Why is it so Hard To Find a Preceptor? The NP Preceptor Struggle

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:

• You’re paying tuition, and clinicals are part of your education.
• Schools profit from NP programs but don’t always provide clinical support.
• Preceptors sacrifice their time to train you. A stipend can make a difference in their willingness to teach.

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!
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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.