Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can my preceptor be someone I currently work with?

    Not directly. If you work at a large facility and your preceptor does not work directly with you, this is acceptable.

  • How long do I have to complete my 600 hours?

    Typically, 300 hours are completed per semester, which works out to 22 to 24 hours per week. The Weston campus NP program has a two to three week winter intersession, while the online NP program has three semesters. All 600 hours are required to graduate from the NP clinical program.

  • When do I start my clinical hours?

    For a typical master’s NP student, clinicals start in your second year. You must have already completed courses 641 and 650, and have an unencumbered RN license prior to the start of clinicals.

  • Who finds my placements?

    This is a collaborative effort between the graduate clinical team and incoming students. Students will have a role in finding their own placements, however students may have additional assistance from our clinical coordinators.

  • How do hours break down based on specialty track?

    The break down of hours depends on your specialty track:

    Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    600 hours will focus on covering the pediatric population from birth to age 21.

    Family Nurse Practitioner

    150 Hours in adult primary care, 150 hours in geriatric primary care, 150 hours in women’s health, 150 hours in pediatrics (may include a school-based setting for 50 hours).

    Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    600 hours will focus diagnostic evaluation, treatment including psychotherapy, and medication management of mental health problems across the lifespan. 400 hours in adult psychiatry, 100 hours in geriatric psychiatry and 100 hours in pediatric psychiatry.

    Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

    190 hours in obstetrics, 310 hours in gynecology, and 100 hours in primary care.

    Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

    250 hours in adult primary care, 250 hours in geriatric primary care, 50 hours in hospice and 50 hours in women’s health.

    Requirements for Specialty Track Patient Hours
    Track/Major Courses Adult Geriatric >65yo Pediatric <21yo OB/GYN Specialty
    Pediatric NU 664A / NU 665A     1. 600 or
    2. 500    		   100
    Family NU 664B / NU 665B 1. 150
    2. 125    		 150
    125    		 150
    125    		 150
    125    		 0 or
    100
    Psych/Mental Health NU 664C / NU 665C 100+ 100+ 100+   Required Therapy Hours: 150-250
    Total: 600
    Women's Health NU 664D / NU 665D 100     190 OB
    310 GYN    		  
    Adult-Geriatric NU 664E / NU 665E 1. 250
    2. 200    		 250
    200    		 0
    0    		 50
    50    		 50 Hospice or
    50 Hospice and 100 Specialty

  • Does my preceptor have to be a nurse practitioner?

    Not always, however your preceptor must be an NP if you are becoming an NP. Sometimes certified midwives, MDs, etc. might be acceptable, but you will need to discuss this with your clinical coordinator.

  • Can someone get a voucher for being my preceptor?

    Yes, for every 240 hours precepted, the preceptor can have one free course voucher to use for any class. This voucher is valid for two years from the date it was issued. Preceptors can earn more than one voucher per year.

  • Can my hours be completed in an acute setting?

    These settings are typically referred to as specialty clinical hours – up to 100 hours can be completed in an acute setting. Urgent care hours and occupational health hours may be considered toward your primary care hours if you receive prior approval from your clinical faculty program director.

  • What clinical requirements am I going to need?

    • Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis Test, TDap, Meningococcal Vaccination or Waiver, Influenza
    • OSHA and HIPA certifications
    • RN license
    • Health insurance
    • NP student malpractice insurance
    • CPR certification
    • Drug screen
    • Background check and FBI Fingerprinting
    • Physical every two years
    • Virtus training (optional – only if you want to be precepting in a Catholic school)
    • Updated resume

  • Are there any fees?

    Yes: Castlebranch, Malpractice Insurance, possible immunization fee, depending on insurance coverage.