How to Find NP Preceptors in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a nurse practitioner (NP) preceptor in California can feel like a full-time job. Between tight timelines, limited availability, and varying school requirements, many NP students get stuck. If that is you, you are not alone. The good news is that there are smart, practical steps you can take to make the process easier and faster.
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In this guide, I'll walk you through how to find NP preceptors in California, share local resources to support your search, and help you understand what makes the Golden State unique when it comes to clinical placements.

Why Is It So Hard to Find NP Preceptors in California?

California is one of the most competitive states for NP students. Dozens of programs graduate thousands of students every year, and demand for clinical placements is higher than the number of available preceptors.

Here are the biggest challenges students face in California:
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• Many programs, both in-state and online, place students here, which increases the competition.
  
  
• The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has strict requirements for who qualifies as a preceptor, especially in psychiatric and acute care specialties.
  
  
• Large health systems often give priority to students from local California programs and may decline out-of-state online students.
  
  
• Paperwork is a major barrier. Some hospitals require lengthy affiliation agreements, background checks, drug testing, immunizations, and even Live Scan fingerprinting.
  
  
• Preceptors and sites are often stretched thin. Many NPs and physicians already have heavy patient loads and little incentive to add a student.

Step 1: Understand California’s Clinical Rotation Requirements

Before reaching out to anyone, make sure you know what is required in California.
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• The BRN enforces a minimum of 500 clinical hours, but most NP programs require 600 to 700 or more.
  
  
• Preceptors must be licensed and practicing clinicians such as NPs, MDs, DOs, or PAs. Some specialties require specific credentials, such as psychiatrists or psychiatric NPs for PMHNP students.
  
  
• Preceptors must have a written agreement with the NP program and must be oriented to the program’s curriculum. Faculty must evaluate preceptors at least every two years.
  
  
• Students must hold an active California RN license to complete clinical training in the state.
  
  
• Some schools place limits on geography. They may not allow you to go out of county or out of state without specific approval.
  
  

For details, see the BRN regulations on clinical practice experiences here: California BRN Clinical Practice Experience Guidelines.​

​Step 2: Special Rules for Out-of-State NP Programs

​This is one of the biggest differences between California and other states. If you are enrolled in an NP program that is based outside of California, your school must obtain prior BRN approval before you can complete a clinical placement in California.

The BRN requires:

• The NP Program Preceptor Form and the Verification of Clinical Practice Experience form
  
  
• Proof that your preceptor is licensed and clinically competent in California
  
  
• Documentation that the preceptor has been oriented to the program and curriculum
  
  
• An evaluation plan for the student
  
  
• Evidence that your program teaches California-specific regulations such as the Nursing Practice Act and furnishing laws
  
  

If you are the student responsible for getting paperwork signed, be sure your school completes the BRN forms. This requirement often surprises out-of-state programs, so do not assume your school already knows the process.

• Forms and requirements can be found here: California BRN Out-of-State NP Programs
• Direct link to the Preceptor Form: NP Program Preceptor Form (PDF)

Step 3: Focus Your Search by Region

California is huge, and the approach you take depends on where you are.

High-demand areas with more opportunities but also more competition include Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, the Bay Area, and Sacramento.
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Underserved or less saturated regions include the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, and many Northern California counties such as Humboldt or Shasta. These areas can be great options if you are open to travel. Some rural sites even offer stipends or housing to help.​

Step 4: Use California-Specific Networks

Networking is one of the best ways to secure a placement here.
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• The California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) has more than two dozen local chapters. Attending events can connect you directly with potential preceptors.
  
  
• California Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) help students rotate into underserved areas, especially in the Central Valley.
  
  

Hospital systems such as Kaiser, Sutter Health, and UC hospitals sometimes place NP students, though competition is fierce, and if your school doesn’t have an affiliation in place, well, chances may be slim. Sorry to say!​

Step 5: Be Aware of School Rules in California

​Not every school in California allows paid preceptors or outside matching services. Public schools like the CSU and UC systems often discourage it, while private universities such as University of San Diego or Samuel Merritt may be more open.

​Online programs such as Walden, Chamberlain, and Purdue Global typically require students to find their own preceptors, which makes California even more difficult since many local sites prefer in-state students.

Step 6: Consider a Preceptor Matching Service

If you are short on time or struggling on your own, a preceptor matching service can be a lifesaver.
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• PreceptorLink® works with California students across specialties such as family practice, psych, acute care, pediatrics, and women’s health. We match you with qualified preceptors,​ help with paperwork, and support you through the process.
• The AANP Preceptor Finder tool is another resource, though availability in California is limited.
  
  
• Some schools have internal matching platforms, but slots often go quickly.

Final Thoughts

Finding an NP preceptor in California is not easy, but it can be done with the right strategy. Start early, know your requirements, and use every resource available to you. The state has strict rules, competitive metro areas, and heavy paperwork, but if you stay persistent and professional, you can secure a great placement.

PreceptorLink® can help simplify the process and take the stress off your plate so you can focus on what really matters: your education and your patients.

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.​