Rasmussen NP Clinical Hour Requirements
Rasmussen's NP tracks require 600 clinical hours for Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, and Pediatric Primary Care NP, and 630 clinical hours for Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Every track completes those hours through four sequential preceptor-supervised practicum courses in your own community. This guide breaks the numbers down by track and course.
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How many clinical hours does each Rasmussen NP track require?
Three of Rasmussen's four NP tracks require 600 clinical hours, and one, PMHNP, requires 630. All of these hours are completed under a Master's or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse preceptor across four sequential practicum courses.
| NP Track | Total Clinical Hours | Course Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Family NP (FNP) | 600 | 4 x 150 |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) | 600 | 4 x 150 |
| Pediatric Primary Care NP | 600 | 4 x 150 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | 630 | 150 + 150 + 150 + 180 |
Why is PMHNP 630 hours instead of 600?
PMHNP requires 630 clinical hours because its final practicum course carries 180 hours instead of 150. The first three practicum courses are 150 hours each, and the fourth adds 180, which brings the total to 630.
The three primary care tracks, FNP, AGPCNP, and Pediatric Primary Care, instead run four even 150-hour courses for 600 hours total. The structure is otherwise the same: sequential, preceptor-supervised, and completed in your community.
How are the hours split across the program?
The hours are split across four sequential practicum courses, so you accrue them in stages rather than all at once. Each course is preceptor-supervised, and you must complete them in order.
For the primary care tracks that is 150 + 150 + 150 + 150. For PMHNP it is 150 + 150 + 150 + 180. Because each course needs a valid site and preceptor, you effectively secure placement four times over the program, which is where a community-sourcing service can help at any stage.
Where are these clinical hours completed?
You complete the hours in your own community, possibly at your own organization, under a Master's or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse preceptor. Rasmussen's NP tracks pair online coursework with an in-person community practicum plus one weekend on-campus residency.
Because the practicum is community-based by design, the default expectation is that you supply the site and preceptor. A cleared background check is required, and the preceptor must hold a Master's or Doctoral nursing degree for the hours to count.
Do non-NP MSN specializations also require practicum hours?
Yes, but fewer. Rasmussen's non-NP MSN Professional Specializations, which include Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and Healthcare Technology, Simulation, and Informatics, embed smaller preceptor-supervised practicum hours rather than the 600 to 630 an NP track requires.
Separately, the RN-to-BSN includes community clinical courses, and the DNP requires a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours. The large NP clinical-hour totals on this page apply specifically to the four NP tracks.
Good to know
How many clinical hours does the Rasmussen FNP require?
600 clinical hours, completed as four 150-hour preceptor-supervised practicum courses in your own community.
How many hours does the Rasmussen PMHNP require?
630 clinical hours, split as 150 + 150 + 150 + 180 across four sequential practicum courses.
Do AGPCNP and Pediatric Primary Care NP have the same hours as FNP?
Yes. AGPCNP and Pediatric Primary Care NP each require 600 clinical hours, structured as four 150-hour courses, the same as FNP.
Who has to supervise these clinical hours?
A preceptor who is a Master's or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse. A cleared background check is also required.
Where do I complete the hours?
In your own community, possibly at your own organization, alongside online coursework and one weekend on-campus residency.
Secure your site, not your stress
Tell us your track, your city, and your practicum timeline. We will come back with a placement plan and a realistic path to a confirmed preceptor and your clinical hours.