Clinical experience
Practical hands-on training
We’re Colorado’s leader in nursing education. What does that mean for you? You’ll get a high-quality clinical experience, often with a top healthcare employer. You’ll achieve specific learning goals under the supervision of an expert who helps you become the best nurse you can be.
At CU Anschutz Nursing, a dedicated placement team works on your behalf to secure every clinical site you need to graduate, matching you with top healthcare employers across Colorado. And it's all included in your tuition. At many other nursing programs, students are left to find their own placements. Graduate students in particular can end up paying $10,000 or more on top of tuition just to secure a site. Here, that cost and that legwork are ours to carry, not yours.
What you can expect
High-quality placements
If you're in the Denver Metro, we set up your clinical placements, with placements occurring anywhere within Colorado, so that you get the best education possible. We have strong partnerships with some of the best health facilities in Colorado, including UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and a wide network of community clinics, like our nurse-led clinics at CU Healthcare Partners.
Mentorship from an expert
We pair you with a preceptor, someone working in the kind of job you’re preparing for, to help you learn new skills (some might even be CU Anschutz Nursing alums!). Your preceptor will answer your questions and help you feel comfortable and confident.
Connections to help your career
Clinicals are a great opportunity to network with other nurses and CU Anschutz Nursing alumni. Some of our students get jobs at the same organization as their clinical placement.
Training through simulation
Today's nursing education features high-tech manikins that talk, breathe, and simulate complex healthcare scenarios. You’ll practice skills repeatedly in a safe environment with expert guidance, building confidence before entering clinical settings. Simulation technology is proven to increase NCLEX pass rates and produce nurses with superior critical thinking abilities.
How placement works
1
Matchmaking
We match you with a clinical site and preceptor if you live in the Denver Metro Area, with placements occurring anywhere in the state of Colorado. If you live outside the Denver Metro Area or in another state, you are primarily responsible for finding your own clinical placement — the Clinical Placement Team and Specialty Director are available to help.
2
Agreement
You’ll sign a Clinical Placement Acknowledgment form.
3
Scheduling
We’ll send your schedule and information about where you’ll be working. Keep in mind, you might be placed in several sites per semester.
How to prepare
Stay flexible
Your placement may require overnight shifts, travel, or assignment to a rural location, as placements may occur anywhere in Colorado. It might also be finalized shortly before the scheduled start date. Being adaptable and open minded will help you have a great experience.
Start your research early if you live outside the Denver Metro Area
If you live outside of the Denver Metro area or another state, you’re responsible for finding your own clinical placements. Whatever you set up must be approved by your program or specialty director.
Plan ahead for the time commitment
Clinicals are in addition to your regular classes and every program requires a certain amount of clinical hours. Plan ahead with loved ones for times when studying, clinical work, and classroom hours will consume your schedule.
Recognized as a Simulation Leader
CU Anschutz Nursing's simulation program earned the Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), recognizing excellence in prebriefing, facilitation, debriefing, and professional integrity. The designation runs from 2024 to 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Launching your career
For some of our students, clinical placements lead to a job offer. Bloom Healthcare, one of our many partners, provides graduate students with critical on-the-job training and knowledge about providing care.