Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) program at James Madison University (JMU) is a primary care program and consists of three practicum courses. Students identify practicum placements in conjunction with course faculty and the Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator. Final placement decisions are determined in collaboration with the NP Program Coordinator.

NP Practicum Selection Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide information about selection of appropriate clinical sites, and also to ensure that the proper experiences are obtained to allow students to successfully complete the program. The NP program at JMU is a primary care AGPCNP program. The following are guidelines for the practicum hours.

• Must complete a minimum of 60 hours in OB/GYN (including prenatal & postpartum)
• Must complete 120 pediatric hours (in a pediatric focused practice setting)
• May choose an optional specialty rotation, up to 60 hours may be completed in this site
• Preceptors may be a Nurse Practitioner, Physician (MD or DO), or Physician Assistant and must have at least 12 months of full-time practice experience.

NP Practicum I (NSG 671)-180 hours

Preferred sites are ambulatory sites that focus on providing care for patients with acute care issues. These may include but are not limited to: College Health Centers, Mini-Clinics, Family Practices, Free Clinics, Urgent Care Clinics, Community Health Centers, and rural health clinics. The student should select one (1) site and plan on completing all hours at this site. 

NP Practicum II (NSG 672): 300 hours

Preferred sites are ambulatory sites providing care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. These include family practices, internal medicine practices with a focus on primary care, Free Clinics, rural health clinics, etc. During Practicum II or III, FNP students should complete the OB or pediatric requirements. Ideally, the student is in 2-3 sites during this practicum.

NP Practicum III (NSG 673): 300 hours

Preferred sites are ambulatory sites providing care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. These include family practices, internal medicine practices with a focus on primary care, Free Clinics, rural health clinics, etc. During Practicum II or III, FNP students should complete the OB or pediatric requirements. Ideally, the student is in 2-3 sites during this practicum.

Please note: These are guidelines; clinical site limitations may require some adjustments. Adjustments, when necessary, must be approved by the practicum faculty.

Practicum Seminars

Seminars are a required component of practicum courses. Seminars may include experiences with pelvic & breast exams, male GU exams, joint injection, suturing, orthopedics, radiology, EKG, ophthalmology, conference attendance, and student presentations.