Clinical Nurse Specialist - CNS
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice nurse who can provide expert advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways. According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), an Advanced Practice Nurse is a registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which s/he is credentialed to practice. Read more about Clinical Nurse Specialists on our blog: A Spotlight on Clinical Nurse Specialists
Can a Clinical Nurse Specialist become a certified Medical Examiner with the DOT?
To be listed as a certified Medical Examiner with the DOT/FMCSA NRCME program, a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) must be licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to perform physical examinations.
Please see the table below for a Clinical Nurse Specialist's eligibility in the state they are licensed to practice in to become a certified Medical Examiner with the DOT:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Alabama - ![]() |
Montana - ![]() |
Alaska - ![]() |
Nebraska - ![]() |
Arizona - ![]() |
Nevada - ![]() |
Arkansas - ![]() |
New Hampshire - ![]() |
California - ![]() |
New Jersey - ![]() |
Colorado - ![]() |
New Mexico - ![]() |
Connecticut - ![]() |
New York - ![]() |
Delaware - ![]() |
North Carolina - ![]() |
District of Columbia - ![]() |
North Dakota - ![]() |
Florida - ![]() |
Ohio - ![]() |
Georgia - ![]() |
Oklahoma - ![]() |
Hawaii - ![]() |
Oregon - ![]() |
Idaho - ![]() |
Pennsylvania - ![]() |
Illinois - ![]() |
Puerto Rico - ![]() |
Indiana - ![]() |
Rhode Island - ![]() |
Iowa - ![]() |
South Carolina - ![]() |
Kansas - ![]() |
South Dakota - ![]() |
Kentucky - ![]() |
Tennessee - ![]() |
Louisiana - ![]() |
Texas - ![]() |
Maine - ![]() |
Utah - ![]() |
Maryland - ![]() |
Vermont - ![]() |
Massachusetts - ![]() |
Virginia - ![]() |
Michigan - ![]() |
Washington - ![]() |
Minnesota - ![]() |
West Virginia - ![]() |
Mississippi - ![]() |
Wisconsin - ![]() |
Missouri - ![]() |
Wyoming - ![]() |
= The FMCSA has not received verification from your state licensing board that the DOT exam is within the scope of practice for your profession. You may proceed with registration, but the FMCSA must receive verification from your state licensing board before certifying you. We recommend that you delay your certification test until the state licensing board has confirmed that the DOT exam is within your scope of practice.
If you have any questions or need further information on this process, please contact the FMCSA Help Desk at fmctechsup@dot.gov (recommended) or call (617) 494-3003.

