Preceptor/Mentor Requests

To request a preceptor or mentor for a clinical experience, all DNP, Post-Graduate certificate, and RN to MS students must complete the steps outlined below. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this process and submit all required materials.

Step 1: Find a preceptor licensed in the state where your clinical practicum will be completed.
Requirements:
1. All preceptors MUST have at least 2 years of work experience in the track speciality.
2. NP track students must have a licensed NP, MD, or PA. For more information, please see below FNP and AGNP Clinical Guidelines.
3. Nursing administration track students must have a MSN or higher prepared nurse working in an administrative role.
4. Nursing education track students must have:
In your initial contact with a potential preceptor/mentor, it is a good idea to discuss the following:
- The duties and responsibilities of Post-Graduate preceptors:
Request the information you will need to complete the preceptor/mentor survey

Each preceptor/mentor will be reviewed by the program director, so save yourself some time by assuring they meet the standards up-front!
Step 2: Submit a preceptor/mentor request form
Step 3: Complete and upload evidence of compliance with all health requirements
Step 4: Await clearance to attend practicum experience
Upon completion of the previous steps, the staff of the School of Nursing must confirm the following before a student can be cleared to attend a practicum experience:
- An active and inclusive affiliation agreement exists between DePaul University and the health care organization named in the Preceptor/Mentor Request Form.
- The preceptor/mentor meets the minimum qualifications of the role.
- The preceptor/mentor maintains active, unencumbered RN licensure.
- The preceptor/mentor agrees to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the role.
- The student demonstrates full compliance with the health requirements of the School of Nursing.
The student takes no action during this step. Once all of the above have been confirmed, the student will receive a memo from the School of Nursing clearing him or her to attend the practicum experience.

The School of Nursing recommends that students begin looking for a preceptor two quarters in advance of their practicum experience. Finding the right preceptor / mentor and initiating the conversation can take time. Furthermore, affiliation agreements with outside agencies can often take between 1 and 6 months to negotiate. Although DePaul University already maintains many such agreements, especially in the Chicagoland area, new agreements must be negotiated between the legal counsel of both organizations.

How can I find out if DePaul already has an affiliation agreement with my preceptor’s health care organization?
Just ask! Many affiliation agreements bar us from posting our relationship in a public forum, so we unfortunately cannot store a full list on this website. Send an email with your query to the Post-Licensure Student Success Coordinator here . If you feel confident that you will be requesting a preceptor/mentor at a specific health care organization, we can even get the ball rolling on a new affiliation agreement, if needed.
Who do I contact with questions?

Preceptor/Mentor Requests

Step 1: Find a preceptor licensed in the state where your clinical practicum will be completed.

Step 2: Submit a preceptor/mentor request form

Step 3: Complete and upload evidence of compliance with all health requirements

Step 4: Await clearance to attend practicum experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if DePaul already has an affiliation agreement with my preceptor’s health care organization?

Who do I contact with questions?

College of Science and Health

Office of the Dean

Office of Advising & Student Services

Graduate Admission