Are you thinking about earning your MSN, but you want to know what MSN clinicals are like? Read all about clinicals below.
What are MSN clinicals like for NP programs?
If you’re working as a nurse and you want to advance your career, a master’s degree in nursing will set you on the road to success.
An MSN for working adults
Earning your MSN will help you move forward in your career as a leader, while preparing you to grow in your skills. Concordia University Wisconsin is proud to offer an MSN program geared toward working adults. While this program is designed for busy students, it’s steeped in a scientific foundation. Our genetics, immunology, and microbiology class sets the foundation for learning. This has helped students feel more prepared for their work as nurse practitioners.
Growth in mind, body, & spirit
Balancing work and school can be tricky. Interim Dean Diane Ames, DNP, FNP-BC, stated: “Our mission is to help students grow in mind, body, and spirit. During this busy time in your life, serving your community can mean that you’re serving your coworkers and patients. You might have to give up a few things during your studies, but you’ll reap a huge reward at the end.” Ames also noted that, in addition to supportive faculty, the support of the student support specialist and academic advisor makes Concordia’s online MSN accessible to working adults.
What are MSN clinicals like?
When you’re earning your nurse practitioner degree, you’ll need to complete clinical hours to develop and demonstrate your skills. CUW requires 720 clinical hours for the MSN NP tracks. Students complete a minimum of 240 clinical hours per semester during each of the clinical courses.
Since this program focuses on primary care, the clinicals need to be served in primary care settings.
Other important points
- Clinical site: Clinicals occur in the community setting, typically in family practice, internal medicine, or other outpatient settings. There are no clinical sites in the acute care setting including the hospital, emergency rooms, or surgery.
- Finding a preceptor: While you are responsible for finding your own preceptor, our Clinical Coordinator can assist you in the process. Many sites require that you are employed by the health care system for placement in their clinics. Unfortunately, employment within a health care system does not guarantee automatic placement. Once a primary care site has been identified and a preceptor secured, a student submits the form for approval for appropriateness of the site.
- Clinical instructor visits: Your clinical instructor will conduct a site visit at a minimum of one time per semester.
- Vaccinations: Most clinical partners require immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccination. While Concordia University does not require vaccines, we do not grant waivers or exemptions for any vaccines.
Do you want to learn more?
If you have more questions about clinical requirements or Concordia’s MSN program, feel free to visit our FAQ page or contact Admissions Counselor Mary Jandre.
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