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
    TrackCoursesAdultGeriatric >65yoPediatric <21yoOB/GYNSpecialtyClinical Immersion
    PediatricNU 664A / NU 665A / NU 675 A  1. 600 or
    2. 500
     100200
    FamilyNU 664B / NU 665B  / NU 675 B1. 150
    2. 125
    150
    125
    150
    125
    150
    125
    0 or
    100
    200
    Psych/Mental HealthNU 664C / NU 665C  / NU 675 C100+100+100+ Required Therapy Hours: 150-250
    Total: 600
    200
    Women's HealthNU 664D / NU 665D / NU 675 D100  190 OB
    310 GYN
     200
    Adult-GeriatricNU 664E / NU 665E  / NU 675 E1. 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.