Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist Online

  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • School of Nursing

Learn how to provide patient-centered quality care and improve health outcomes for babies. In ODU's neonatal CNS master's online program, you'll learn advanced clinical practice leadership. You'll learn the integration of technology within the complex healthcare system. Coursework includes working with practice models, standards, and regulations that direct advanced nursing practice.

You must travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach for scheduled training and/or testing at certain points in the program. We're proud to collaborate with Eastern Virginia Medical School's Standardized Patient Program. It's one of the largest in the U.S. with specialized actors who provide safe practicum experiences to learn and refine clinical skills. You will also complete a clinical practicum.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This CNS MSN program is approved by the Virginia Joint Boards of Nursing and Medicine.

Traineeship grants may be available to assist with tuition, dependent on grant funding.

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  • Best Online/Hybrid Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs, 2023 - RegisteredNursing.org

  • Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs, 2023
    U.S. News & World Report

  • Best Online Master's in Nursing for Veterans, 2023
    U.S. News & World Report

    • 49-53 credit hours
    • Clinical practicum at a physical location
    • Hands-on training in Virginia Beach

    In certain courses, you will be required to travel to ODU's Virginia Beach campus (usually once in the semester) for training or testing. The final, demonstrated comprehensive exam must also be completed in Virginia Beach.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Some courses have live, online meetings (usually on Thursday mornings), while some courses do not. Instructors also may schedule assignments, office hours, and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

    Clinical practicums are completed at a physical location and are negotiated on an individual basis.

    In certain courses, you will be required to visit ODU's Virginia Beach campus (usually only once in the semester) for training and/or testing with standardized patients or simulation instruction. The final, demonstrated comprehensive exam also must be completed in Virginia Beach.

  • As a CNS with specialized training in neonatal care, you will be prepared to work in a wide variety of health care settings, ensuring the use of best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Our MSN graduates find careers in areas such as:

    • Clinical leadership
    • Administration
    • Public or military health care
    • Public policy 
    • Research

    Keep in mind that nursing board requirements may vary by state.

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Use the links here to see if we have determined whether this program will prepare you for nursing certification or licensure in your state.

We encourage you to check your state's professional nursing requirements before applying to ODU.

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

  • In addition to meeting general ODU requirements for graduate admission, you must hold a current license as a registered nurse and have an undergraduate degree in nursing from a NLNAC OR CCNE accredited program (preferred) or a bachelor's degree in a related field. You must be accepted as a degree-seeking student in order to register for nursing courses.