Practicum Preparation

Two Practicums are included in each area of specialty offered in the MSN degree. To prepare for the practicum, students must read and access the information contained  the practicum packet in the year prior to the anticipated start date of the practicum. The Practicum packet information must be submitted beginning 6 months (24 weeks) prior to the start of the practicum for which you wish to register. To be permitted to register for the first Practicum, the student must meet specific requirements. Health and criminal background clearance and all other requirements outlined in the practicum packet must be submitted three months (12 weeks) prior to the start of the first practicum course.

MSN e-Portfolio, which are initiated in the first course, Seminar in Clinical Competence and should be updated with appropriate course assignments and materials as the student progresses through each graduate course, must be updated prior to the start of the Practicum.

In the last Practicum of each specialty students will submit a formal MSN Program Synthesis Paper that documents achievement of both the MSN degree outcomes and the competencies in the selected area of specialty.

Step 1:

Click here to access the practicum packet.

Dates for submission of the forms in the practicum packet for are provided in the chart below. Form A is due 24 weeks in advance of the term that you intend to take the practicum course. Form B is due with the remainder of the packet twelve weeks in advance of the term you intend to take the practicum.

Intend to take the practicum in	Submit Form A by	Submit Form B by	Entire packet is due by
July	January 1	April 1	April 1
October	April 1	July 1	July 1
January	July 1	October 1	October 1
April	October 1	January 1	January 1

Step 2:

In addition, all graduate students are required to complete a background check prior to their first scheduled practicum. Failure to submit a background check by the requested due date may cause you to be ineligible for the practicum. The background check report will be completed by a vendor selected by the School of Nursing. You will be required to provide identifying information as well as a payment source. You will be directed through the website and results will be returned to you as well as the Thomas Edison State College School of Nursing. Since this is a crucial component of your clinical rotation, you should access the web site and complete the request for background check according to the practicum packet checklist.

MSN Practicum Background Check 

Please follow the directions and submit all requested forms and documents in the time frame requested.

If you have any questions about the background check or the Practicum Packet, contact us at gradnursing@tesc.edu.

Step 3: MSN Health and Immunization Compliance

In addition, all graduate students are required to create an Immunization Tracking System (ITS) Account:

1. Go to TESC Tracking System website, which is located at www.tescnursingbackground.com
2. Create your account by clicking the “Online Registration” button and filling out all the necessary information.
3. Process your payment by submitting Payment information (Credit/Debit/Gift Cards accepted from Vis, MasterCard, Discover or AMEX).
4. Begin entering your immunization record information based on the checklist below, and your official documentation.
5. Once completed, be sure to submit copies of your documentation to American DataBank (by uploading them or via fax).

A visit to your healthcare provider is needed to complete the forms required for verification of your health status and immunization records.

These records are required by the practicum agency, and are not negotiable. Failure to submit documents that allow your health status and immunization status to be verified will impact your ability to progress in the program. Accurate, timely, and correct information is expected in the submission of all documents.

1. Physical Exam & Health History form (please see website: www.tescnursingbackground.com for the following forms, ""Physical Examination and Health History Form", "Certification by Healthcare Provider" and "Health, Immunization, and Criminal Background Compliance form".
2. The following are the required records included on this form:
   • Tdap
   • MMR
   • Hepatitis B
   • Varicella
   • PPD
   • Flu
   • CPR
   • Health Insurance
   • Malpractice Insurance
   • 10 Panel Drug Screen (Only if requested by your practicum site)

These documents are due twelve (12) weeks in advance of the term you intend to take the practicum.