Minnesota Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Minnesota
Full practice authority; CNS licensed as APRN may prescribe and practice independently after an initial 2,080-hour collaborative transition-to-practice period (Minn. Stat. 148.171, 148.211, 148.235).
Prescriptive Authority: CNM and CRNA have full independence; CNP/CNS require 2,080 hrs in collaborative setting first
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 | $105 |
| Total | $105 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $85 |
Continuing Education Requirements
National certification + 2 hrs opioid CE for Rx
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Minnesota, you must first hold an active RN license. Minnesota requires a state-specific RN license.
State Board of Nursing
Free Tools
Other APRN Types in Minnesota
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 6 official sources • Last verified: June 2026