Connecticut Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Connecticut
Connecticut licenses CNS as an APRN (CGS 20-94a); requires a written physician collaborative agreement for the first 3 years/2,000 hours post-licensure before independent practice (CGS 20-87a(b)(2)-(3)).
Prescriptive Authority: Full independent authority
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 | $200 |
| Total | $200 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $0 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Pharmacology: 5 hours required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Connecticut, you must first hold an active RN license. Connecticut is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Free Tools
Other APRN Types in Connecticut
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 4 official sources • Last verified: June 2026