CNS Advanced Practice

Virginia Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Virginia

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$190

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

reduced

Reduced Practice

Reduced practice authority with some limitations

Prescriptive Authority: NPs: Practice agreement until 3 yrs/5,400 hrs; CRNAs: Schedule II-VI for periprocedural only; CNMs: Practice agreement until 1,000 hrs

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	$190
Total	$190

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$80

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

30 hrs OR national certification

Prerequisites

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

RN Requirements View Virginia RN Requirements