subject: Attaining Clinical Specialist Training [print this page] Attaining Clinical Specialist Training Attaining Clinical Specialist Training
Attaining clinical specialist training requires dedication and commitment. A clinical specialist is a highly trained nurse with specialization in a domain. Examples of specialization domains are patient, nursing personnel, and (healthcare) system. Specialty areas are illnesses and diseases, populations of patients (for example patients who suffer from traumatic brain injury), type of care, or type of problem. Clinical specialist training typically spans six years, post high school. However, at the completion of your studies, you will enjoy an in-demand career with plentiful job openings, in a variety of health care settings.
The first step towards acquiring clinical specialist training is to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, commonly referred to as a BSN. A bachelor's degree typically takes four to four and one half years to complete. In addition to attending classes, nursing students engage in fieldwork experiences with actual patients, as part of their program of study.
After earning your bachelor's degree in nursing, you must enroll in an accredited graduate level nursing program. A master of science degree in nursing, commonly referred to as an MSN, will provide the expertise required for the specialization. Specifically, the program teaches assessment techniques, patient care, and outcome evaluation. You will gain expertise in training nurses in clinical competencies, educating patients and their families, and collaborating with an interdepartmental team of other allied health care professionals. The program will teach you how to plan and implement alternative procedures, engaging in medical research, and overseeing patient care. Upon completion of your master's degree, you will take a proficiency exam from your state's board of nursing to earn licensure.
Nursing is a demanding but highly rewarding profession. Regardless of the state of the economy, nurses are constantly in demand, at a wide array of health care settings. Clinical specialist training will expand your career far beyond direct care.
