The purpose of the master’s program is to prepare advanced practice nurses with specialized knowledge, skills and values. Graduates assume leadership roles in the health care system and advance practice and the discipline of nursing by applying existing nursing knowledge and using a spirit of inquiry to examine and test nursing knowledge. The CNL is an advanced generalist who works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, patients, and staff to provide patient-centered care. Graduates of this concentration are prepared for eligibility to apply for the Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Exam prepared by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC).

• Synthesize appropriate therories from nursing and related fields to respond to emerging health care challenges.
• Synthesize appropriate scientific findings and theories from nursing and related fields to lead change to improve outcomes.
• Influence health care policy for the benefit of person, community, nursing, and environment.
• Demonstrate PRAXIS at an advanced level of nursing in a selected area of concentration.
• Exert leadership in creating a collaborative and caring health care community.
• Synthesize best evidence and translate into practice to creatively improve health care quality and outcomes.