Walden University Practicum Requirements

At Walden University, practicum requirements for DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) students are carefully structured to meet the AACN Essentials and ensure development of advanced clinical and leadership skills. Below is a detailed guide specific to Walden’s DNP practicum requirements:

Walden University DNP Practicum Requirements

General Overview

• Minimum required hours: 1,000 post-BSN practicum hours

  • This includes hours from prior MSN programs (if applicable)

  • You must complete a minimum of 400 supervised practicum hours at Walden if entering with a conferred MSN

• Practicum hours support development of competencies in leadership, quality improvement, informatics, policy, and population health.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Before you can begin practicum:

• Complete required core courses

• Have an approved DNP project proposal

• Complete background check and immunizations via CastleBranch

• Secure faculty and site approvals (field site, preceptor, practicum coordinator)

2. Practicum Courses

Practicum is integrated into several sequential courses:

These courses may vary depending on whether you’re in the DNP Executive or BSN-DNP track.

3. Required Documents and Systems

All practicum-related documents and communication are managed through the following:

Meditrek

Walden’s official system for:

• Logging and tracking hours

• Submitting preceptor and site information

• Evaluations and approvals

You must be granted access to Meditrek to submit applications.

Key Documents:

• Practicum Application (submitted via Meditrek)

• Preceptor CV and license

• Field Site Agreement

• Liability Insurance

• Preceptor Agreement Form

4. Preceptor Requirements

Your preceptor must:

• Hold a graduate degree (MSN or higher)

• Have at least 2 years of experience

• Be licensed and practicing in a field relevant to your project

• Have expertise aligned with your practicum focus (e.g., leadership, systems, informatics)

5. Timeline Tips

• Submit practicum application at least 1–2 quarters before intended start

• Approval can take 6–12 weeks

• Practicum must be completed concurrently with corresponding course

6. Activities That Count Toward Hours

Practicum hours must be:

• Supervised, relevant to DNP Essentials

• Linked to your DNP project implementation or leadership development

Acceptable activities:

• Collaborating with healthcare teams

• Quality improvement initiatives

• Informatics implementation

• Policy advocacy

• Leading project planning/implementation

Not acceptable:

• Shadowing without active engagement

• Basic RN-level clinical tasks

• Independent study without preceptor oversight