Saint Louis University's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers a 21-month, five-semester direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program that will prepare you to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL).
SLU's direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) is the first and only of its kind in Missouri. This 21-month, five-semester program is designed for individuals who are not registered nurses but have already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field. By completing the program, you will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing and be prepared to sit for both the nursing licensure exam and certification as a clinical nurse leader.
The Valentine School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. In 2020, our AMSN NCLEX pass rate was 94%. In 2021, Niche ranked Saint Louis University's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing as the No. 8 best college in the country for nursing. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our MSN-NP program as a top 50 program in their Best Graduate Schools survey.
Students who are reviewing our A.M.S.N. program may also consider our one-year accelerated B.S.N. program.
About Clinical Nurse Leaders
The master's level coursework of SLU's direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on the competencies and role development you need to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Clinical nurse leaders coordinate the care of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. They focus on outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement, interprofessional communication and application of evidence-based practice.
Graduates initially work as staff nurses, with their CNL skill set later allowing them to pursue advanced roles in health care.

