How Early to Start Searching for a Preceptor

If you’re in the middle of your NP program, there’s one question that has probably been circling in your mind: When should I start looking for a preceptor?

I get asked this all the time. And here’s my honest answer: start 9 to 12 months before your rotation begins.

I’ve worked with thousands of students, and I’ve seen both sides of this coin. The ones who start early are more likely to find strong placements and walk into clinicals on time. The ones who wait? More often than not, they end up scrambling, stressed, and sometimes even facing delayed graduation. I don’t want that to happen to you.

In this article, I’ll explain why starting early matters, common mistakes students make, what role school deadlines play, and practical tips to make your search smoother.

​Why Timing Is Everything

Finding a preceptor is not easy.. It’s a multi-step process with a lot of moving parts. You need to identify a willing provider, make sure they meet your school’s requirements, and then get all the paperwork completed and the preceptor and site approved. Even if you have someone willing, it doesn’t mean your school will approve them! Sigh…Sorry, this is so hard! 

Here’s the truth: every single one of those steps takes longer than students expect.  If you have ever wondered why it’s hard to find a preceptor, the reasons are many, and they can affect how soon you need to begin your search.

• Preceptors book up quickly. The most in-demand providers often fill their student spots months (or even a year or two) in advance.
  
  
• Schools have their own processes. Some programs require paperwork 90–120 days before your rotation even starts.
  
  
• Paperwork delays are common. Background checks, affiliation agreements, and preceptor vetting can drag out.
  
  

If you wait until the last minute, you may not have enough time to get everything approved, even if you do manage to find a preceptor. That is why I always encourage students to start as early as possible.

Mistakes I See Students Make

Let me be real with you. After years of working with NP students, I have seen the same mistakes pop up again and again. If you can avoid these, you will save yourself a lot of stress and maybe even a delay in your graduation.
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• Waiting too long. Timing is critical. Leaving it to the last minute rarely works.
• Relying on just one option. Even the most promising lead can fall through. A provider might change jobs or decide not to take students that year. Always keep a backup in your pocket, if possible. 
• Losing track of the process. This is key! If you are not keeping a simple record of who you contacted, when you followed up, and what they said, you will waste precious time. Organization is not optional here. It is the key to moving forward smoothly. 
• Overlooking school requirements. This is also key! We see it happen all the time. The student finds a preceptor, submits the info, then is denied because they didn’t read and know their school requirements! Your perfect preceptor will not matter if your program will not approve them. Know what your school will and won’t take. 
• Trying to do it all on your own. I admire the determination of students who want to find their own preceptors, but sometimes it becomes too much. You do not have to carry this process by yourself. PreceptorLink® has already helped thousands of students find placements, and leaning on that experience can save you time and stress.​

Are There Cons to Booking Early?

There actually are cons to booking early, but most are outweighed by the pros. Things can change when you plan a year in advance. Jobs change; people get pregnant…you get it. Most importantly, when you plan in advance, keep in touch periodically (don’t stalk them!! Trust me, we hear this!).

I spoke to one student who found her own placement a year in advance, who said she dropped off a box of homemade cookies with a note saying, “I’m looking forward to doing my clinical rotation with you Jan. 4- March 31… for 150 hours. Let me know if there is anything I can do to best prepare for it.” She listed her name, email, and cell. She had done something similar when her paperwork needed signing. She was good to go for that rotation. Be polite, professional, and flexible- this includes talking to the staff. They are part of your clinical rotation, too. ​

​The Role of School Deadlines in Your Preceptor Search

One thing students often overlook is their school’s own deadlines. Most programs want all preceptor information submitted well in advance, sometimes as much as 90 to 120 days before the rotation begins. If your clinical is scheduled for January, that could mean your paperwork is due in October or even earlier.

This is where timing really makes a difference. If you wait until November to begin your search, you are already behind. I do not want that for you. The smartest approach is to mark your school’s deadline on a calendar as soon as you know it, then work backward. Give yourself a cushion of at least two extra months to lock in your preceptor before anything is due.

That extra time is what saves students when contracts get stuck on someone’s desk or a provider takes longer than expected to reply. A little buffer now can save you from a lot of stress later.
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Tips to Make Your Preceptor Search Easier

There are a few strategies that can take some of the stress out of finding a preceptor. These are simple, practical steps that I have seen help many students along the way:

• Start building your network early. Talk to classmates, coworkers, professors, and even family friends. You’d be surprised how often a connection you never expected leads to a preceptor opportunity.
  
  
• Treat your outreach like a first impression. Every email or phone call matters. Keep it professional, polite, and clear about what you’re asking for. Think of it as a mini interview—it shows the provider you’re serious about learning.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to follow up. Providers are busy, and sometimes your first email gets buried. A kind, respectful reminder a week later can move things forward.
  
  
• Stay persistent, but don’t lose hope. Almost every student hears “no” at some point in the process. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you need to keep going until you find the right fit.
  
  
• Know when to ask for help. If you’ve tried and you’re still hitting a wall, that’s exactly why services like PreceptorLink® exist. We step in to match you with a qualified preceptor so you can stop stressing and focus on preparing for your rotations.

Final Thoughts

I know this process can feel intimidating. The important thing to remember is that you are not on your own. When you give yourself plenty of time, stay organized, and keep both your school’s requirements and your preceptor’s needs in mind, you put yourself in the best position to succeed.

Your clinical rotations are one of the most important parts of your NP journey. They are where you will grow the most, build confidence, and start shaping the kind of provider you will become. So give yourself the best chance by starting now, not later.

And remember, if you get stuck, our team at PreceptorLink® is always here to help. We’ve matched thousands of students with preceptors, and we’d be happy to support you, too.
Your future career is too important to leave to chance. Start early, follow the timeline, and walk into your first day of clinical ready and confident. You’ve got this!

About The Author

Lynn McComas is the Chief Nursing Officer at AMOpportunities and Founder of PreceptorLink. She is a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students and has been matching preceptors since 2014.

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.