 It’s a frustrating reality for many NP students—unlike medical students and PA students, who are typically placed in clinical rotations by their schools, NP students are often left to find their own preceptors. But why?
Here are the key reasons schools don’t handle clinical placement for NP students: 1. Rapid Growth of NP Programs Over the past decade, the number of nurse practitioner programs has skyrocketed. NP program growth has far outpaced the availability of preceptors. Many schools simply don’t have (or spend) the resources to secure enough clinical sites for every student. 2. Limited Clinical Affiliations NP programs have partnerships, or Affiliations, with hospitals or clinics, but these slots are often limited. Many schools prioritize these placements for their local students or for specific specialties (such as hospital-based rotations). And most hospital systems are not adding new affiliations because they already have more requests than they can handle. 3. Accreditation Doesn’t Require It Unlike medical schools, which are required to place students in rotations as part of their accreditation, NP schools are not held to the same standard. Instead, they shift this responsibility to students, expecting them to network, cold-call, and find their own preceptors—all while balancing coursework and jobs. 4. Lack of Incentives for Preceptors Many preceptors are already stretched thin, and there are few financial or professional incentives for them to take on students. Schools often don’t offer or even allow competitive compensation or support for preceptors, making it difficult to secure committed mentors. And clinical sites often don’t allow precepting, adding to the problem. 5. Online and Hybrid Programs Increase Competition With more online and hybrid NP programs, students are often located all over the country. This means schools would have to secure hundreds or even thousands of clinical sites nationwide—a logistical challenge most programs simply aren’t equipped to handle. 6. Faculty and Staffing Limitations Coordinating preceptors takes a lot of time and effort. Many schools lack dedicated staff to build relationships with preceptors, manage paperwork, and ensure site availability. And faculty are busy teaching and often don’t have time to add securing preceptors to their day. Instead, schools leave it up to students, even though finding a preceptor is one of the hardest parts of NP education. The Bottom Line: Schools Should Do More—But They Often Don’t We truly believe that schools should be more involved in helping students find clinical placements. (And we do help schools find placements too!) But the reality is, many or most don’t—and that’s why services like PreceptorLink® exist. So if you need us, we’re here for you! More than 10 years and thousands of placements later, we’re still here, doing the hard work of recruiting and vetting preceptors so students can focus on learning, not hunting for rotations. If you’re struggling to find a preceptor, we’re here to help. 💬 What do you think? Let’s have a constructive, friendly conversation. I think we all agree that NP Education could use some changes. But in what ways?
Let’s hear your constructive feedback! Remember, I am an NP, so I’m on the side of the profession and support positive change! About the Author Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues. Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession. 👉 Find a Preceptor Now In a future post, we’ll explore what preceptors wish NP schools understood—and how small changes could improve clinical education for everyone.
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 Finding a preceptor as an NP student can be stressful, and the rise of preceptor matching companies has created both solutions and new risks. While legitimate companies exist, the industry has also attracted businesses that overpromise and underdeliver—some even verging on predatory practices.
So, how do you know if a preceptor matching company is legit? Before you trust a company with your education and hard-earned money, watch out for these red flags. 🚩 Red Flags in NP Preceptor Matching Companies 1. The “Too Good to Be True” Numbers Some companies claim to have placed thousands of students—yet they just launched a few months ago. Think about it: matching students with verified, quality preceptors takes time. If a company suddenly appears with massive placement claims, be suspicious… What to do: Check their website, social media history, and business registration records. If they just popped up and are making big claims, you already know they’re not honest! Walk away! 2. Copycat Companies with Suspiciously Similar Names Ever noticed how some companies mimic well-established names? If you see a preceptor matching service with a name strangely close to a trusted one, it might be an attempt to confuse students into thinking they’re dealing with a reputable business. Or if you reach out to who you think is PreceptorLink®, and suddenly find you are routed elsewhere, warning! This is a ploy that we are seeing these days! Hang up and come back to PreceptorLink®. What to do: Always verify the exact business name, domain, and company history. Just because a name sounds familiar doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy. 3. Fake or Overinflated 5-Star Reviews Some companies buy or use bots to create fake reviews. Some have their own coordinators write fake reviews. And some use unethical tactics to suppress negative feedback. This approach buries any negative feedback. Others block students from reviewing them on public platforms. What to do: Look beyond their website. If reviews seem too perfect or there’s no way to leave one, it might not be a trustworthy company. 4. Hidden Business Details & No Presence on BBB A trustworthy company should be easy to research. If a business hides key details—such as ownership, location, or even customer service contact info—it’s a sign they may not want to be held accountable. Some preceptor matching services also avoid listing themselves on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or other consumer protection sites to avoid public complaints. What to do: Search for the company on BBB.org, check if they have a physical office or business registration, and look for real company leadership. Transparency matters. 5. Facebook & Forum Scams – Watch Out for WhatsApp Posts Another growing concern is the rise of scam posts in NP Facebook groups and online forums. These posts often promise "guaranteed preceptors" but provide little information beyond a WhatsApp number or a vague contact. Many of these are scammers who take payments and disappear—or place students with unqualified preceptors who may not meet school requirements. What to do: Never send money to an individual without verifying their credentials. Legitimate preceptor matching services have a real website, business presence, and transparent contact information. If a post lacks details or insists on WhatsApp communication only, it’s likely a scam. 6. Not NP-Owned or Run by Healthcare Professionals Would you trust a non-NP to understand your clinical training needs? Many preceptor matching companies are not founded or run by NPs—which means they may prioritize profits over quality. An NP-led company knows what it takes to succeed in clinical rotations. They vet preceptors with real-world experience and understand the unique challenges of NP students. What to do: Check who owns and runs the company. If you can’t find real NPs behind the business, that’s a concern. So, Are NP Preceptor Matching Companies Legit? Some are. Some aren't. The best companies are transparent, experienced, and led by professionals who genuinely care about NP students and the profession. Others use marketing tricks, fake reviews, and vague claims to take advantage of desperate students. 💙 Why PreceptorLink® is Different At PreceptorLink®, we believe in doing things the right way. ✅ Founded and led by an NP – We know the profession inside and out. And our seasoned team are kind, compassionate experts who’ve been with us for years! ✅ Over a decade of experience – Matching students with quality preceptors since 2014. ✅ Transparent and ethical – No fake reviews, no misleading claims. ✅ Preceptors are fully vetted – We screen preceptors for licensure, experience, and availability. ✅ Trusted by students and schools – We work with reputable NP programs nationwide. We’ve placed thousands of students and have tens of thousands of preceptors! Your clinical education is too important to leave to chance. If you need a preceptor, choose a company that values integrity, transparency, and real results. About the Author Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues. Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession. Ready to find a trusted preceptor? Visit PreceptorLink® and get matched with confidence.  After months of preparation for your NP program—balancing work, family, and coursework—you finally start to feel like you’re managing it all. But then, you hit a major roadblock: finding a preceptor. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to find one.
You send out dozens of emails—silence. You call clinics—voicemail. You finally get a response, only to hear, “Sorry, we don’t take NP students.” Meanwhile, your program’s deadline is looming, and your stress level is through the roof. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. We hear this every day from students! Why Does Finding a Preceptor Feel Harder Than Finding Your First Job? Nurse practitioners are in high demand, but finding a clinical preceptor can feel like an impossible scavenger hunt. Here’s why: 1. Schools Don’t Always Arrange Rotations Unlike medical students, who typically have clinical placements built into their training, NP students are often responsible for finding their own preceptors. Some schools offer assistance, but many leave students to fend for themselves. 2. Preceptors Are Overloaded Most preceptors are actively practicing providers, already stretched thin by patient care, documentation, and supervising their own staff. Adding a student to the mix is a big ask—especially when there’s no built-in compensation or structured support from institutions. Research highlights that these increasing burdens contribute to the ongoing shortage of available preceptors. 3. Competition Is Fierce You’re not just competing with other NP students. PA, MD, DO, and even RN students may be vying for the same clinical spots. The more specialized the rotation (e.g., psych, acute care, women’s health, pediatrics), the harder it is to find availability. 4. Misinformation and Red Tape Some students waste time chasing leads that go nowhere because schools don’t always provide clear guidance. Others secure a preceptor, only to find out that the site doesn’t meet school requirements. Standardized agreements between schools and clinical sites could help alleviate some of these barriers What You Can Do to Secure a Preceptor Without Losing Your Sanity 1. Start Early—Like, Really Early I cannot stress this enough: do not wait until the last minute to find a preceptor. If your rotation starts in six months, start looking now or even before that. Some preceptors book up a year in advance. And, start your search well before your preceptor’s info needs to be submitted. That takes time. 2. Use Your Network Ask past professors, supervisors, and colleagues if they know of any preceptors willing to take students. Sometimes, it’s all about who you know rather than how many cold emails you send. 3. Be Professional and Prepared When reaching out to potential preceptors: ✅ Have a polished email with your school’s clear requirements. Include your dates, due dates, number of clinical hours needed, and any special info they might need. ✅ Attach your CV and a brief intro about why you’re interested in their site. Would you be a good future hire?? ✅ Be flexible with scheduling and location. Remember, there is a LOT of competition out there! 4. Be Ready to Pay for a Preceptor (And Why That’s Okay) Let’s address the elephant in the room--paying for preceptors. Some students hesitate, but consider this:
At PreceptorLink®, we vet preceptors to help students make sure they meet school requirements. So as long as you are clear with your school’s requirements, we can help ensure the match is correct ahead of time. We’ve helped thousands of students secure rotations without the stress. 5. Consider Precepting in the Future It’s frustrating now, but remember: one day, you’ll be on the other side. When you’re an NP, consider precepting to help the next generation. Our profession only thrives when we support each other. Ready to Secure a Preceptor Without the Headache? You’ve got enough to juggle—let us handle the preceptor search. At PreceptorLink®, we match NP students with vetted preceptors across multiple specialties. No ghosting, no dead ends, just real opportunities to get your clinical hours done. 👉 Visit PreceptorLink® to get started today! About the Author Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues. Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession. |
About Lynn:As a longtime NP with a desire to help and make positive changes to her beloved profession, Lynn often writes opinion pieces about the NP profession. Archives
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