Each of Aspen University’s MSN programs includes a practicum course, where students implement a quality improvement project in a health-related setting. This project offers a valuable opportunity to apply newly acquired knowledge directly to your practice. While the practicum may initially seem daunting—due to the logistics of securing a site and preceptor, as well as concerns about the time commitment—it is designed to be a rewarding and impactful learning experience that bridges theory and practice.
The Practicum course is the second-to-last course in the MSN programs, except for the Administration and Management specialization, where the Practicum is divided into two courses (third-to-last and second-to-last). The Capstone course serves as the final course for all specializations.
Here are common myths that students might be concerned about:
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Myth #1: The time commitment is greater than a regular course and I will need to quit my job or reduce work hours in order to complete it.
This should not be the case! Aspen’s courses are 8 weeks long and take about 15 hours of work per week to complete the readings, discussion boards, and written assignments. During the practicum course, you will spend that time working solely on your chosen practicum project. With guidance from your instructor, you will decide how the 120 hours will be spent. Time spent researching, planning, writing, and implementing all count towards the hour requirement and you will keep track using an online platform called Project Concert.
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Myth #2: I won’t be able to find a preceptor and/or site.
Finding a preceptor and a site may be challenging depending on your location or workplace, but there are more options than you might think. Most students choose their place of employment as their practicum site, but that is not a requirement. Site suggestions are listed for each specialization in the MSN Handbook. The preceptor must have a masters degree and have some affiliation with the site. Aspen’s Office of Field Experience will assist in finding a preceptor as well, and they can be reached at ofe@aspen.edu.
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Myth #3: I will have to find patients in order to implement my project.
The Administration & Management and Informatics specializations do not require any direct care with patients. The Public Health, Forensics, and Nursing Education specializations do require 20 hours of direct-care experience, which are included in the total 120 hours. Ideally these direct-care hours with the public would be related to the practicum project, but they don’t have to be. A few ideas are:
Public Health – Contact the local public health department to ask for connections, volunteer for the medical reserve corps, visit an assisted living facility to teach the elderly about a health concern.
Forensics – Ride-along with an officer, contact a medical examiner’s office, visit an assisted living facility to teach the elderly about scams.
Nursing Education – Since your specialization is educating nurses on caring for patients, you will need to have experience doing the same. Arrange for some clinicals or choose an idea from above!
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Myth #4: I will need to physically be with my preceptor for 120 hours or for the full amount of time that I am working on my project.
Certainly not! Most of your hours will be spent reading, researching, planning, and writing for your project, which your preceptor does not have to be present for. You will want to check in with your preceptor for guidance and feedback, and the preceptor will need to sign off on your logged hours.
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Myth #5: I will have to write a thesis and pass an exam.
You will not write a thesis during the practicum course. You will write a thesis based on your practicum project during the capstone course, which is the final course of the program. The final assessment requirement for the program is fulfilled at the end of your practicum course when you present your project to the instructor. There is no separate exam at the end of the program!
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Myth #6: The project will be assigned to me.
At Aspen, we have the student choose their practicum project so that it aligns with their personal and professional interests. This way, you can spend time working on something you’re passionate about. If you’re not sure what your topic should be, you can discuss a direction with your instructor during the first week of the course.
Here are some reasons why the MSN Practicum is a magical experience!
★ Magic #1: Pick your passion!
This is a creative course! The project you create could go on to become a doctoral project.
★ Magic # 2: Choose reviewers you respect.
Pick reviewers who will give constructive, objective criticism. Go to people outside your usual circles who might give you input you don’t usually get to make your project all the more rich.
★ Magic # 3: Get feedback to revise.
You can keep it simple with a single question – how could this project be improved? For a deep-dive on giving and receiving feedback, check out this webinar presented by Aspen’s Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Eva Ballard – Feedback: The Currency of Success
★ Magic #4: You own your Project Concert account.
You can use it after the course has ended. The hours completed during your MSN practicum are documented here, and they count towards Aspen’s DNP program!
★ Magic #5: You’re not writing a doctoral thesis!
Just create, get feedback, and revise.
★ Magic #6: No residency.
Stay local, make your own schedule, and save money.
★ Magic #7: The proctored assessment is nothing to fear.
The assessment consists of presenting your project to the instructor explaining how it meets the AACN 9 Nursing Essentials. Students will be very familiar with the Essentials by the end of the course.
Current students can find more information in the Nursing Practicum Center in their online classroom.