RN to CNL - Clinical Nurse Leader for RNs
An affordable, fast-track, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program for RNs interested in healthcare administration, nursing leadership, and policy – and all the benefits an advanced degree confers.
- Top-ranked by US News & World Report
- 90% of CNLs receive financial aid
- Part-time program
- Graduates eligible for the CNL certification exam
- Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
- Application deadline: January 5
Unlike a typical two-year master's degree program or the traditional CNL program, the RN to CNL program offers experienced nurses a fast-track to a master's degree with the flexibility of part-time study. The program takes into account nurses' education, career and life experiences as they prepare for leadership roles in nursing and health care, and these UVA grads are well-positioned to continue their education in either the clinical specialty, with a PhD, or in whatever role or setting they choose.
With their wealth of professional and scholarly experience, RN to CNL grads tend to rise rapidly in health care communities as clinicians, team-leaders, patient care coordinators, client advocates, outcomes manager, and systems analysts.
Direct-Entry CNL and RN to CNL Program Cost
Summer term is required for all Master's-Entry CNL students.
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $26,568 | $45,122 |
| Regular Session Comprehensive Fee | $3,572 | $4,254 |
| University Activity Fee | $58 | $58 |
| Nursing Activity Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $30,228 | $49,464 |
RN to CNL [part-time]
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $948 per credit | $1,610 per credit |
| Regular Session Comprehensive Fee | $3,572 | $4,254 |
| University Activity Fee | $58 | $58 |
| Nursing Activity Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $3,660 + Tuition | $4,342 + Tuition |
CNL Direct-Entry and RN to CNL - Supplemental Fees
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Student Health Insurance | $3,673 | $3,673 |
| International Student Fees | $240 | $240 |
CNL Direct-Entry and RN to CNL - January Term
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition - January 2025 Session | $948 per credit | $1,610 per credit |
| January Session Comprehensive Fee | $216 | $246 |
| January 2025 Session Total | $216 + Tuition | $246 + Tuition |
CNL Direct-Entry and RN to CNL - Summer Term
| Tuition - Summer 2025 Session | $948 per credit | $1,610 per credit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Session Comprehensive Fee | $475 | $535 |
| Summer 2025 Session Total | $475 + Tuition | $535 + Tuition |
Admission Requirements for the RN to CNL
To be considered for the CNL for RN, applicants must:
- Submit a completed application and an $85 application fee
- Have a Bachelor's degree and an ADN degree, or diploma from a regionally accredited school
- Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Have successfully completed a college-level course in statistics within five years of the program start
- Submit three satisfactory academic and professional recommendations
- Complete two essays
- Submit a resume or CV
- A license as a registered nurse in the US, with eligibility to transfer the license to Virginia; students must have an unencumbered RN license in Virginia before the first day of classes
- Be available for an interview, if requested
- International applicants have additional admission requirements
The most competitive applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher in nursing and non-nursing degrees, have experience in quality improvement projects and excellent writing skills.
Applicants with ADN or BSN degrees should apply for the fall semester, and request change to enroll in the summer session after admitted, if planning to enroll in summer classes.
Financial Aid for RN to CNL students
RN-to-CNL students may be eligible for tuition benefits from their hospital systems. Click here for tuition information.
RN to CNL Classes
- RN to CNL (Post BSN) Plan of Study
- RN to CNL (Post ADN or Diploma) Plan of Study
Clinicals
In the final semester, students identify a clinical focus area for completion of an extended clinical practicum, followed by the CNL residency practicum. Clinical experiences will be offered at the UVA Medical Center, at other facilities and settings in the Charlottesville area and selected global placements.
Technology Requirements
All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop; information about these requirements will be sent to enrolling students before classes begin. Please see the School of Nursing Computing Policies for more guidance on laptop ownership requirements.