With the painstakingly fast and hyper active lifestyle of modern time various diseases and disorders are not only becoming more frequent but with every passing day they are transforming themselves into new syndromes and appearance which was henceforth unknown. The scientific and technological development though not always being able to keep pace with this new challenges in the domain of public health and their medication, at least, by far they have been able to characterize, diagnose and made them properly submit to the analytical research of modern medical science. This is the prevailing background which strongly recommend for the necessity of high –end medical professional or competent health care specialist in every sphere of health care industry, from nursing to pharmacy to pathology to medicine. In this respect the profession and educational programs of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) have a very major role to play in the development and functioning of health care industry in USA.
Who are Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)?
Practical nurses with an advanced exposure in his or her field and who hold a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in a particular field of his or her specialization is called clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Apart from common nursing practices of care and assisting patients to advance towards betterment of health condition, clinical nursing specialist (CNS) share a greater responsibility with the assigned doctor by involving in diagnosis and treatment with his or her field expertise.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs
With ongoing demand of expertise in the nursing profession of the country clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs are becoming extremely crucial in regard to the success in nursing profession and consequently becoming very popular. In USA, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs are available through both online and campus based curriculum. As all the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs do not guarantee the same professional exposure, it is advisable to read the prospectus of the program carefully prior to applying for admission in any program. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program is expected to focus on specialization of any practicing discipline of nursing. Below a short list of possible specializations are given to produce a gross idea of the categories:
1)People-specific or population wise specialization like,
Women’s health, sports medicine and medication, tropical sickness, pediatrics, geriatrics etc.
2)Clinical set-up oriented specialization like,
Intensive care, emergency room, general treatment, surgical unit, pathology, etc.
3)Particular disease disorder oriented specialization like,
Heart Disease, ophthalmology, diabetes, etc.
4) Particular care oriented specialization like,
Physiotherapy, eye-care, nutrition or dietary care, etc.
5 Best clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs in USA
John Hopkins University
With its diversified focus in various specializations this program is definitely an unmatched one.
University of Washington
It is a widely acknowledged program for academic excellence and multispecialty training.
University of North Carolina
This program is unique because of its state of the art training in different clinical set-up to optimize practicing skills.
University of California
This program is thoroughly focused in making the student competent for many challenges in the areas of evolving medical practices.
University of Minnesota
This program is unique in its meticulousness in orienting the student in one or more specialization to provide an in-depth working experience before the completion of the program.
The learning program or the job of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), in either of the cases specialization should be the prime focus in learning module or in professional practice and this is the most important thing that should conclude this brief guideline in respect of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) profession and education in USA.

