nursing practice.
What Will You Learn?
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program at Molloy University offers a flexible distance learning format, with 12 courses that you can complete over seven consecutive semesters. We designed the curriculum to equip you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including:
- Core Study: Three foundational courses introduce the concept of transformational leadership, reflective advocacy, and evidence-based research, giving you the tools to perform as a leader in medical care.
- Advanced Practice: Three core courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment lay the foundation for advanced nursing practice.
- Clinical Experience: Four Clinical Nurse Specialist courses focus on role development. You must complete the 500 clinical hours required for national certification. All practicum courses are conducted in person within New York State.
Finally, students may use two elective courses to support their clinical specialty or role-based knowledge.
Explore
Learn more about our Masters in Clinical Nurse Specialist program!
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Required Courses
Core Courses - 9 Credits
- NUR 5051 Theoretical Applications in Transformative Leadership – 3 credits
- NUR 5052 Reflective Practice and Advocacy – 3 credits
- NUR 5053 Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing – 3 credits
Advanced Practice Core Courses - 11 Credits
- NUR 5240 Advanced Pathophysiology – 3 credits
- NUR 5730 Pharmacotherapeutics – 3 credits
- NUR 5721 AGNP/CNS Advanced Physical Assessment (45 clinical/lab hours) – 3 credits
- NUR 5380 Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist – 2 credits
CNS Program Courses - 9 Credits
- NUR 5330 CNS: Foundations and Decision-Making (125 clinical hours) – 3 credits
- NUR 5340 CNS: Adult-Gerontology Health Practice I (125 clinical hours) – 2 credits
- NUR 5350 CNS: Adult-Gerontology Health Practice II (125 clinical hours) – 2 credits
- NUR 5360 CNS: Adult-Gerontology Health Practice III (125 clinical hours) – 2 credits
Elective Courses - 6 Credits Required
Total Credits - 35
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Catalog Course Descriptions
For more information and course descriptions visit our Graduate Course Catalog.
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - M.S. -
Post Baccalaureate Degree to DNP Pathway
Tailored for working nurses, the post-baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway is a flexible, five-year part-time program. Throughout this journey, you will earn an advanced practice certification and become a registered nurse practitioner, while achieving your DNP degree.
Post Baccalaureate Degree to DNP -
Post-Masters Advanced Certificate Program
Already have your nursing master’s degree? Elevate your career even further with a post-master’s certificate from Molloy University. Our programs include Nursing Administration with Informatics, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education.
Post-Masters Advanced Certificate - CNS