{"id":11563,"date":"2026-03-02T12:14:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/?page_id=11563"},"modified":"2026-03-02T12:14:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:14:41","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduate Nursing Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feel free to reach out to the Graduate Nursing Department at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:gradnursing@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gradnursing@winona.edu<\/a>&nbsp;with any questions you may have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find FAQs for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#agcns\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#agcns\">Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#ne\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#ne\">Nurse Educator Programs<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#np\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/nursing-health-sciences\/graduate-nursing-department\/faqs\/#np\">Nurse Practitioner Programs<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n<div class=\"wsu-block accordion\">\n        <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"What_is_tuition?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"What_is_tuition?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            What is tuition?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>View the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/financial-aid\/cost\/graduate-tuition\/\">official graduate tuition and fee rates<\/a> at WSU.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"When_do_classes_start?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"When_do_classes_start?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            When do classes start?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>View the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Graduate-Nursing-Class-Schedule.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">program calendar and class schedule<\/a> (PDF) for details about current start dates.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_is_coursework_delivered?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_is_coursework_delivered?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How is coursework delivered?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>View the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Graduate-Nursing-Class-Schedule.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">program calendar and class schedule<\/a> (PDF) for details about current course delivery methods.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_need_a_laptop_or_computer_of_my_own?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_need_a_laptop_or_computer_of_my_own?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I need a laptop or computer of my own?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Yes, you will need a laptop or computer with access to the internet. View the <a href=\"https:\/\/services.winona.edu\/TDClient\/120\/WSUServicePortal\/KB\/ArticleDet?ID=3845\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">minimum technology requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Graduate students can opt into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/student-life\/support\/tech-support\/ewarrior-laptop-program\/\">eWarrior program<\/a>, which provides a laptop, essential software, and tech support services for a fee.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_do_I_decide_whether_to_be_a_full-time_or_part-time_student?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_do_I_decide_whether_to_be_a_full-time_or_part-time_student?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How do I decide whether to be a full-time or part-time student?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Before you decide whether you want to enroll as a full-time or part-time graduate student, you&#8217;ll want to consider several factors first.<br \/>\nThese factors may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What other roles am I committed to?<\/li>\n<li>Are there roles that can be suspended during graduate education?<\/li>\n<li>Are other commitments flexible or fixed in day and time?<\/li>\n<li>How much time do I require for studying?<\/li>\n<li>Can studying occur uninterrupted in blocks of time outside work or family or personal time?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Conversations between the student and the student\u2019s employer and personal support system can also be beneficial in this decision-making. It may be possible to project what the weekly schedule will look like in addition to what the calendar year will look like given the student&#8217;s typical academic, work, and family schedules.<\/p>\n<p>Full-time students commit to a full schedule of classes of between 8-12 credits per semester. Six credits of enrollment per semester are required for full-time status for students receiving financial aid. Outside work during full-time study is not recommended.<\/p>\n<p>Funding to support full-time enrollment is available in the form of state- and federal government-sponsored grants and loans.<\/p>\n<p>Some employers will also fund education through tuition reimbursement programs or direct pay options. These programs have unique participation and application requirements that the student should investigate prior to enrollment.<\/p>\n<p>Once students begin the clinical year in any Advanced Practice Nursing program, they must be enrolled on a full-time basis.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, students spend at least 4-5 hours per week per credit in addition to class.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, full-time students spend 36\u201360 hours studying in addition to the 8-12 hours dedicated to class time.<\/p>\n<p>Part-time students commit to a schedule of 5-10 credits per semester and, thus, have a study time of 20\u201350 hours in addition to the 5-10 hours of designated class time. Part-time students are typically employed part-time as well.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"What_can_I_do_to_strengthen_my_application?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"What_can_I_do_to_strengthen_my_application?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            What can I do to strengthen my application?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>All components of the application are important and contribute to the total cumulative points achieved.<\/p>\n<p>A greater number of points are allocated for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A higher GPA<\/li>\n<li>Leadership activities in your professional role<\/li>\n<li>More involvement in professional organizations or memberships<\/li>\n<li>Community service<\/li>\n<li>Recognition, awards, or certifications<\/li>\n<li>Research- and evidence-based practice project involvement, publications, and presentations<\/li>\n<li>Higher references scores<\/li>\n<li>The ability to articulate goals<\/li>\n<li>Professional experiences, strengths, challenges, and perceptions regarding the chosen role, along with reasons for selecting the role<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Addressing each component of the application directly on the form is essential.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_need_CPR_certification_or_HIPAA_training?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_need_CPR_certification_or_HIPAA_training?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I need CPR certification or HIPAA training?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Yes, both current CPR certification and HIPAA training is necessary. Proof of certification and training are required after admission to program.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_need_malpractice_insurance?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_need_malpractice_insurance?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I need malpractice insurance?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Malpractice insurance is mandatory for all students who are enrolled in clinical courses.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_need_a_criminal_background_check?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_need_a_criminal_background_check?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I need a criminal background check?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>A Minnesota and national criminal background check is required through WSU each year (clinical requirement after admission), regardless of whether the student is in a clinical course or not.<\/p>\n<p>National background checks are reassessed annually. Students who have clinical in another state, may need to provide a background check for that state.<\/p>\n<p>Background check fees apply.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_do_I_request_MN_Board_of_Nursing_clinical_verification_forms?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_do_I_request_MN_Board_of_Nursing_clinical_verification_forms?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How do I request MN Board of Nursing clinical verification forms?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>You can find the forms in the <a href=\"https:\/\/mn.gov\/boards\/nursing\/advanced-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MN Board of Nursing Advanced Practice hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Email your requests for Board of Nursing Clinical Verification\/Forms to the Graduate Nursing Department at <a href=\"mailto:gradnursing@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gradnursing@winona.edu<\/a> or fax to 507.535.2531.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"What_if_I_changed_my_address_or_name?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"What_if_I_changed_my_address_or_name?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            What if I changed my address or name?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>You can modify your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/student-life\/support\/records-registration\/student-academic-records\/\">student academic records<\/a> \u2013including a name change or address change\u2014 via Student eServices.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"agcns\">Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students who elect the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)&nbsp;Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)&nbsp;or&nbsp;post-graduate certificate&nbsp;program are prepared for the multi-faceted role of clinical nurse specialist with the adult-gerontology population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AGCNS students will demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>direct care (including prescriptive authority)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consultation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>systems leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>collaboration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>coaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>research competencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AGCNS students will influence direct patient\/client care, the practice of other nurses and nursing personnel, and healthcare systems\/organization outcomes. The curriculum also integrates prescriptive authority clinical hours into students\u2019 clinical role courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This program prepares students to practice in 3 spheres of impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the patient\/client sphere (direct care)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the nursing sphere (staff development and affecting patient outcomes indirectly by influencing\/improving nursing practice)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the system\/organizational sphere (changing\/improving health care processes and outcomes)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduates are eligible to take the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursingworld.org\/ancc\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nursingworld.org\/ancc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Nurses Credentialing Center\u2019s<\/a> Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification exam or the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacn.org\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aacn.org\">American Association of Critical-Care Nurses<\/a> (AACN) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-block accordion\">\n        <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"What\u2019s_the_difference_between_AGCNS_and_NP_roles?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"What\u2019s_the_difference_between_AGCNS_and_NP_roles?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            What\u2019s the difference between AGCNS &amp; NP roles?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>AGCNS and nurse practitioner roles share many similarities including direct patient care.<\/p>\n<p>Both roles are prepared with the \u201c3 Ps\u201d \u2013 advanced pharmacology, advanced physical\/health assessment, and advanced pathophysiology.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, both roles require preparation in advanced health promotion. Curriculum for both roles include prescriptive authority.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Clinical Nurse Specialist<\/strong><br \/>\nWSU&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3182\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS DNP<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS post-graduate certificate program<\/a> prepares a clinical nurse specialist to provide direct and indirect care and impact organization outcomes across the adult gerontology population.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the patient\/direct care sphere of impact, <a href=\"https:\/\/nacns.org\/about-us\/what-is-a-cns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clinical nurse specialists<\/a> are educationally prepared to impact nursing and organizational processes and outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>Clinical nurse specialists:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>provide direct care assessments and interventions to improve patient outcomes<\/li>\n<li>provide consultation and coaching to nurses caring for patients at the bedside<\/li>\n<li>help lead practice changes throughout the organization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ensure the use of best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient, nursing, and organizational outcomes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nurse Practitioner<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>WSU&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3176\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3280\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FNP post-graduate certificate program<\/a> prepares nurse practitioners in primary care.<\/p>\n<p>In this role, there is a focus on day-to-day healthcare needs and being the initial contact point of those seeking care. Nurse practitioners tend to focus less on administration and organizational aspects than clinical nursing specialists.<\/p>\n<p>WSU also has Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How many clinical hours are required?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Whether or not a student needs to reduce their work schedule to complete the require clinical hours will vary based on the student\u2019s work environment, study habits, preceptor availability, and other factors.<\/p>\n<p>Students will complete 240 clinical hours during NURS 625 and 240 clinical hours during NURS 631 and will negotiate their clinical schedule with their preceptor(s).<\/p>\n<p>Students can expect to have 2-3 days for clinicals during NURS 625 and 2-3 days for clinicals during NURS 631.<\/p>\n<p>Most preceptors work Mondays \u2013 Fridays.<\/p>\n<p><strong>DNP <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All AGCNS DNP students will complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.<\/p>\n<p>Students completing a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3165\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS BSN-DNP<\/a> will complete 1,140 clinical hours.<\/p>\n<p>Students in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3281\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS Post-Master&#8217;s DNP program<\/a> will complete at least 1,000 clinical hours from a combination of their master\u2019s program clinical hours (460 hours) and Post-Master\u2019s DNP clinical hours (540 hours).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Post-Graduate Certificate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Students completing an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3284\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS post-graduate certificate<\/a> will complete 480 clinical hours in the AGCNS role courses.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_many_credits_are_required?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_many_credits_are_required?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How many credits are required?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p><strong>DNP <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The number of credits varies based on the AGCNS DNP program being completed.<\/p>\n<p>Students completing a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3165\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS BSN-DNP<\/a> will take 72 credits.<\/p>\n<p>Students in the <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3281\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AGCNS Post-Master&#8217;s DNP<\/a> program will complete 32 credits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Post-Graduate Certificate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Post-graduate certificate AGCNS plans of study are determined individually and depend on what type of master\u2019s program the applicant has and what courses they completed during their master\u2019s program.<\/p>\n<p>The applicant&#8217;s master\u2019s transcript and course descriptions are compared with the AGCNS program requirements to determine the individual\u2019s plan of study.<\/p>\n<p>AGCNS post-graduate certificate program students who provide evidence of completion of advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment (i.e. 60 hours faculty-supervised and diagnostic reasoning), advanced health promotion, and advanced pharmacology will complete 16 credits in the AGCNS post-graduate certificate program.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ne\">Nurse Educator Program FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students who elect the Nurse Educator (NE)&nbsp;program are prepared to teach in an academic or healthcare setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the academic setting, Nes might be part-time adjunct or clinical faculty\u2014teaching a small group of students, mainly in the clinical setting\u2014or teaching full-time in a nursing school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the clinical setting, Nes most often teach professional staff development, although patient education is another sub-specialty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of which setting you want to teach in, all NE courses fulfill the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities teaching and learning requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-block accordion\">\n        <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_need_certification?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_need_certification?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I need certification?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Generally, certification is not required for NE employment.<\/p>\n<p>WSU\u2019s NE program course content and practicum provides the needed background for each certification examination if desired.<\/p>\n<p>There are a few choices for NE certification:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nln.org\/awards-recognition\/certification-for-nurse-educators-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National League for Nursing<\/a>\u00a0offers certification for nurse educators in academe and as a certified academic clinical nurse educator<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nursingworld.org\/ancc\/about-ancc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Nurses Credentialing Center<\/a> offers a nursing professional development certification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How many clinical hours are required?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Students completing an <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3180\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NE master\u2019s degree program<\/a> are required to fulfill 420 clinical hours.<\/p>\n<p>Students in the <a href=\"https:\/\/w3.winona.edu\/DataServices\/WSUCatalog\/3289\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NE post-graduate certificate program<\/a>\u00a0are required to complete 180 clinical hours.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_do_the_practicum_experiences_work_for_the_NE_focus?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_do_the_practicum_experiences_work_for_the_NE_focus?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How do the practicum experiences work for the NE focus?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Learning to teach in the NE role occurs in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the program\u2019s core and direct care courses (NURS 616, NURS 617, NURS 618, NURS 619)<\/li>\n<li>the role-specific courses (NURS 669, NURS 670, NURS 671)<\/li>\n<li>the Nurse Educator Practicum (NURS 672)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learning to teach while working with a preceptor occurs in clinical and academic settings.<\/p>\n<p>Students write their own learning objectives for the practicum experiences based on the NURS 672 course learning outcomes.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Can_I_do_my_teaching_practicum_in_my_home_area?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Can_I_do_my_teaching_practicum_in_my_home_area?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Can I do my teaching practicum in my home area?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Yes, it may be possible to complete your teaching practicum in your home area if:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>a preceptor who meets the criteria (minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing) is available<\/li>\n<li>the institution fits your learning needs<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_is_coursework_delivered?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_is_coursework_delivered?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How is coursework delivered?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>The core and direct care courses are online with weekly or monthly scheduled Zoom meetings.<\/p>\n<p>All NE role courses are offered as hybrid classes, meaning there are some in-class time, which may be done with a virtual connection, as well as and some online work.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"np\">Nurse Practitioner Programs FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students who elect any of our Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs are prepared to perform advanced practice nursing care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students can apply for the following Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and post-graduate certificate program focuses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-block accordion\">\n        <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_many_clinical_hours_are_required?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How many clinical hours are required?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>For summer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>AGACNP \u2013 NURS 673 requires 60 hours, 1-2 days per week<\/li>\n<li>FNP \u2013 NURS 639 requires 60 hours, 1-2 days per week<\/li>\n<li>PMHNP \u2013 Health assessment skill review Summer 3 and NURS 687 Summer 4 requires 120 hours, 1-2 days per week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For fall:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>AGACNP \u2013 NURS 675 requires 240 hours, 2-3 days per week<\/li>\n<li>FNP \u2013 NURS 641 requires 300 hours, 3 days per week<\/li>\n<li>PMHNP \u2013 NURS 681 requires 240 hours, 2 days per week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For spring:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>AGACNP \u2013 NURS 677 requires 300 hours, 3 days per week<\/li>\n<li>FNP \u2013 NURS 644 requires 300 hours, 3 days per week<\/li>\n<li>PMHNP \u2013 NURS 683 requires 240 hours, 2 days per week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Do_I_have_to_travel_for_clinicals?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Do_I_have_to_travel_for_clinicals?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Do I have to travel for clinicals?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Yes, you should plan that travel will be necessary to get to clinical sites in all NP programs. We try to place students within a two-hour drive in typical traffic from their home.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_will_the_faculty_oversee_my_clinical_site_experiences?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_will_the_faculty_oversee_my_clinical_site_experiences?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How will the faculty oversee my clinical site experiences?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Nursing faculty complete site visits during each semester with each NP student.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_is_the_pediatric_rotation_included?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_is_the_pediatric_rotation_included?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How is the pediatric rotation included?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>There are 96 hours of clinical coursework dedicated to pediatric care for FNP&#8217;s in fall or spring semester as part of the total required clinical hours required.<\/p>\n<p>PMHNP students will also care for children and adolescents as part of required clinical hours.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_many_spots_are_available_for_the_NP_programs?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_many_spots_are_available_for_the_NP_programs?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How many spots are available for the NP programs?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>The numbers of admitted students vary based on availability of clinical sites.<\/p>\n<p>During the typical admissions cycle, about 12 \u2013 24 students are admitted to each NP program each year.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"Will_I_have_summer_coursework?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"Will_I_have_summer_coursework?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            Will I have summer coursework?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>Yes, depending on your program and plan of study. Summer courses are likely during the role\/specialty clinical year.<\/p>\n<p>All NP students have summer didactic, lab, and clinical coursework in the last 12 months of the program. DNP project work also may require summer work. Additionally, students may choose to take electives or other courses during the summer.<\/p>\n<p>Consult with your academic advisor to plan for this.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alumni\">Alumni FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-block accordion\">\n        <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"How_do_I_request_MN_Board_of_Nursing_clinical_verification_forms?\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"How_do_I_request_MN_Board_of_Nursing_clinical_verification_forms?\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            How do I request MN Board of Nursing clinical verification forms?        <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>You can find the forms in the <a href=\"https:\/\/mn.gov\/boards\/nursing\/advanced-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MN Board of Nursing Advanced Practice hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fax your requests for Board of Nursing Clinical Verification\/Forms to the Graduate Nursing Department at 507.292.5127.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"accordion__item\" data-animation=\"fade-in-up\" data-animate=\"true\">\n        <button id=\"What_if_I_changed_my_address_or_name?_\" class=\"accordion__toggle\" title=\"What_if_I_changed_my_address_or_name?_\" aria-pressed=\"false\">\n            What if I changed my address or name?         <\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content\">\n            <p>You can modify your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/student-life\/support\/records-registration\/student-academic-records\/\">student academic records<\/a>\u2014including a name change or address change\u2014via Student eServices.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                            <div class=\"h3\">Contact the Graduate Nursing Department<\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n            \n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Graduate Nursing Department\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           WSU Rochester on Broadway\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>400 South Broadway, Suite 204<\/p>\n<p>Rochester, MN 55904<\/p>\n<p>507.535.2580<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:gradnursing@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email the Graduate Nursing Department<\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find answers to some common questions about WSU&#8217;s Graduate Nursing programs. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":11506,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[454],"tags":[331,352],"class_list":["post-11563","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-graduate-nursing","tag-kba","tag-legacy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11563","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11563"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18705,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11563\/revisions\/18705"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}