CNS Advanced Practice

North Carolina Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in North Carolina

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$100

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

full

Full Practice Authority

CNS practice is governed solely by the NC Board of Nursing under 21 NCAC 36 .0228 with no physician collaborative agreement or supervision required (autonomous practice); CNSs have NO pharmacologic prescriptive authority.

Prescriptive Authority: No pharmacologic prescriptive authority. Per 21 NCAC 36 .0228(e), CNSs may prescribe/implement only non-pharmacologic nursing interventions and monitor pharmacologic agents; no medication prescribing or DEA registration.

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	$0
Total	$100

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$50

Prerequisites

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

RN Requirements View North Carolina RN Requirements