Nursing Practicum Manual:

Section 1. Introduction

Welcome to the field experience (practicum) component of Walden University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

Field Experience marks an important milestone in a nursing program as students can apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in real-work settings. Students may find that this new stage in their program comes with excitement, nervousness, and questions. The College of Nursing and the Office of Field Experience (OFE) is here to support students through the process.

Completing a practicum provides students with real-world hands-on practice experiences in their area of specialization under the supervision of Walden faculty and a practicum preceptor.

The practicum experience is designed to provide students with:

• The opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge acquired throughout their program.
• A real-world experience of direct practice.
• Mentoring from faculty and experts (preceptors) in their area of study.
• Experiences to gain proficiency with necessary skills for professional practice.
• Learning activities to help contribute to their professional portfolio and network.
• The chance to make a difference in their field.

Nursing practicum experiences help students enhance their critical thinking skills, adopt evidence-based practices, and advance their nursing knowledge to transform society. These activities are central to Walden’s and the College of Nursing’s mission of providing students with the opportunity to transform themselves as a scholar-practitioner capable of creating positive social change.

The Practicum Manuals are designed to guide College of Nursing students from the beginning stages of planning for practicum to successful completion of practicum courses. They provide essential information related to practicum policies and procedures and serve as a reference for practicum preceptors and others involved in the practicum experience. We trust that you will find this information useful in your journey through practicum.

Students are required to read this manual in detail and adhere to the policies and procedures outlined within. Failure to comply with the policies is considered a violation of Walden University’s Code of Conduct and Professional Conduct Policy and may result in formal sanctions, including but not limited to, award of a failing course grade, Code of Conduct inquiry, and dismissal from the university. See the Walden University Student Handbook and Section 5 for Practicum Policies.

Students that are in degree programs that cross different degree levels must utilize two sections of the Practicum Manuals as follows: 

• Students in RN-MSN Programs: Students in a RN Track for an MSN program complete a portion of their practicum requirements at the undergraduate level and a portion of their practicum requirements at the graduate level so they utilize two practicum manuals for guidance related to their practicum courses. Students must utilize the Undergraduate section of the Practicum Manual in Section 2 for the undergraduate practicum course and either the Nurse Practitioner Programs or the Specialty Programs section of the Practicum Manual in Section 2 for the graduate practicum courses. 

• Students in DNP – Nurse Practitioner Programs: Students in a DNP – Nurse Practitioner program complete a portion of their practicum requirements at the master’s level and a portion of their practicum requirements at the doctoral level so they must utilize two practicum manuals for guidance related to their practicum courses. Students must utilize the Nurse Practitioner Programs section of the Practicum Manual in Section 2 for the master’s level practicum courses and the Doctor of Nursing Practice section of the Practicum Manual in Section 2 for the doctoral level practicum courses. 

Students must review the Field Experience website in conjunction with this Practicum Manual for important procedures, requirements, forms, tutorials, deadlines and other important resources for the practicum process. 

Students must also review and refer to the Walden University Catalog and Student Handbook for specific information on university policies and programs. 

• Walden University Catalog:  https://academics.waldenu.edu/catalog/nursing
• Walden University Student Handbook:  https://academics.waldenu.edu/handbook

This Practicum Manual does not create a contract to provide any service or benefit. You are subject to the policies and procedures outlined in the current Practicum Manual, regardless of the academic year in which you were admitted. Walden University reserves the right to change any provision, offering, requirement, policy, or fee at any time within your enrollment period. 

Vision

The College of Nursing endeavors to be recognized for its preeminent programs and innovative educational approaches that prepare distinguished graduates to advance the greater good of global communities.

Mission

The College of Nursing, dedicated to excellence in nursing education, provides programs to transform diverse nursing professionals into champions of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity.

Goals

The College of Nursing strives to:

• Empower diverse nursing professionals through academic advancement that enhances personal growth, professional development, clinical reasoning, and the desire for life-long learning.
• Create an inclusive teaching and learning environment where students expand on their existing professional nursing knowledge, to improve workplace and healthcare outcomes.
• Provide educational approaches that address the complex needs of adult learners and support academic quality and integrity.
• Prepare learners as scholar practitioners to use evidence-based practice that exemplifies and supports professional nursing standards.
• Prepare professional nursing leaders who are empowered to promote positive social change for individuals, families, and populations by addressing the social determinants of health locally, nationally, and globally.

Review the Walden University Student Catalog to review more information about the College of Nursing: https://academics.waldenu.edu/catalog/nursing

The College of Nursing uses the following guidelines and standards to inform the curriculum and professional behavior:

BSN Program:

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021)
• Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2025)
• Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 4th edition (ANA, 2021)
• Guide to Nursing’s Social Policy Statement (ANA, 2019)

MSN and PMC Specialty Programs:

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021)
• NLN Core Competency for Nurse Educators (National League for Nursing [NLN] 2018)
• The Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators and Academic Clinical Nurse Educators, 3rd edition, (NLN, 2020)
• Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd edition (Association for Nursing Professional Development [ANPD], 2022)
• Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2022)
• Nurse Executive Competencies (Association of Nurse Leaders [AONL], 2023)
• Public Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd  edition (ANA, 2022)
• Core Competencies of Public Health Professionals (The Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice, 2014)
• Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2025)
• Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 4th edition, (ANA, 2021)

MSN and PMC Nurse Practitioner Programs:

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021)
• The Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2021)
• Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education,  2022)
• Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2025)
• Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice 4th edition, (ANA, 2024)

DNP Programs:

•  T The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) (2021)
• The Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, 2022)
• Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, 2022)
• Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretative Statements (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2025)
• Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice 4th edition (ANA, 2024)
• The AONL Nurse Executive Competencies (AONL, 2023).
• The AONL Core Competencies (AONL, 2024).

Field experience helps students transition from the role of learner to that of scholar practitioner. To achieve this transition, students develop and engage in a mentoring relationship during a practicum experience with their practicum faculty instructor and an approved preceptor, focusing on roles and role functions; the achievement of individualized Learning Objectives; and the completion of required practicum activities. The practicum experience requires students to apply the knowledge, concepts, and skills that they have acquired in their didactic courses during their program of study particularly in relation to their specialization. Therefore, didactic courses should be completed prior to entering practicum courses. 

For the purposes of this manual, the following terms are defined in this way:

Field Experience

Field experience is a structured learning opportunity that takes place outside of the classroom, while a practicum experience is a type of field experience that involves supervised experience with professionals. The College of Nursing utilizes the term “practicum” to describe the field experience that students will complete during their nursing program. The term “field experience” and “practicum” are used interchangeably at Walden.   

Practicum

A practicum is a distinctly defined supervised practical, hands-on experience in which students implement knowledge and skills acquired in coursework and integrate professional knowledge in a real healthcare context. The practicum experience takes place onsite at a practicum site, in-person with a preceptor, providing students with experiences to support learning and developing competencies in their profession. Practicum courses require a minimum number of hours and other required practicum activities. 

Practicum Site

A practicum site is a healthcare facility, health agency, school, or other appropriate setting at which students participate in supervised, onsite applied practicum experiences that are consistent with their education and meet the requirements of their program. The practicum site provides the location where students complete their practicum experience. Students are required to complete their practicum experience onsite at the practicum location and in-person with their approved preceptor. 

Preceptor

Supervision by a preceptor is composed of a tutorial and mentoring form of instruction in which practicum preceptors monitor student activities in the practicum and facilitate learning and skill-development experiences. Supervision by a preceptor encompasses instruction, guidance, monitoring, supervision, feedback, and evaluation. 

Preceptorship

Preceptorship is another term used to define the practicum experience that occurs with a preceptor at a practicum site. A preceptorship requires having a preceptor and a practicum site to complete a practicum experience. The College of Nursing utilizes the term “preceptorship” to describe the relationship of the preceptor and practicum site involved for students to complete a practicum experience.

Learning Modality

The BSN, MSN – Nursing Education, MSN – Nurse Executive, and MSN – Nursing Informatics programs are offered in two different learning modalities:   

• Course-Based Modality: This modality has traditional online courses that are led by a faculty instructor with a structured schedule and deadlines. Students complete the course with other students following the pre-set schedule for the course. Students spend a fixed amount of time within the online class during a term following a schedule and meeting the deadlines for the term to achieve the learning objectives. 

• Competency-Based Modality: This modality, known as Tempo Learning®, is competency-based, meaning that students’ progress by demonstrating knowledge of a subject by passing assessments after completing Learning Resources. Student progress is measured by the mastery of the demonstration of skills, abilities, and knowledge in a particular course. Students work independently and learn at their own pace. The modality allows for flexible schedules, where students set their own pace with the support of a faculty instructor and an academic coach to achieve the learning objectives.

Course Types for Nurse Practitioner Practicum Courses

All Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs have two types of courses for practicum, which include a didactic and a practicum course. Students must successfully complete both the NRNP/DRNP and PRAC/PRCM of each practicum course number. Students must log into Canvas for both NRNP/DRNP and PRAC/PRCM courses as they are separate courses and have different course assignments, requirements, and instructors.     

• NRNP/DRNP: This is the didactic course (NRNP/DRNP), which includes the coursework and instruction to develop fundamental knowledge of the content area. This course does not require practicum hours or an approved practicum application. 
• PRAC/PRCM: This is the practicum course (PRAC/PRCM), which includes the hands-on practicum experience in which students develop applied skills and integrate professional knowledge in providing advanced practice nursing care at a practicum site under the direction of a preceptor. Students must have an approved practicum application to be registered for this course. These courses have practicum related course assignments along with practicum hours and other practicum requirements. 

It is critical to students’ successful practicum experiences that they thoroughly and completely review the Walden University College of Nursing Practicum Manual, designated for their program and specialty area, in their first term and throughout their program. Walden provides guidelines for identifying an appropriate preceptor and practicum site, and the manuals outline the practicum application resources necessary to begin the practicum process.

Preparing early is critical to practicum success. It is highly recommended that students start the search process for a practicum site and preceptor early in the program, as it can take a significant amount of time to identify a preceptor and practicum site and complete the application process.

Students at Walden are considered adult learners who are capable of seeking educational opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals. Walden expects students to collaborate with staff and be self-directed to meet educational requirements. Because each student and each practicum experience are unique, students play a critical role in the practicum placement process. Walden’s field experience coordinators, advisors/coaches, faculty instructors, program coordinators, program directors, are committed to working collaboratively with students and preceptors to support the successful completion of practicum experiences.

A successful practicum experience requires collaboration among course students, Walden faculty instructors, preceptors, practicum site personnel, Office of Field Experience and Walden support teams. 

Preceptors

Preceptors are qualified individuals employed at the practicum site, who are responsible for supervising and guiding student practicum experiences and providing ongoing feedback on their practicum work. Supervision by a preceptor is comprised of a tutorial and mentoring form of instruction in which preceptors monitor the student’s practicum activities during the practicum experience as they facilitate learning and skill development. Preceptors must be accessible to students and provide guidance and feedback that promotes the growth of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with Walden University educational goals, as well as with best nursing practices. The preceptor’s role is critical as they collaborate with the faculty instructor to assist students’ transition from the learner role to that of scholar-practitioner by focusing on the achievement of skills as outlined in individualized learning objectives and the learning outcomes for the practicum course.

Preceptor Responsibilities:

• Supervise, guide, direct, instruct, monitor, mentor, and support the student. 
• Facilitate the achievement of practicum learning objectives and practicum requirements.
• Orient the student to the site, personnel, policies, and procedures of the practicum site.
• Support the student in the development of a plan to meet individualized learning objectives, learning outcomes, and practicum requirements.
• Engage in 1:1 student-to-preceptor direct supervision during practicum at any given time.
• Be accessible to the student during the practicum experience.
• Provide the student opportunities for role analysis and mentoring.
• Provide and facilitate opportunities for the student to apply skills and knowledge and complete practicum requirements.
• Provide ongoing feedback about the student’s progress in meeting practicum goals while supervising work.
• Verify practicum hours and validate time logs the student entered in Meditrek to track practicum activities.
• Complete midterm and final evaluations in Meditrek to evaluate the student’s performance during practicum.
• Communicate with the practicum faculty instructor with concerns or feedback regarding student’s performance during practicum.
• Meet with the student’s practicum faculty instructor during conference calls to collaborate and discuss the student’s practicum experience as required.

Preceptor Requirements: Preceptors are qualified individuals employed at the practicum site. Students must nominate preceptors who meet the preceptor requirements for the practicum and the specific requirements for the practicum course. Review Section 2 in the appropriate Practicum Manual for specific requirements for your program, specialization, and the practicum course.

Preceptor Benefits: Walden offers a variety of benefits for preceptors when they serve as preceptors for Walden nursing students. Students may share these benefits with prospective preceptors when they are searching for a preceptorship. Details and specifics regarding these benefits may be found on the Preceptor Benefits Preceptor Resources webpage. We offer the following benefits for preceptors:  

• Honorary Clinical Instructor status
• Access to Walden Library
• Free Continuing Education Opportunities
• Walden Tuition Discount
• Job and Internship Posting

Practicum Sites

Practicum sites are the employer of the preceptor. A practicum site is a healthcare facility, health agency, school, or other appropriate setting at which students participate in supervised, onsite applied practice experiences that are consistent with their education and meet the requirements of their program. Students are required to complete their practicum experience onsite at the practicum location in-person with their approved preceptor.

Practicum Site Responsibilities: 

• Enter into an Affiliation Agreement with Walden University.
• Abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the Affiliation Agreement.  
• Employ the preceptor. 
• Provide a safe and appropriate supervised learning experience at the site. 
• Establish the policies, procedures, and protocols that students are expected to follow while precepting at the site. 

Practicum Site Requirements:  Practicum sites must meet the requirements for practicum. Students must nominate practicum sites that meet the requirements for practicum and the specific requirements for the practicum course. Review Section 2 in the appropriate Practicum Manual for specific requirements for your program, specialization, and the practicum course.

Students

Students at Walden are adult learners who are capable of seeking educational opportunities to meet their personal and professional goals. Walden expects students to collaborate and engage with the Office of Field Experience and faculty instructors and be self-directed to meet educational requirements. The practicum process is an important part of the student’s learning. Prior to practicum, students must review this Practicum Manual and the Field Experience website to understand the practicum planning process.  Students needing assistance with identifying a preceptorship must collaborate with the Office of Field Experience for support. During practicum courses, students collaborate with practicum course faculty instructors and preceptors to ensure they obtain a well-rounded educational experience and meet the course learning outcomes. Students must apply knowledge and skills acquired in coursework and integrate professional knowledge during the practicum experience under supervision of a preceptor. Students must abide by all policies and procedures required for practicum courses set by Walden University and the practicum site.

Student Responsibilities – Prior to Practicum:

Field experience differs from other courses in that you must take an active role in preparation for your practicum courses well before the coursework begins by complying with responsibilities as a student.

• Read and become intimately familiar with this Practicum Manual and adhere to the policies and procedures within.
• Plan and prepare for your practicum courses early in your program.
• Develop your plan of study and plan for practicum courses with your Advisor/Coach.
• Use the Practicum Checklist to ensure you are prepared to start practicum.  
• Be aware of and understand all requirements and policies for practicum.
• Review the Field Experience website to prepare and plan for practicum. 
• Attend Roundtable Sessions to prepare and plan for practicum. 
• Engage in networking early in your program to identify potential preceptors.
• Be engaged and work collaboratively with your Advisor/Coach and the Office of Field Experience in preparing and planning for practicum. 
• Complete professional preparation tasks to prepare for the search process of identifying a preceptor and practicum site as outlined in this manual, the Field Experience Preparation Course, and the Field Experience website.
• Review the “Find a Preceptor and Site” webpage on the Field Experience website for resources and support.  
• Utilize the provided resources on the “Find a Preceptor and Site” webpage and within the Field Experience Preparation Course (FECN). 
• Seek support from the Office of Field Experience as needed.
• Identify a preceptor and practicum site in accordance with program requirements for each practicum course. 
• Submit a practicum application for each practicum course, preceptor, and practicum site location every term in Meditrek by the application deadline.
• Complete onboarding requirements required by Walden and the practicum site by the posted deadline.
• Maintain an active, unencumbered RN nursing license in the jurisdiction they plan to complete practicum.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the Walden University Code of Conduct throughout the practicum process. 

Student Responsibilities – During Practicum:

• Develop a learning contract and individualized learning objectives to meet learning outcomes for the practicum course.
• Develop a clear and concise plan to meet the course outcomes and practicum requirements.
• Comply with the policies, procedures, and protocols established by the College of Nursing and the practicum site.
• Be on time at the practicum site and be appropriately prepared for each practicum experience.
• Conduct oneself in an ethical, respectful, and professional manner at all times.
• Abide by the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.
• Be an accountable, adaptive, and flexible learner.
• Use acquired knowledge and skills during the practicum experience for the appropriate practicum setting.
• Use critical-thinking skills and sound professional judgment in completing practicum experiences.
• Incorporate theory and research for evidenced-based practice into practicum experiences.
• Provide safe, competent, and quality care under the supervision of the preceptor when providing patient care.
• Seek and be receptive to direct and indirect supervision and feedback from the faculty instructor and preceptor about progress in the practicum experience.
• Participate in conferences with the faculty instructor and/or preceptor as required.
• Contact the faculty instructor and preceptor if unable to attend a scheduled practicum experience.
• Adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines.
• Maintain truthful and accurate practicum logs and other pertinent practicum records reflective of their own direct practicum experience as required.
• Adhere to all Walden academic integrity policies, which include (but are not limited to) prohibitions on plagiarism, cheating, and providing false information during the practicum application process or course assignments, and in all practicum records and logs.
• Complete the required practicum hours, encounters, activities, and requirements for the practicum course.
• Satisfy all applicable academic standards and course expectations.
• Evaluate the course, practicum experience, preceptor, and practicum site at the end of a practicum course.

Students must abide by expectations outlined in the Practicum Orientation for Students.

NOTE: This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and students are expected to meet all expectations set forth in this manual, the student handbook, and catalog for successful completion of the program.  

College of Nursing

Walden is responsible for incorporating a practicum experience into its programs and ensuring availability of adequate resources for students to participate in required practicum experiences for completion of the program. Walden provides support for students throughout the practicum process and students’ practicum experiences. Walden’s practicum process meets the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation standards.

Walden’s practicum course faculty instructors, field experience coordinators, program coordinators, and program directors are committed to working collaboratively with students and preceptors to support the successful completion of practicum experiences.

Academic Faculty & Academic Leaders

Practicum Course Faculty Instructors

Practicum faculty instructors are Walden faculty members responsible for overseeing and managing the practicum experience to ensure that students meet the course outcomes, learning objectives, and practicum requirements during a practicum course. Practicum course faculty instructors communicate and collaborate with students and preceptors during the practicum experience regarding student progress and performance. The faculty instructor for the practicum course serves as the point of contact for the preceptor and student for any questions or issues that may arise during practicum. Practicum course faculty instructors are responsible for grading practicum assignments and issuing the final grade for the practicum course. Faculty instructors may make visits to the practicum site at any time as needed to review the student’s experience and the appropriateness of the practicum experience.

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact for the student and preceptor to answer any questions or address concerns regarding the practicum experience. Provide guidance to the student in the development of individualized learning objectives and the learning contract.
• Be available to meet with the preceptor as needed.
• Conduct conference calls with the student and preceptor as required by the program. Receive feedback from the preceptor regarding the student’s performance and successful mastery of competencies.
• Evaluate and grade student work, assignments, and assessments related to the practicum experience and practicum course.
• Evaluate and provide feedback to facilitate learning and skill development.
• Monitor logs in Meditrek during the course to ensure the student is on track to meet the course requirements.
• Verify practicum hours and practicum activities with the preceptor before validating logs in Meditrek.
• Review the midterm evaluation and final evaluation completed by the preceptor in Meditrek.
• Review the practicum evaluation completed by the student in Meditrek.
• Complete an evaluation of students in Meditrek as required by the program.
• Assign a final grade for the practicum course following review of the learning outcome measures identified in the course.

Program Coordinators

Program Coordinators are doctorally prepared Walden faculty members whose primary role regarding practicum is to oversee the experience for the given program or specialization (e.g. RN-BSN; NP specializations including AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP and PMHNP; Specialty specialization including Nurse Executive, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Public Health Nursing, MSN & MBA; and the DNP tracks). The Program Coordinators are a valuable resource for students during the program, especially if any problems arise during the practicum.

Practicum Coordinator for Nurse Practitioner Courses

The Nurse Practitioner Practicum Coordinator is a doctorally prepared Walden faculty members whose primary role regarding the practicum is to address concerns related to the practicum experiences for nurse practitioner practicum courses once students begin their nurse practitioner practicum experience. Nurse Practitioner Practicum Supervisors report to the Nurse Practitioner Practicum Coordinator. The coordinator and supervisors are essential resources for students in nurse practitioner practicum courses if problems arise during the practicum. 

Program Director - Associate Dean I

The Program Director/Associate Dean is a doctorally prepared, full-time academic administrator whose primary role is to manage and continuously improve the degree program. The Program Director’s responsibility is to maintain the quality and integrity of the degree program and to oversee day-to-day program management. The Program Director supervises the Program Coordinators and faculty. While working with Program Coordinators, the Program Director supports students throughout the program, including during the practicum experience.

Office of Field Experience

Walden’s Office of Field Experience in the College of Nursing is dedicated to supporting nursing students through the practicum process from the time students enter the program until their last practicum has been completed. The coordinators in the Office of Field Experience serve as a conduit between faculty, students, preceptors, sites, and others throughout the process. 

The Office of Field Experience (OFE) is responsible for supporting students through the practicum process; assisting students in identifying and securing preceptorships; managing the practicum application process; verifying and vetting preceptorships; reviewing and approving practicum applications; facilitating the affiliation agreement process with nominated practicum sites; verifying onboarding requirements are compliant; ensuring that student practicums meet program and practicum requirements; and registering students in practicum courses. Students who have questions or need support with anything related to the practicum process should contact the Office of Field Experience.   

The Office of Field Experience works collaboratively with the Program Coordinators and Program Directors throughout the practicum approval process. The College of Nursing faculty and academic leadership determine all academic policies regarding practicum courses. The College of Nursing has delegated the responsibility of approving practicum experiences to the Office of Field Experience.  Walden faculty have the final authority on approval of practicum experiences.

The Office of Field Experience is comprised of a team of coordinators who help students plan and prepare for practicum along with supporting students through the practicum application process.  Coordinators are assigned to specific roles by region, so they are knowledgeable about potential practicum sites within a student’s geographical location. The coordinators are available to support students via 1:1 phone appointments, coaching calls, emails, and webinar sessions. Contact for the Field Experience team is on the Field Experience website on the Contact Information tab.     

The Office of Field Experience staff are assigned to the following roles by region:

• Nurse Field Experience Coordinator: Responsible for ensuring the preceptorship meets the practicum requirements of the practicum course. This coordinator reviews the “Preceptor Information” section of the application by verifying and vetting the preceptor and practicum site. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on course requirements for preceptors and practicum sites.
• Assistant Field Experience Coordinator for Affiliation Agreements: Responsible for facilitating the affiliation agreement process with nominated practicum sites. This coordinator reviews the “Site Information & Affiliation Agreement” section of the application by facilitating the affiliation agreement process with the practicum site. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide information on affiliation agreements and the process of establishing an affiliation agreement. The actual contract negotiation between Walden and the practicum site for the affiliation agreement is completed by a contract administrator on the Office of Student Experiential Learning Services’ Applied Learning Contracts Team at Walden.
• Assistant Field Experience Coordinator for Verifications for Site Onboarding: Responsible for ensuring students have completed the onboarding requirements and processes of the practicum site. This coordinator reviews the “Onboarding Requirements – Site Onboarding Status” section of the application by verifying students have completed the onboarding processes of the practicum site. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on onboarding processes for practicum sites and onboarding requirements in CastleBranch.
• Assistant Field Experience Coordinator for Onboarding: Responsible for ensuring students have completed Walden’s onboarding requirements in CastleBranch. This coordinator reviews the “Onboarding Requirements – Walden Onboarding Status” section of the application by verifying students have completed the onboarding requirements in CastleBranch. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on onboarding requirements in CastleBranch.
• Assistant Field Experience Coordinator for Records: Responsible for ensuring students are eligible for the practicum course. This coordinator reviews the “Degree Audit” section of the application by verifying students have completed the prerequisite courses and are eligible for the course. This coordinator also registers students in courses after an application is approved. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on prerequisite courses, course sequence, and registration. 
•  Assistant Field Experience Coordinator for Credentialing: Responsible for ensuring the credentials process is complete to include reviewing licenses and forms uploaded to the application. This coordinator reviews the “Preceptor Commitment Form,” “Student RN License,” “Preceptor License/Certification,” and the “Telehealth Questionnaire” sections of the application. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on license requirements and the Preceptor Commitment Form.    
• Field Experience Coordinator: Responsible for assisting students with planning and preparing for practicum along with supporting students that experience issues during practicum courses, assisting preceptor with Meditrek, and assisting faculty with Meditrek. This coordinator holds student appointments to provide support and guidance on planning for practicum, the application process, and Meditrek support. 
• Field Placement Coordinator: Responsible for assisting students searching for preceptors and practicum sites. This coordinator works with students registering for the Practicum Advantage and Practicum Pledge services. This coordinator hosts Roundtable Session webinars to support students with the practicum process. This coordinator holds 1:1 coaching calls with students needing assistance with identifying and securing a practicum site and preceptor.

Field Experience Support Team

The Field Experience Support Team is part of the Customer Care Team and helps students with general questions about planning for practicum and the application process. The Field Experience Support Team is available to students via live chat, phone, and text messages. Contact for the Field Support Team is on the Contact Information tab on the Field Experience website.

Advisor/Coach

Students must schedule a phone appointment with their Student Success Advisor or Academic Coach early in their program to develop their degree plan to understand their required practicum course(s), requirements, the required prerequisite courses, when they plan to take the practicum course(s), practicum requirements, and the appropriate practicum application deadline(s).

Other Walden Departments Supporting Students 

Review the Contact Information section of this Practicum Manual for other departments available to support students.   

Walden utilizes Meditrek as the system for managing the practicum experience. Students use the Meditrek system for the practicum application and approval process; tracking of practicum logs during a practicum course; and the practicum evaluation process. Meditrek serves as a portfolio of the practicum experience and documentation of the work that students performed as part of their educational experience along with the primary source of verification of education requirements for certification and licensure. Students may review resources for Meditrek on the Field Experience website.  

• Students utilize Meditrek for submitting practicum plans, practicum applications, submitting practicum logs, and completing practicum evaluations.
• Students will be issued an account in Meditrek and should receive login information during their first term enrolled in a nursing program.
• Students log into Meditrek through single-sign-on through their Walden student portal using their Walden issued account information.
  • Students who do not have a Meditrek account after attempting to log in through their student portal must submit this form to request an account: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/emf/CON/RequestMeditrekCredentials
  • Students who experience technical issues logging into their Meditrek account should contact the Customer Care team for technical support.
• Changes to programs, specializations, and modalities in Meditrek:
  • Students who change specializations within the same degree program can change their specialization directly in their Meditrek account.
  • Students who change their track or degree program must submit their change of program directly in their Meditrek account and the Office of Field Experience will update their account. 

Students who change learning modalities from a course-based to competency-based learning (Tempo Learning) program or vice-versa receive a new Meditrek account for the different learning modality and must submit this form to request a new account:  https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/emf/CON/RequestMeditrekCredentials

Walden wants all students to be aware of the costs associated with practicum, which may vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, students will incur and are responsible for paying costs associated with completing practicum experiences. Examples of costs include, but not limited to, the following: travel to/from practicum site; relocation costs; living costs during practicum; books; course materials; professional liability insurance; onboarding and/or administrative fees required by practicum sites; health insurance; costs associated with completion and/or renewal of onboarding requirements (e.g., immunizations, physical exam, CPR certification, HIPAA and OSHA training, etc.); background checks and screens; drug test; state licensing fees; photo ID badge; additional onboarding requirements of practicum site; lab coat, if required by practicum site; stethoscope (NP courses); additional equipment costs; etc.

Students who enter into payment arrangements with preceptors, practicum sites, or site placement agencies do so at their own risk and must avoid any conflict of interest that may arise.