News
KCON Responds to Health Care Needs with New CNS Graduate Focus
March 23, 2026
The Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) is excited to announce a new graduate track for Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), which will officially launch Fall of 2026. KCON cherishes our strong and growing partnerships with hospital systems across the region. These relationships play an important role in how nurses are educated for future roles in these organizations, allowing for KCON to hear directly from hospital systems about any emerging or changing needs within their workforce. While these needs can vary, one has clearly emerged and KCON is taking action.
A CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who combines expert clinical practice with systems-level leadership to elevate care across units, service lines, and entire organizations. CNSs diagnose and manage complex clinical issues, lead evidence-based practice initiatives, and empower interprofessional teams to improve outcomes and transform healthcare delivery.
Starting this Fall, the new CNS track at KCON will be available as an option either through the MSN or DNP degree programs.
While it is a new KCON offering, the launch of this track is being overseen by Jackeline Iseler (DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FCNS), who brings with her years of experience in CNS education. In fact, the announcement of KCON new graduate CNS offering coincides with Iseler being named the new president of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist (NACNS), the nation’s leading voice on the CNS profession.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes over the last year to prepare for this launch, and it is so exciting to ‘open our doors’ to the community!”, shared Iseler, adding, “I think this program has potential to impact the next wave of nursing experts in the region.”
The Kirkhof Dean, Dr. Linda Lewandowski is excited to see how local hospital systems will respond to this announcement. “This program is a result listening and responding to an important national workforce need that we have been hearing from our partners”, said Lewandowski. “Our future CNS graduates won’t only be in demand in their field but will have a significant impact on patient care wherever they go”.
Due to these workforce demands, the CNS track will replace the former option for certification in Clinical Nurse Leadership (CNL).
Applications for the CNS tracks in both the MSN and DNP programs are open and available now! Prospective students are invited to learn more, attend an upcoming virtual information session on 3/30, 4/14, or 5/18, or start an application.