The University of Toledo

Master of Science in Nursing Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader Program

ATTENTION GRADUATE NURSING APPLICANTS: All graduate application materials are submitted through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) https://portal.nursingcas.org. A supplemental application is also required and can be found at http://apply.utoledo.edu. Program admission cycle information posted at http://www.utoledo.edu//nursing/grad_checklist.html.

Preparing clinical nurse leaders for today's complex health care delivery systems the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program at The University of Toledo is ideal for the goal-directed person who seeks a career as a professional registered nurse in the dynamic field of health care. It is designed for the person who holds a bachelor's degree, who is not yet a registered nurse (RN), but who desires to become a RN.  Graduates of baccalaureate programs as diverse as mechanical engineering, biology, or music are welcome to apply.

The curriculum includes theory classes prepared by the graduate faculty of The University of Toledo (UT) College of Nursing, as well as clinical experiences with patients in state-of-the-art health care facilities. Graduates are prepared as Clinical Nurse Leaders who are nurse generalists. 

Upon successful completion of the two-year, full-time Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program of study, graduates are prepared to apply for a license as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensing Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). More information about licensure is available through the Ohio Board of Nursing website (www.nursing.ohio.gov). 

This master's program positions graduates for immediate entry into exciting positions in hospitals or clinics, and also provides an opportunity to continue graduate study. Graduates may elect to pursue a certificate to enter advanced practice roles as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, or they may decide to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.

Click here to view the most Frequently Asked Questions about the CNL program

Curriculum

Semester I - Fall (120 Total clinical hours)
Course #	Course Title	Credit
NURS5040	Health Assessment and the Nursing Process for Promoting Health	6
NURS5050	Health Sciences I	3
NURS5060	Professional Socialization I	3
NURS5070	Therapeutic Communication Skills for Nurses	3
Semester II - Spring (90 Total clinical hours)
NURS5140	Designing Nursing Systems to Promote Self-Care	6
NURS5250	Health Sciences II	3
NURS5670	Pharmacology	3
NURS5160	Professional Socialization II	3
Semester III - Summer (120 Total clinical hours)
NURS5240	Designing Nursing Systems for Compromised Health States	6
INDI6000	Introduction to Biostatistical Methods	3
Semester IV - Fall (120 Total clinical hours)
NURS5440	Population Focused Nursing Care	6
NURS6070	Advanced Communication Skills and Group Dynamics	3
NURS5910	Advanced Nursing Research	3
Semester V - Spring (300 Total clinical hours)
NURS5540	Advanced Practicum in Nursing Systems Design	12
NURSXXXX	Thesis, Comprehensive Exam or Field Experience	3
Total Semester Credits 66 750 Clinical Clock Hours

NOTE: Due to the limited number of positions available, each CNL applicant offered admission will submit a $300 reservation deposit along with their letter of intent to attend The University of Toledo within two weeks following notification of admission. This fee is refundable up to June 1st. This deposit then will be applied to the individual's fall semester tuition.

Students are admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader program in the Fall Semester only.

Admission Requirements:

1. 1. Baccalaureate from an accredited college/university.
   2. Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate work. Please send all official college/university transcripts including post secondary course work.
   3. Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results
      •  The University of Toledo Health Science Campus Code: #1845
      •  GRE must be taken within past 5 years
      •  Also required of international applicants
   4. The TOEFL* or IELTS* are required for international applicants. (must be taken within past 2 years)
      *Minimum required test scores: http://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/prospectivestudents/admission/guidelines.html
   5. Computer competency that includes word processing skills and ability to communicate electronically.
   6. Prerequisites:
      • Human Anatomy and Physiology (6 semester hours). Must earn a "B" or better.
      • Psychology (3 semester hours).
      • Social Science elective (3 semester hours).
   7. Personal statement describing career goals, future plans for employment and expectations for graduate study.
   8. Current resume.
   9. Two College of Nursing recommendation forms completed by professional sources.
   10. Interview, if requested.
   11. All CNL students will be full time graduate students. Admission is competitive.
   12. Students are required to authorize The University of Toledo to obtain criminal record checks (BCII and FBI) and are responsible for fingerprinting expenses. Students must declare and document misdemeanor and/or felony offenses that occur prior to admission to the nursing program and/or during program progression. In compliance with Ohio revised Code 4723-7 convictions will result in denial of admission to the program or dismissal after matriculation..

All official college/university transcripts and official GRE and TOEFL or IELTS results must be sent directly from the respective college/university and GRE and TOEFL or IELTS organization to the College of Graduate Studies, The University of Toledo.

View the Graduate Nursing Program Application Process and Checklist

Recommendation Form (PDF)