New Master’s and Doctoral Level CNL Competencies Released

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is pleased to announce the release of a new set of competencies to prepare Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) at the master’s and doctoral levels. Introduced by AACN in 2004, the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL®) is prepared at the graduate level for advanced nursing practice focused on leadership, quality improvement, communication, and care coordination. The new and updated set of CNL competencies was developed through a national consensus-based process by an expert workgroup representing both education and practice.

In 2022, AACN initiated the work to review, revise, and align the 2013 CNL competencies with the 2021 AACN Essentials. The association held an interactive workshop with over 80 participants and an invitational discussion with deans, CNOs, faculty, and practicing CNLs from across the country to gather feedback on revising expectations and preparing graduates for future practice. Participants identified the need for CNLs prepared at the master’s level with a primary focus on care delivery within the micro- and meso-system as well as options for advancement to the doctoral level (DNP) with an expanded focus on macrosystem clinical leadership, quality improvement, advocacy, innovation, and interprofessional engagement.

Following an iterative process, the workgroup developed The Clinical Nurse Leader Master’s and Doctoral Competencies to assist faculty in adapting programs to prepare graduates for contemporary practice and to provide a new pathway to advance in the CNL role. By integrating the latest Essentials with the updated CNL competencies, nursing programs and practice partners will better equip CNL program graduates to practice with confidence and competence across healthcare environments.

Webinar Announced!

New Clinical Nurse Leader Competencies Create Pathways for Master’s and DNP Education
June 3, 2025 | 4:00-5:00 pm (ET)

This session will provide an in-depth overview of the revised CNL competencies, the intent and rationale for the two distinct educational tracks, and strategies for integrating the new competencies into the CNL curricula and competency-based education. The Essentials core concepts - leadership, systems thinking, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration - are foundational to the CNL role and educational preparation. This presentation will highlight how the Essentials align with the revised competencies, offering a structured framework for curriculum development.

Presented by Dr. Juliann Sebastian from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Jacklyn Barber from Morningside University, and Dr. Sarah Craig from the University of Virginia, this free webinar is offered for faculty, deans, practicing CNLs, and healthcare administrators who have a current CNL program or are interested in developing one. CNL preparation provides an excellent opportunity for nurses who want to advance their education and scope of practice while remaining at the point of care.

Register Now

Questions?
Please direct any questions about the new CNL competencies to bbingle@aacnnursning.org.