CNS Advanced Practice

Maryland Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Maryland

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$50

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

reduced

Reduced Practice

Reduced practice authority: general CNSs have no independent advanced practice authority (per NACNS state regulatory table); COMAR 10.27.27 recognizes the CNS APRN role but Maryland grants independent practice only to psychiatric/mental health CNSs.

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	$50
Total	$50

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$210

Prerequisites

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

RN Requirements View Maryland RN Requirements