Clinical Requirements Overview

Clinical Assignments

A summary of assignments across the clinical courses can be found here.

Clinical HOurs

Per the student program handbook: Clinical experiences are designed to optimize student learning and meet clinical competencies; therefore, students are expected to attend clinic consistently over the 14-week term.  At times, students may experience a significant health issue that precludes them from attending clinical and requiring them to take a leave of absence.  Students may not be absent from their clinical site for more than 4 weeks (either contiguous or noncontiguous).  In order to pass a clinical course, all students are expected to meet clinical competencies and course expectations (including hours and clinical experiences).  Students who experience a health issue that prevents them from safely performing their clinical responsibilities will be asked for documentation from the appropriate provider indicating they are cleared to return.

In meeting course expectations necessary to fulfill the syllabus requirements outlined below, students will also satisfy the required minimum requirements to fulfill NCC requirements for WHNP board certification. Students in the NM/WHNP-MS, NM/WHNP-DNP, WHNP-MS, and WHNP-PGC tracks must complete a MINIMUM cumulative total of 600 WHNP Ambulatory/Triage Ambulatory hours.  Students who enroll on or after September 2025 will be required to complete a minimum of 750 total clinical hours. This means that hours requirements will change starting for September 2026 clinical rotations.  Stay tuned!

Typical WHNP Plan of Study Requirements 

(This includes students in the following tracks: WHNP-MS, WHNP-PGC, WHNP-DNP)

NURO 6511: 

Expectation-->14 weeks x 16 hours = 224 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory hours

NURO 7672:

Expectation-->14 weeks x 16 hours = 224 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory hours

NURO 8727:

Expectation-->14 weeks x 24 hours = 336 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Typical NM/WHNP Plan of Study Requirements

(This includes students in the following tracks: NM/WHNP-MS, NM/WHNP-DNP; NM-PGC requirements will vary based on individual POS)

NURO 6511: 

Expectation-->14 weeks x 16 hours = 224 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory hours

NURO 7672:

Expectation-->14 weeks x 16 hours = 224 WHNP Ambulatory hours

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory hours

NURO 7684:

Expectation--> 14 weeks x VARIABLE hours (In-patient call time depends greatly on practice setting and birth volume. Students may also need to participate in ambulatory care and/or weekend/night call)

Required minimum--> No required hours minimum

NURO 8722:

Expectation-->14 weeks x 40-50 hours (includes: 224 WHNP Ambulatory hours PLUS in-patient call time which varies. Students may also need to participate in weekend/night call)

Required minimum--> 200 WHNP Ambulatory/Triage hours AND 600+ cumulative WHNP Ambulatory/Triage hours

Clinical Experiences

We are primarily a competency-based program. The recommended encounter types are necessary for students to feel safe and competent. The ultimate evaluation of the student’s clinical performance is based on demonstrated competencies via preceptor feedback and CFA evaluation.  

Note that IP and NB encounter types are NOT applicable for students in the WHNP track. However, if antenatal or postpartum in-patient opportunities in the in-patient setting are available, they may  be given clearance to the in-patient setting by contacting their Clinical Placement Specialist to ensure they are adequately credentialed.

If students are not likely to achieve minimum program expectations in any of the above categories, communicate with the Course Coordinator. We are primarily a competency-based program, thus numbers may not be a hard-stop to progressing. The student’s Course Coordinator can offer guidance.