Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing:
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Students with a previously earned Master of Science in nursing may apply for admission to earn a post-master's certificate as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in the area of adult practice. As clinical experts, CNS's focus on diagnostic and treatment aspects of illness, as well as the promotion of wellness.

Career Opportunities

As a result of market forces, driven primarily by changing reimbursement policies and managed care, opportunities for capable health service clinicians are growing rapidly. Nurses who hold advanced degrees are highly desired in today's healthcare settings.

AASU graduates can be found working in all areas of the United States. Advanced graduates who pursue additional graduate studies have a competitive advantage over nurses with limited specializations.

Program Features

Savannah serves as a regional medical hub and, as such, offers varied clinical opportunities to Armstrong nursing students. Students have faculty-supervised practice experiences in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, industries, schools, clinics and other community agencies. The faculty believe that positive faculty/student interactions are imperative for the development of caring and knowledgeable nurses, and research activities sponsored or guided by the graduate program in nursing are directly responsive to regional needs.

Course of Study

A program of study must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies, and a student must be admitted to Graduate Studies on a degree or limited admission basis. The program of study consists of 22 semester hours in courses including epidemiology foundations for nursing, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and major courses in adult CNS. Students may complete an independent study.