Michigan Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Michigan
Michigan recognizes CNS as an APRN (MCL 333.17201(1)(a)(iii)); full practice authority—no physician supervision or collaborative agreement required for CNS practice (MCL 333.17214 bars physician visit restrictions).
Prescriptive Authority: APRN may independently prescribe nonscheduled prescription drugs (MCL 333.17211a(1)(a)); controlled substances (schedules 2-5) require physician delegation (MCL 333.17211a(1)(b))
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 | $41.35 |
| Total | $85 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $85 |
Continuing Education Requirements
2 pain management, 2 implicit bias required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Michigan, you must first hold an active RN license. Michigan requires a state-specific RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Free Tools
Other APRN Types in Michigan
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 4 official sources • Last verified: June 2026