Credentialing FAQ

  • Is there a list of previously used preceptors and/or sites?
    • Students can access previously utilized preceptors and clinical sites through our web-based Community Map after being admitted to a program and attending Frontier Bound.
  • I already have a site in mind for my clinicals. How can the Community Map assist me?
    • The Community Map is a valuable resource, providing access to previously used preceptors and clinical sites. Some site entries may include initial placement instructions, which must be followed to ensure compliance with the site's policies. Additionally, the Community Map is where you will complete the Clinical Site Approval Form (CSAF).
  • What is an RCF?
    • An RCF (Regional Clinical Faculty) is a faculty member at FNU who serves as your clinical advisor. As a practitioner in your curriculum field, your RCF evaluates the clinical sites and preceptors you select. They will work closely with you and your clinical preceptors throughout your clinical practicum to support your success and ensure a high-quality learning experience.
  • Who is my RCF?
    • The best place to find your assigned RCF is on your My Clinical Plan, located on your FNU Directory page. If you are completing clinicals in multiple states, contact the RCF listed in your My Clinical Plan, and the appropriate RCF will be assigned to you.
  • What is a Credentialing Coordinator?
    • A Credentialing Coordinator is a staff member responsible for verifying and approving a student’s chosen clinical site(s) and preceptor(s). Your Credentialing Coordinator is assigned based on the state where you will complete your clinicals and can be identified on your My Clinical Plan, accessible through your FNU Directory page.
  • What is the Clinical Outreach and Placement office?
    • The Clinical Outreach and Placement office includes Clinical Advisors who can help you plan for clinicals. Find more information on their Banyan Tree portal page: https://portal.frontier.edu/web/fnu/clinical-outreach-and-placement
      • provide individual appointments to discuss strategies
      • direct you to tools and resources to navigate through your clinical search
      • help you understand the appropriate timeline for securing a preceptor and site
      • steer you in the right direction if you have etiquette concerns
  • I have a preceptor, now what?
    • Once you have secured a clinical rotation, complete the Clinical Site Approval Form (CSAF) through the Community Map. Locate the site on the map and submit your form by clicking "Add to My Clinical Plan." If the site is not listed on the map, click on "Request New Site" (in blue) to add it. Your RCF will review the CSAF to ensure the site and preceptor align with your program objectives. After approval, your assigned Clinical Credentialing Coordinator will contact the site on your behalf to initiate the credentialing process. If the site or preceptor has been previously used by FNU students, your Credentialing Coordinator will assess whether any updates are required.
  • Can I start if my BLS/AWHONN/NRP expires in the middle of my clinical practicum?
    • Yes, your BLS, AWHONN, and NRP certifications must be renewed before their expiration to avoid any disruptions to your clinical practicum. This requirement also applies to all student documents. If CastleBranch notifies you of an expiring document or you see a red indicator on My Compliance, promptly update the required documentation in CastleBranch to maintain compliance.
  • What does it take to complete clinicals?
    • Most students will spend 6–9 months in clinical practice. Frontier Nursing University (FNU) students must meet the following clinical requirements: Minimum Clinical Hours: Students are required to complete at least 750 clinical hours. Minimum Duration: Clinical practice must span at least 16 calendar weeks. Required Experiences: Students must fulfill minimum requirements for clinical experiences across all areas of practice, as demonstrated by completing the necessary clinical visits and hours, and obtaining final approval from their Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF). Weekly Hour Requirements: For clinical courses ending in 751, students must complete a minimum of 20 hours per week. For courses ending in 752, a minimum of 28 hours per week is required. For courses ending in 753, students must complete at least 24 hours per week. Students are encouraged to plan their clinical practicum across two to three academic terms to meet these requirements effectively. RCF Guidance: All clinical students must meet with their RCF to develop a plan for meeting clinical requirements and optimizing their learning experience. RCFs may set additional limitations or guidelines regarding clinical hours, types of experiences, and other aspects of the practicum based on their professional judgment.
  • I recently completed a background check for my employer. Do I still need to complete a separate background check through CastleBranch for student credentialing?
    • Yes, all students are required to complete a background check through CastleBranch, regardless of any requirements set by their employer.
  • I don’t have health insurance; does FNU offer student health insurance plans?
    • Students are required to carry health insurance and will be personally responsible for any and all health care costs while enrolled at FNU. Frontier Nursing University does not offer health insurance to students. Students must maintain personal health insurance. Students can secure health insurance coverage through the federal exchange or their home state exchange if their state is not a part of the federal exchange. You can find out more at www.healthcare.gov.
  • I am a member of the Christian Health Care sharing ministry through Samaritan Ministries. Does FNU accept this as an acceptable type of insurance?
    • Health sharing programs are acceptable in lieu of health insurance with FNU but clinical sites may not accept health sharing programs​​.
  • What about clinical time and my employment?
    • In order to gain the maximum benefit from the clinical experience, students are encouraged not to work during the Clinical Practicum, if possible. Students must not work as nurses, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners in the same unit, office, or clinic where they are clinical as FNU students. The Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF) should be consulted if there are any questions about this policy.
  • Can I use a birth center for my clinical time?
    • Yes, however, birth centers must meet FNU credentialing criteria and be nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) to be eligible for use during the clinical practicum.
  • Can I use a home birth practice associated with a birth center for my clinical time?
    • Yes, however, birth centers must meet FNU credentialing criteria and be nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) to be eligible for use during the clinical practicum. In addition, home birth sites must be reviewed and approved through FNU’s home birth approval process prior to the clinical practicum.
  • Can I use a home birth practice for my clinical time?
    • Yes. Home birth sites may be utilized for clinical practicum if all FNU credentialing requirements are met including malpractice insurance. Home birth sites must be reviewed and approved through FNU's home birth approval process prior to the clinical practicum.
  • How do I add an additional preceptor if I am already in clinicals?
    • You may need to add additional preceptors to a clinical site after it is on your My Clinical Plan and sometimes even after you have started your rotation. In order to add a preceptor, you will want to follow these steps: -Login to Banyan Tree Portal -Click "My Profile" -Scroll down to "My Clinical Plan" -Expand the site where you would like to add a preceptor -Click "Add New Preceptor to this Site"
  • Can I work with more than one preceptor?
    • Yes, the Clinical Credentialing Department can credential any number of preceptors. You may need to add additional preceptors to a clinical site after it is on your My Clinical Plan and sometimes even after you have started your rotation. In order to add a preceptor, you will want to follow these steps: -Login to Banyan Tree Portal -Click "My Profile" -Scroll down to "My Clinical Plan" -Expand the site where you would like to add a preceptor -Click "Add New Preceptor to this Site"
  • Who can serve as a preceptor?
    • Program Track Post-Bachelors CNM MSN
      (CNM, FNP, NNP, PNP, WHNP)      		 MD/DO
      CNEP ✓ ✓ ✓ up to 20% (8 births maximum)
      CFNP   ✓ ✓ up to 40%
      CWHCNP   ✓ ✓ up to 20%
      Note: PAs, CPMs, & CNSs are NOT acceptable preceptors for FNU students

      Program Track    
      PMHNP MD-Psych
      Psychiatrists      		 LCSW*
      Licensed Clinical Social Worker
      PhD/PsyD
      Psychologists      		 LSW*
      Licensed Social Worker
      PMHNP
      Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner      		 MFT*
      Marriage & Family Therapist
      PMHCNS
      Psych-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist      		 LDAC*
      Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
      *Master’s degree or higher required
  • Where can I complete clinicals?
    • Family Nursing Nurse Midwifery Psych-Mental Health Women's Health 
      Family Practice Home Birth Site** Private Practice Family Practice
      Internal Medicine Birth Centers** Community Mental Health Midwifery/Women's Clinics
      Pediatrics Hospitals Crisis Center Birth Centers (GYN Care) **
      ED/Fast Track (with RCF approval) Midwifery/Women's Clinics Substance Abuse Facility  
          Mental Health Hospital  
      ** must meet the university's policy for an eligible practice