Stacy W. Huber, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
- Positions
- Associate Dean of Curriculum, Office of Academics
- Clinical Education Associate Professor, Adult Health Department
- Organization
- West Virginia University
- Phone
- 304-293-6544
Clinical Placements
Clinical experiences begin in the spring semester of the first year and typically continue over three semesters, concluding in the fall semester of the second year. Students are asked to assist faculty in identifying potential preceptors for clinical practicum experiences; however, the University ultimately assumes responsibility for securing appropriate clinical placements and preceptors.
Beginning in the spring semester, students complete 30 observational hours with a licensed, credentialed therapist approved by faculty, as well as begin direct patient care clinical hours with faculty-approved psychiatric providers.
Students complete a total of 510 direct patient care clinical hours across the spring, summer, and final fall semesters: Spring, Year 1: Clinical experiences focus on adult patients. Summer and final fall semester: Students obtain clinical experience with children and adolescents and may also see adult patients.
Students may request approval to complete their required clinical hours during the spring and summer semesters, eliminating the need for a final fall clinical semester. This accelerated option requires prior faculty approval and is based on the student's demonstrated academic and clinical competence, progress in the program, ability to meet clinical expectations, and availability of appropriate clinical placements. Approval is not guaranteed.
Due to potential preceptor limitations, students may have to travel out of their local areas to their clinical sites and are required to provide their own reliable transportation.
Universities offering distance education must abide by the laws of each state in which students are placed for their practicum experience. There are several states at this time that may not allow WVU nursing students to participate in a practicum experience, and therefore a site placement cannot be guaranteed. A State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must be in place to allow a WVU nursing student to participate in clinicals. To determine if your state has been approved for clinical placements, go to WVU Online.
Please contact with questions about State Authorization for clinicals: