The majority of online MSN programs in nursing education allow students to choose their practicum site and arrange for their preceptor. If you are considering programs outside of your home state however, or schools in your state that are a long commute from where you live, be sure to verify practicum location requirements before you apply.
Arranging your own practicum may be a little more work, but students often find there are benefits to doing so. Staying in your home community is one. You might even find a placement in a city where you’d like to work in the future. Seek out local practice opportunities that match your career goals, whether they involve working with patients, nursing staff, or nurses in training.
Some students are able to fulfill the practice experience requirement at their current workplace. This option often requires that you perform different duties than in your regular job or work with a different population than usual.