Clinical Experiences
There's no teacher like the real world. Graduate-entry MSN students enjoy high-quality clinical placements arranged by dedicated staff.
Hands-on, practical experience in real clinical settings is a critical part of the nursing curriculum. The UIC College of Nursing is committed to providing students with excellent practicum experiences at all levels. The college partners with hospitals and a large number of healthcare systems in and around our six campuses to provide students necessary hours, certifications for examinations, and broad experience and exposure to many aspects of the nursing profession.
Seven semesters into my program, I can honestly say that I have never left a clinical feeling bored or as if I didn’t do at least one positive thing for someone else that day.
| Grad-Entry MS, Class of 2019
What you can expect Heading link
Graduate-entry students take these clinical courses throughout their program:
- NUPR 405 – First medical/surgical: group rotation
- NUPR 410 – Mental health and second medical/surgical: group rotation
- NUPR 415 – Women’s health and pediatrics: group rotation
- NUPR 416 – Community Health Clinical
- NUPR 420 – Clinical synthesis; one-on-one with a preceptor
- NUPR 520 – Clinical synthesis for the advanced generalist: one-on-one with preceptor
Group clinical rotations are held approximately 1-2 days per week for roughly 6-12 hours – number of hours can vary and is site dependent. Shifts can be during the day (6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or evening (3 to 11 p.m.). Rotations can be scheduled on any weekday that students are not in a didactic class, which are typically Tuesdays during the fall and Thursdays during the spring.
For NUPR 410 and 415, student groups have two seven-week rotations each semester. For example, a group taking NUPR 415 might be in pediatrics for the semester’s first seven weeks and women’s health for the last seven weeks, or vice versa.
For NUPR 420, each student works one-on-one with a preceptor and must be able to work any shift, including the night shift. Student placement preferences are solicited but cannot always be accommodated.
The University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) is our primary partner and will host the majority of placements. UIC Nursing has a variety of other partnerships with, to name only a few, Advocate Health Care, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. Sites are located in both the city and suburbs, and students will be responsible for their own transportation.
Placements are randomized in the beginning of your program. After the first course, students are assigned to as many new sites as possible to ensure a variety of experiences.
What's expected of students Heading link
- Have access to a car (owned, borrowed, rented; rideshares like Uber and Lyft are acceptable)
- Regularly check e-mail for clinical-related updates.
- Complete all assigned paperwork and training on time.
- Behave and communicate professionally.
- Dress professionally and appropriately for each clinical setting.
- Adhere to the specific requirements of each clinical site.
- Adhere to all requirements, deadlines and paperwork obligations.
Special concerns/considerations Heading link
You may be eligible for special consideration of placements for the following reasons:
- Disability
- Major illness/medical leave
- Military leave
Need More Information? Heading link
Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.