DNP Preceptor Selection

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is focused on advanced nursing practice and requires a core of theoretical knowledge and a significant number of practice hours. The UMass Amherst DNP program stipulates that all students engage in practicum experiences to fulfill the hours required of a practice doctorate. Post-master’s DNP students are required to document the number of practicum hours they obtained in their previous master’s degree program.

Practicum Preceptor Selection 

Preceptors should hold advanced (graduate) degrees in nursing or medicine. Nurse Practitioners (MS-prepared NP experts or DNP graduates) or physicians are preferred preceptors, but Physician Assistants (PAs) may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Preceptors should have at least 1-2 years of experience in their field. A student may choose to have two preceptors, if having two preceptors’ aids in achieving course requirements. Students and preceptors must be licensed in the state in which they are practicing / completing their clinicals. Marieb College of Nursing faculty instructors must approve all preceptors before a student can begin a practicum experience.

Preceptors and agencies are selected based upon their best fit with the course objectives and practicum focus for each course. Students must submit all required practicum documents well in advance of any experiences with an agency or community preceptor. View practicum guidelines.

DNP/FNP Concentration

Preceptors should hold advanced degrees (a graduate degree) in nursing or medicine. Nurse Practitioners (MS prepared NP experts or DNP graduates) or physicians are preferred preceptors, but Physician Assistants (PAs) may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Marieb College of Nursing faculty instructors must approve all preceptors before a student can begin a practicum experience.

DNP Psych/Mental Health Concentration

Preceptorship may take place with a licensed Psychiatrist and or a licensed Psychiatric NP/CNS, except for the psychotherapy rotation (summer II). Appropriate preceptors include:

• Psychotherapist
• Licensed and independent psychologist (PsyD)
• Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
• Social Worker – LICSW only
• Licensed drug and alcohol counselor  - LADC
• Licensed Psychiatrist
• Licensed Psychiatric NP/CNS
• Advanced Practice Psych/mental health nurse practitioner

DNP Public Health Nurse Leader Concentration 

The preceptor(s) should be an expert in the field of public health practice who can assist the student in gaining access to the population of interest. The preceptor must be a master’s level or higher community health professional. The site must provide access to and authority for expanded scope of practice (for example: temporary entry into data systems, access to staff/patients for interviews/focus groups), which will allow students to practice at the highest level.

Please plan well in advance with the graduate clinical placements. It often works best if a student plans for and secures an approved preceptor(s) for courses up to a year in advance. The Marieb College of Nursing supports students who are looking for clinical placements. Our clinical placement coordinator is available to assist with identifying sites and DNP staff can assist with establishing affiliation agreements and other clinical site requirements.

If a student has not been successful in securing an approved preceptor prior to the beginning of any practicum experience, the student may be required to withdraw from the course. Withdrawal from a course will affect progression through the specialty courses and a new plan of study will be required.