Where are the Maternal-Child CNS schools?

ER1010 · Aug 7, 2006

The University of Pennsylvania offers a post-master's course to be a perinatal CNS. This is obtained after getting a master's in women's health or midwifery.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 7, 2006

You might find a suitable alternative by looking at programs that have a generic CNS role track -- that let you choose the clinical concentration by arranging your clinical experiences in the specialty of your choice.

I guess what I am saying is, "Don't limit your search to only those programs who call their program 'Maternal-Child CNS' program." Widening your search a little might yield results that will suit you just fine. Also, do you really need the broad field of Maternal-Child? With clinical care becoming so advanced and specialized, few CNS's are true experts in both Maternity and Pediatrics. Most have more expertise in one over the other. Perhaps you could get a Master's in your primary focus and then get some clinical experience (and certified) in the other if you really want to be considered an expert in both. I don't know any employer who wouldn't be satisfied with that.

llg

LadyNurse · Oct 15, 2006

Temple University in Phila, PA may still have the program you're searching for. I graduated from that program in 1996.:mortarboard:

MCHnurse · Dec 20, 2006

Hello, I'm actively searching for nursing schools that offer a Maternal-Child CNS masters. Could any of you with a Maternal-Child CNS degree tell me where you went to school?

Hi armyOBnurse,

I realize that this post is a little old and I'm not sure if you found what you are looking for, but I thought I'd chime in.

I am in a MCH master's program at the University of Texas at Austin (http://www.utexas.edu/nursing/). I will warn you though, a master's in this area will not allow you to sit for national certification and therefore you cannot be qualified as a "CNS" in most states. It is unfortunate that there is not a certification exam for this area. As another member posted, you might be better off going with a program that either focuses on maternal or child health. By your screen name I would assume that OB would be better suited to your interests.

The fact that you are in the military (or at least I assume you still are) may not affect the certification issue but I think that it is worth mentioning. I know for a fact that several military nurses have graduated from our program and are now in great leadership postiions. I would be happy to elaborate on my school and program in a private email.

pattchez · Dec 24, 2006

In my state, I have found that nurses interested in the MCH CNS tract are going into the Adult Health CNS tract because the schools of nursing do not offer a MCH tract. What the student does is focus the clinicals in MCH in the Adult Health Program. If you want to work as a CNS, then I would encourage to go to a program that provides you with the clinical hours and elective courses that will make you eligible to take the national CNS certification. Best wishes on your search.

rnkty13 · Jan 5, 2007

I am currently in a master's program as a Perinatal CNS at University of Illinois at Chicago. Great School!!!!!!!