Students in the BSN-MSN PMHNP track complete a minimum of 680 supervised direct patient care clinical hours. Students in the PGC PMHNP complete a minimum of 500 hours. BSN-DNP (PMHNP) complete a minimum of 1000 hours; 750 hours must meet the practicum expectations for PMHNP certification. PMHNP PGC students who are practicing and certified in another population foci, are required to complete a minimum of 500 supervised director patient care clinical hours. PMHNP PGC students who are not certified as an APRN will complete a minimum of 680 hours.
An interdisciplinary mix of preceptors and experiences provides students with the best clinical experience and preparation as an PMHNP. PMHNP APRNs and individuals from other disciplines who are credentialed and licensed to practice in their area of expertise and their area of practice is clearly relevant to meeting PMHNP core competencies and scope of practice, may serve as preceptors. Students in the PMHNP track will be assigned a clinical preceptor for all clinical practicum by the Graduate Nursing PMHNP Program Coordinator. Students must have experiences across the lifespan which include a minimum of two psychotherapy modalities.
All efforts are made to match students with preceptors within the student’s home geographical area, however this is not always possible. Students may be required to travel up to 90 minutes each way to complete their clinical practicum. Students assume all responsibility for travel to and from clinical practicum sites.
Students may request preceptor matching. All requests must be made to the Graduate Nursing PMHNP Program Coordinator at least 16-20 weeks in advance of placement. All contact with potential preceptors must be directed to the PMHNP Program Coordinator.
PMHNP Clinical Hours Tracking
The determination of appropriate clinical hours is at the discretion of the clinical faculty for the course and the Graduate Nursing PMHNP Program Coordinator.
The following activities may be counted toward required practicum hours:
- Hours in which direct clinical care is provided to individuals and families across the lifespan.
- Time spent documenting the patient’s medical record.
- Telehealth.
- International/national direct care experiences as part of a medical mission.
- Attendance at an educational offering related to practicum goals and objectives (not to exceed 8 hours). Must have prior approval from clinical faculty.
The following activities may NOT be included toward required practicum hours:
- Travel time to and from practicum; or between clinical sites.
- Requirements mandated by clinical agencies.
- Course assignments (ex: completion of online discussion board for the course).
- On campus practicum class time.
- Clinical preparation time.
- Skill lab or physical assessment practice sessions.
- Community-based projects.
- Simulation/Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations.
Preceptor Eligibility
The Graduate Nursing PMHNP Program Coordinator approves all clinical preceptors. The following criteria are utilized in selecting appropriate clinical preceptors specific to the identified student and course outcomes:
- Evidence of current licensure by the appropriate licensing/credentialing body to practice as a PMHNP, Psychologist, Board Certified Psychiatrist (must be board certified), Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health/Professional Counselor.
- Appropriate practice settings include: private practice, psychiatric centers, counseling centers, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, hospitals, crisis centers, and long-term care. Other settings may be approved by the PMHNP Program Coordinator.
- If placed with an APRN, preceptor must have a minimum of an earned Master’s in Nursing with clinical preparation as a nurse practitioner.
- Certification in area of expertise is strongly preferred.
- At least 18 -24 months of experience in the clinician role in suitable settings.
- Interest in assuming the responsibilities of the preceptor role.