Clinical Placements

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 800 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. The final course in the NP curriculum is an immersive clinical practice experience (200 hrs) meant to synthesize the knowledge gained in all previous courses. All 800 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. An additional 200 clinical hours will be completed in a final clinical immersion course, helping students prepare for practice in their specialization. 

  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). An additional 200 clinical hours will be completed in a final clinical immersion course, helping students prepare for practice in their specialization. 

  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. An additional 200 clinical hours will be completed in a final clinical immersion course, helping students prepare for practice in their specialization. 

  Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

  190 hours in obstetrics, 310 hours in gynecology, and 100 hours in primary care. An additional 200 clinical hours will be completed in a final clinical immersion course, helping students prepare for practice in their specialization. 

  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. An additional 200 clinical hours will be completed in a final clinical immersion course, helping students prepare for practice in their specialization. 

  Requirements for Specialty Track Patient Hours

  Track	Courses	Adult	Geriatric >65yo	Pediatric <21yo	OB/GYN	Specialty	Clinical Immersion
  Pediatric	NU 664A / NU 665A / NU 675 A			1. 600 or 2. 500		100	200
  Family	NU 664B / NU 665B  / NU 675 B	1. 150 2. 125	150 125	150 125	150 125	0 or 100	200
  Psych/Mental Health	NU 664C / NU 665C  / NU 675 C	100+	100+	100+		Required Therapy Hours: 150-250 Total: 600	200
  Women's Health	NU 664D / NU 665D / NU 675 D	100			190 OB 310 GYN		200
  Adult-Geriatric	NU 664E / NU 665E  / NU 675 E	1. 250 2. 200	250 200	0 0	50 50	50 Hospice or 50 Hospice and 100 Specialty	200

• 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.