Guide for Prospective NP and CRNA Students
Already enrolled and looking for clinical opportunities?
If you are currently enrolled in an NP or CRNA program and are seeking a clinical placement, please visit our Clinical Placement Information for Current Students page.
Are you considering an NP or CRNA program?
Pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree is a significant investment of time, energy, and financial resources. Before enrolling in any Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, it is important to understand how clinical education is arranged and what responsibilities belong to the school, the student, and the clinical site.
The most important question to ask
Who is responsible for securing clinical placements?
Programs vary considerably. Some schools identify and arrange clinical placements for students. Other schools require students to identify and secure some or all of their own preceptors and clinical sites.
Before enrolling, ask:
- Does the program arrange clinical placements?
- What percentage of students secure placements on time?
- What happens if a placement cannot be secured?
- Are additional fees charged for placement assistance?
- What support is available when placement challenges occur?
Do not assume placements are guaranteed
The availability of clinical placements depends on many factors, including:
- Preceptor availability
- Clinical specialty
- Geographic location
- Competition from other educational programs
- Existing academic partnerships
- Organizational capacity
Even highly qualified students may encounter challenges identifying clinical placements. Students should understand the placement process before committing to a program.
Questions every prospective student should ask
Program support
- How are clinical placements arranged?
- Who contacts potential preceptors?
- How early should placement planning begin?
- Are students expected to find their own sites?
Program outcomes
- Graduation rate
- On-time completion rate
- Certification pass rates
- Student support services
Oregon-based training
If you plan to complete clinical experiences in Oregon, verify that your program satisfies applicable state authorization and regulatory requirements. Oregon requirements may vary depending on the program and educational activities involved.
Resources:
- Oregon State Board of Nursing: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn
- Nursing Programs Outside Oregon: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/APRN-placements.aspx
- Oregon Administrative Rules, Division 50: https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_chapter_851_division_50
Specialty considerations
Some specialty tracks may have fewer available preceptors than others.
Examples include:
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Students pursuing highly specialized tracks should discuss clinical placement planning with their school before enrolling.
Understanding PeaceHealth's role
PeaceHealth supports healthcare education through partnerships with educational institutions and volunteer clinician educators.
However:
- PeaceHealth does not guarantee clinical placements.
- Enrollment in an academic program does not guarantee access to a clinical site.
- Placement opportunities may vary based on capacity and available preceptors.