Massachusetts Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Massachusetts
Per 244 CMR 4.06(5), the CNS is a recognized APRN whose scope (advanced direct/indirect nursing care including diagnosis and management of illness) carries no physician collaborative-agreement or supervision requirement (autonomous practice); prescriptive authority under 244 CMR 4.07 is limited to CNM, CNP, Psychiatric CNS, and CRNA, so a general CNS has no prescriptive authority.
Prescriptive Authority: Prescriptive Authority NOT issued by Board of Nursing; register with Massachusetts Drug Control Program
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 | $150 |
| Total | $150 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $180 |
Continuing Education Requirements
2 hrs domestic/sexual violence required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Massachusetts, you must first hold an active RN license. Massachusetts requires a state-specific RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Free Tools
Other APRN Types in Massachusetts
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 6 official sources • Last verified: July 2026