Applications for Fall 2025 admission open August 19th
U.S. News & World Report - Top 100 MSN program in the nation.
Augusta University offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Clinical Nurse Leader. This program is an innovative, accelerated graduate program for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX licensure examination for Registered Nurses (RN) and the CNL Certification exam offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The MSN-CNL program is taught on the Augusta and Athens campuses.
Augusta University College of Nursing MSN-CNL program is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Graduates of the MSN-CNL program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to obtain the professional state license, Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates of the College of Nursing MSN-CNL program may take the exam for a Registered Nurse license in the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.
Master of Science in Nursing
Program Manager
Program Director
The Clinical Nurse Leader program has determined that the required classes and educational activities of these academic programs qualify a graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure in all states and territories except Idaho. Students completing the CNL program are also eligible for certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Please check the specific eligibility requirements for Idaho at the board of nursing website.
Experience-based Education
A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a Master's educated nurse who is prepared to take on a role of leadership in any healthcare setting. The role of a CNL was created to better prepare nurses for work in the modern health care system and to improve patient care. Demonstrate safe, accountable, and comprehensive nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Demonstrate critical thinking and decision making in health care situations.
Evaluate and apply theories and research findings to the advanced generalist practice of nursing. Collaborate with health care providers and consumers to design and initiate strategies to promote wellness, reduce risk, and influence the nature and outcomes of population-appropriate health care services. Engage in advanced generalist practice based on legal and ethical principles and professional standards of practice. Assume a leadership role in identifying, synthesizing, resolving, and evaluating issues that have an actual or potential impact on nursing and health care.
The College of Nursing is pleased to offer several scholarships to current undergraduate and graduate Nursing students.
The criteria for each fund is determined by the donor and is available upon inquiry. The availability of funds is variable. Students seeking financial assistance should complete an application form at the Financial Aid Office as well as provide required information specific to the scholarship to the College of Nursing.