Going from Clinical Nurse Leader to a NP?

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If I were to get a MSN to become a Clinical Nurse Leader, how would I become a gerontological nurse practitioner? I have read that you can complete certificates, but I have not been able to find any information on this. I think that I am not searching the right phrase, because I'm stuck on how to go from a CNL to a gerontological NP. (There are many programs that offer the CNL in my area, so I am planning to get this MSN degree, but then switching to NP.) I feel that having a MSN would give me an advantage. Also, I am not sure if I would have to complete another MSN (in order to get the NP) if I am already a CNL.

Thanks for any help!

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Specializes in Critical care & Military.

Why not go straight into gerontological NP if that is your end goal instead of getting a MSN as a CNL? Most schools offer post-master certficates if you already have a MSN. Just got to go the individual school that offer a GNP program and see if they offer a post-master certificate for GNP (but I want to say that to get a post master cert for any NP specialty you need to already have a NP master). For example Drexel University offers a FNP post master certificate if you already have a MSN. In your situation im not sure what a CNL master course entails but you may need to get another MSN to be a GNP.

Post-Master Family Nurse Practitioner - Division of Graduate Nursing

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

If you are getting ANY MSN, you can then get a post- MSN certificate. For instance, my MSN concentration is management and leadership. However, I went back and picked up a post- MSN adult CNS which included taking the three-Ps, + 600 hours of clinical. Then, a few years later, I went back and did another post-MSN peds CNS which included taking the three P's yet again and 550 hours of clinical.

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Just recently, our hospital(here in UAE) has selected staff including me to become clinical leaders where the primary role is to identify clinical issues, develop a process and implement it thru evidence-based interventions and evaluate afterwards. Any expert clinicians who can help me to formulate a needs analysis or ways to collect and cross-analyze clinical issues? Any format you can share to me? A huge thanks!!!!

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Specializes in nursing education.

OP, you are looking for a post-master's certification/certificate. They do exist, many are for FNP.

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Thanks for the replies! It's definitely clearer now. :)

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TraumaRUs - I'm looking at doing around the same thing. I would like to get my MSN in Leadership now from WGU to be better in my current position. Then later, when I am able to give more of my time and commitment return for a post-MSN NP certificate. If you don't mind me asking, what colleges did you attend?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No problem. I did my ADN to BSN and then BSN to MSN at University of Phoenix. I did two post-MSN CNS certificates at a local college of nursing in central IL.

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No problem. I did my ADN to BSN and then BSN to MSN at University of Phoenix. I did two post-MSN CNS certificates at a local college of nursing in central IL.

Great, thanks! Its encouraging to hear you went to a more non-traditional college for your MSN but return to a local school for post-MSN & didn't have trouble. Thanks for sharing.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No problem. I have had absolutely no issues with my UofP education.

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Hello all, I need some help pleasssseeee! What exactly is a CNL? Role? Salary? Employment places? Hours? Any information would help immensely :)

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Hi xInspiredx, How everything worked out for you since you posted this message? I seem to follow in your footsteps and planning to get MSN CNL degree and then further education to become NP. However, with current changes taking place and various options of getting post-masters certificate, another MSN or DNP to become a Nurse Practitioner makes me wonder which is the best option. (Also I have considered ABSN degree which will be shorter and less expensive, followed by MSN or DNP). Thanks!

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