RNEP FAQs
Academic Partners
Who are RNEP academic partners?
Academic partners are academic institutions with accredited nursing programs that deliver nursing school curriculum and award degrees while collaborating with RNEP on rural education delivery.
RNEP currently partners with Big Bend Community College, Walla Walla Community College, and Lower Columbia College.
Does RNEP replace academic institutions?
No. RNEP enhances existing programs by coordinating rural clinical access and student support.
How does RNEP support academic partners?
Support includes centralized student onboarding, clinical coordination, and preceptor training infrastructure.
What standards govern the program?
RNEP aligns with Washington State Board of Nursing regulations, accreditation standards, and workforce funding requirements.
How does RNEP integrate with existing nursing pathways at academic institutions?
The academic program is delivered fully online/virtually to allow health care workers in rural communities to pursue their nursing education while continuing to live and work in their communities. If the nursing program does not currently deliver coursework online, the partnering academic institution is expected to transition courses to an online format for RNEP students.
RNEP works with community partners to recruit students living and working in rural communities. Students complete nursing courses and required clinical trainings as part of the nursing program. Students complete clinical training at their employment site (partnering hospitals).
Community Partners
What is the role of community partners?
Community partners identify potential students, provide clinical placements and preceptors, support flexible scheduling, and participate in workforce planning.
Are partners required to hire graduates?
Community partners are encouraged to hire RNEP graduates when possible.
How does RNEP support clinical sites?
RNEP provides preceptor training and coordination between community partners and academic institutions to meet clinical training requirements.
What are the expectations for community partners in supporting students’ clinical experiences?
The academic partner will provide the clinical requirements for each term. The community partner will be responsible for facilitating placements within their hospital, clinics, or other community settings. Our staff will work with the community partner and academic partner to ensure students are able to complete required experiences within their rural community while meeting course objectives.
In terms of skills validation and clinical oversight, the academic institution maintains primary responsibility. Clinical instructors will provide oversight through virtual observation of student performance.
Can FQHCs and Rural Health Clinics participate in RNEP?
Currently, RNEP is partnering with Critical Access Hospitals. However, we may explore opportunities for partnerships with Rural Health Clinics and FQHCs in the future. We encourage you to reach out to us at RNEP@doh.wa.gov to connect.
Prospective and Current Students
Who is RNEP designed for?
RNEP is designed for individuals who live in rural communities and want to become registered nurses committed to rural nursing practice.
Is the program fully online?
All didactic coursework is delivered remotely. Clinical experiences are completed in person in the student’s local rural community.
What degree will students earn?
Students earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through RNEP’s academic partners.
How are students selected?
Students are nominated by their employers, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), to apply to the Rural Nursing Education Program (RNEP). Nominated students must complete an RNEP application, which includes meeting academic admissions requirements and demonstrating a commitment to rural nursing practice.
When can students apply?
RNEP applications are currently closed. The next application cycle is anticipated to open in early 2027 and a date will be announced in Fall 2026.
Do students need to complete nursing school prerequisites before applying to RNEP?
RNEP encourages nominations across a range of experience levels and levels of readiness. Students do not need to have all prerequisites completed at the time they apply, though completing prerequisites in advance may strengthen an application. Prospective students are encouraged to review the prerequisites required by our academic partners:
Lower Columbia College: Registered Nurse (AN-DTA/MRP)
Walla Walla Community College: Associate in Nursing, DTA/MRP
What support does RNEP provide for students?
RNEP pays for all prerequisite and nursing program tuition. RNEP also provides funding for student needs such as travel, tutoring, books and supplies, childcare, etc. RNEP also has dedicated student support specialists who will meet regularly with RNEP students to track academic progression and ensure they are connected to appropriate resources to address any barriers and support needs.
What is the financial commitment for the students, and are there scholarships/aid available?
There is no financial commitment for students. RNEP will pay for all prerequisite and nursing program tuition (after financial aid such as grants and scholarships through the institution are applied). Grants and scholarships may be available through the partnering academic institution.
Are students be required to travel if all training and education can be done in the clinic setting?
RNEP’s model centers on an online learning structure that emphasizes minimal travel. Academic partners may require occasional travel to the academic institution for in-person skills validation, training, and/or simulation experiences. RNEP will reimburse students for any travel associated with nursing program requirements.
What is the clinical time commitment?
Clinical time commitment will vary based on the nursing program. We expect academic and community partners to coordinate a schedule that best meets the nursing program requirements and the student’s schedule needs.
Are students who are currently in nursing school eligible for RNEP?
At this time, participation in RNEP is limited to students who are not yet enrolled in nursing school as we want to establish cohorts that progress through academic programs at the same time.
Nurse Preceptors
What is an RNEP Preceptor?
An RNEP Nursing Preceptor is an experienced registered nurse or advance practice nurse who provides direct supervision, teaching, and mentoring to nursing students during their clinical experiences. Preceptors help students apply academic learning to real-world patient care while modeling professional nursing practice.
Who can become an RNEP preceptor?
Registered nurses or advance practice nurses who are in good standing, have a minimum of at least 1-year relevant clinical experience, and work in participating rural clinical or hospital settings may be eligible to serve as RNEP preceptors. Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the academic partner and clinical site.
Do I need prior teaching experience to be a preceptor?
Prior teaching experience is not required. RNEP provides a basic preceptor training program to prepare nurses for the role, including guidance on bedside teaching, communication, and student evaluation. RNEP Preceptor Training will also provide preceptors with skills and knowledge to train students in the rural health care setting.
What kind of support will I receive as a preceptor?
RNEP preceptors receive structured training, clear expectations, and ongoing support. Preceptors also collaborate closely with academic faculty, who are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with student-related concerns.
How much time is required to be a preceptor?
Time commitment varies depending on the student’s program and clinical schedule. Preceptors work with students during scheduled clinical hours and integrate teaching into routine patient care activities. RNEP does use a preceptor-based model, which means the student will have one dedicated preceptor for the duration of the program. The student is expected to follow the preceptor during the preceptor's scheduled work shift to minimize scheduling challenges and complexities. Scheduling will align with clinical site expectations and course requirements.
Are preceptors responsible for evaluating or grading students?
Preceptors contribute to student evaluation by providing feedback and completing clinical assessment tools. Final grading decisions remain the responsibility of the academic program and faculty.