Who can precept a Sacred Heart University student

FNP preceptors

Sacred Heart's APRN preceptor portal gives the clearest list, and it applies to the online MSN FNP, the post-master's FNP certificate and the hybrid FNP/DNP:

• License: MD, DO, PA or APRN, held in the state where the preceptor practices.
• Board certification: required for physicians and APRNs.
• Experience: at least one year providing primary care to adults, women or children.
• Documents: a copy of the CV, the license and the board certification.
• Backing: support from the preceptor's practice or employer.

The edges vary by source. A 2021 FNP/DNP compliance update lists "(NP, MD or PA)", and the FNP inquiry form also offers certified nurse-midwife (CNM) as a credential. If you are weighing a CNM for NU 607, the women's health course, ask your advisor first, since the MSN guide's license list names MD, DO, APRN and PA. The hybrid program's NU 552 observation pairs the student with an NP, a physician or a PA.

CNL, Nursing Education, NMEL and RN-BSN preceptors

For the non-NP online MSN tracks and the RN-BSN, Sacred Heart's published requirement is a document review: the student sends the potential preceptor's CV and RN license(s) to the academic advisor for approval. The guides list no further credential or experience minimum for these tracks, so the advisor's judgment and the course description decide fit.

Let the course steer the choice. NU 680 and NU 681 are clinical role practice with a preceptor for the CNL; NU 672 and NU 673 put NMEL students in leadership work at the macrosystem level; NU 619 in Nursing Education includes direct patient care. RN-BSN students pick preceptors for NU 376 and NU 387 and design their learning objectives with faculty approval. A nurse leader, educator or case manager whose daily work matches the course usually makes the strongest proposal.

Rules for every track

• No family member or close friend. Every Contract Request Form carries a confirmation that the preceptor is neither.
• No immediate relatives, spouses or anyone with an evident conflict of interest, in the MSN guide's PMHNP wording.
• Licensed where they practice. You, in turn, hold an active, unencumbered RN license in each state where you do clinical work.
• No NP clinical hours in New York; the New York rule explains what residents do instead.
• In person on site. The graduate catalog allows NP hours occasionally by telehealth, as directed by the preceptor.
• Coworkers and supervisors are a question the form asks about; see clinicals where you work.

How we match preceptors to these rules

Every preceptor we propose is screened against your track before you hear the name: license type and state, board certification, years in the right specialty, the course population and any conflict of interest. For PMHNP students, we lead with the credentials all three Sacred Heart sources agree on. For DNP students, we look for mentors whose position fits the project site. For CNL, Nursing Education, NMEL and RN-BSN students, we find RN preceptors whose roles match the course, whether leadership, teaching or care management, in a state where you hold an active RN license. Nothing reaches you until it clears that screen.

What you receive is a preceptor ready for approval, with the CV, license and certification already in hand. Use the form below to start.