Clinical Nurse Specialist

A Clinical Nurse Specialist provides specialist care to patients in a health care setting. You might collect patient information and administer treatments as required. Clinical Nurse Specialists liaise with doctors and other health care professionals to develop treatment plans for patients. You might specialise in a particular area of nursing such as emergency care, paediatrics or aged care.

Clinical Nurse Specialists should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate well with patients from a range of backgrounds. It’s important you can work as part of a team and remain calm during challenging circumstances. Clinical Nurse Specialists must be able to collaborate with other health care workers as well as with patients and families.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $112,060
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a clinical nurse specialist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced

Bachelor of Nursing

Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $76,320
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Nursing

Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $56,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Nursing (Research)

Blended, On Campus
24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Clinical Nursing

Distance, Online
18 - 24 months
$0 - $83,268
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Advanced Nursing Practice

Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $24,416
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing

Distance, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $13,878
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Graduate Diploma of Nursing

Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $26,640
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Nursing Science

Blended, Traineeship
24 months
$0 - $49,331
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Master of Advanced Nursing

Online
2 years
$0 - $39,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.

Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing

Blended, Online
12 months
$0 - $12,224
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Common questions

Further reading

A Complete Guide to Becoming a Clinical Facilitator

21st October 2024)

What can you do with a Diploma of Nursing?

2nd February 2021)

Career Pathways for Graduates After Studying a Diploma of Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing

4th October 2024)