Master of Science
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
With a master’s degree in this specialty, you’ll be prepared to become an expert clinician, working with a variety of healthcare team members to help adults stay healthy, treat both short-term and long-term illnesses, and provide compassionate care for patients nearing the end of their lives. You’ll be able to work in a variety of clinical practice settings. This specialty prepares you to become an expert clinician, working with a variety of healthcare team members to help adults stay healthy, treat both short-term and long-term illnesses, and provide compassionate care for patients nearing the end of their lives.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
2.5 years
7 semesters
Exam prep
AG-CNS
When you finish the program, you can sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center for Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified (AGCNS-BC) exam or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses for Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Gerontology (ACCNS-AG) exam to become board-certified.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
An Accelerated Option
We offer an accelerated plan of study for students in the military. You can finish the program a semester early (six semesters instead of seven).
100%
Board certification exam pass rate for this specialty
#1
Nursing master’s program in Colorado*
3rd
Rated online AG-CNS degree in the US
Career
When you complete the MS Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program and get board certified, you’ll unlock a new career path and scope of practice. Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists can get licensed to work in all 50 states, including Colorado. Visit the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists for information on the national impact of the CNS role in practice.
What you can do
- Unit and/or service line CNS- patient population focused
- Clinical educator
- Quality improvement/Quality excellence position
- Unit or department nurse leader
- Magnet™ coordinator
Who you can care for
Patients ranging in age from mid- to late-adolescents to older adults who are critically, acutely, or chronically ill
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
Admissions
Effective Spring 2025, the Adult-Gerontology CNS program is paused for
new student admissions. Students currently enrolled will be able to
complete the program as listed in their approved matriculation plan.
Curriculum
Hands-on training
You’ll learn in a clinical setting for 540 hours in this program. We arrange your placements if you’re in the Denver Metro, ensuring you get the training and supervision you need to succeed.
In-depth coursework
This program includes 32 classroom-based credit hours. You’ll take classes including policy and politics of health and advanced practice in acute care nursing.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $34,540 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $34,540 |
| Nonresidents | $56,102 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
CU Nursing was an easy choice. The accessibility and the connections I have with the professors were among the reasons I returned.
Gladiz Martinez, MS, BS
CU Nursing Alum AG-CNS
National Magnet Nurse of the Year ANCC 2023
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.