CNS Advanced Practice

Alabama Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Alabama

Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$78.5
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice

Reduced practice authority with some limitations

Prescriptive Authority: Collaborative Practice Agreement required; separate application through Alabama Board of Medical Examiners ($150)

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Requirements

  • Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
  • Hold active RN license in the state
  • Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AACN

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

3 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $78.5
Total $78.5

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $78.5

Continuing Education Requirements

24
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Pharmacology: 6 hours required

Prerequisites

To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Alabama, you must first hold an active RN license. Alabama is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.