Find Virginia preceptors & clinical rotations

Virginia! The land of scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, history-packed landmarks, and… an absolute headache when it comes to finding a clinical preceptor as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) student.

With more NP students than ever and a limited number of preceptors, securing a clinical rotation can feel like trying to find parking in Old Town Alexandria on a Saturday—frustrating, competitive, and requiring some serious strategy.

The approval process for securing clinical rotations is just as crucial, ensuring all educational and certification requirements, including clinical hours, are met. Students must also meet specific eligibility criteria for clinical rotations and licensure, ensuring they are eligible for national certification examinations and compact licenses.

But don’t stress just yet! Whether you’re an NP student searching for the perfect clinical site or a preceptor debating whether to take on a student, this guide will break down the process, highlight your best options, and give you some sanity-saving tips to land that all-important clinical placement in the Old Dominion.

Virginia’s geographic opportunities

Virginia is a state of contrasts offering both bustling metropolitan areas like Arlington and Fairfax, as well as more rural settings in Orange or Gretna. This diversity means that NP students have a variety of clinical placement opportunities, from high-acuity hospital settings to primary care clinics in underserved areas. Additionally, the Inova Campus is a notable location for clinical rotations for students from LCME-accredited programs.

For those looking to maximize their earning potential post-graduation, here are Virginia’s top-paying cities for NPs:

• Vienna, VA – up to $150K
• Fairfax County, VA – up to $145K
• Arlington County, VA – up to $140K
• Orange, VA – up to $135K
• Henrico County, VA – up to $135K
• Leesburg, VA – up to $135K
• Sterling, VA – up to $135K
• Gretna, VA – up to $135K
• Virginia Beach, VA – up to $135K

Virginia’s NP Workforce

Virginia has a strong and growing NP workforce with 9,857 individuals holding both an RN and NP license, meaning about 9% of Virginia’s RNs have advanced into the NP role.

In terms of specialty distribution, Family Health dominates the field, but there are significant numbers of NPs practicing in high-demand areas like Acute Care, Mental Health, and Anesthesia. Here’s how the numbers break down:

• Family Health – up to 3,500 NPs
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – up to 1,000 NPs
• Acute Care/Emergency Room – up to 700 NPs
• Psychiatric/Mental Health – up to 600 NPs
• Adult Health – up to 500 NPs
• Pediatrics – up to 400 NPs
• OB/GYN - Women’s Health – up to 300 NPs
• Surgical – up to 200 NPs
• Geriatrics/Gerontology – up to 200 NPs

Internal medicine is also a significant area for clinical rotations, offering hands-on experiences in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

This means that no matter what specialty you’re pursuing, Virginia offers a variety of opportunities for clinical placements and future employment. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced intensity of acute care, the flexibility of family practice, or the growing demand for mental health providers, the Old Dominion is full of potential for NPs.

How to find clinical rotations in Virginia

Virginia is home to several healthcare institutions and universities that integrate clinical preceptorships into their Nurse Practitioner programs, providing students with structured, hands-on learning experiences under the mentorship of experienced providers, ensuring they gain the necessary hands-on experience to bridge theoretical knowledge and real-world practice.

These programs emphasize the importance of patient care, helping students build long-term relationships with patients and focus on preventive care and chronic condition management.

Not only help students build clinical skills but also foster relationships with healthcare organizations connections that often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

Preceptors play a critical role in NP training, offering real-world insights, guiding students through complex patient cases, and shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. If you’re looking for clinical rotations in Virginia, here’s where to start.

HCA Virginia Facilities (Southwest Virginia)

HCA Virginia offers clinical rotations for NP students across several of its healthcare facilities in Southwest Virginia, where students will be providing care under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals. The process for securing a placement requires direct communication with the hospital, as availability and approval processes vary by location.

A few key points to keep in mind when applying for a clinical rotation at an HCA facility:

• Shadowing is not permitted, but structured clinical rotations, observations, and practicums are available.
• Students and educational institutions must complete all required forms and meet necessary requirements at least 21 days before the start date.
• Approval from the facility is mandatory before submitting documentation.
• HCA Healthcare provides a structured onboarding process for advanced practice students, coordinating rotation schedules with department managers and assigned preceptors.

If you’re considering an HCA facility for your clinical rotation, contact the specific hospital directly to confirm application procedures, required documentation, and any unique prerequisites for NP students.

VCU Health

VCU Health offers clinical placements for NP students, with priority given to students from VCU School of Nursing and VCU Health employees enrolled in non-VCU nursing programs. 

Submitting a rotation request is crucial, as securing a placement involves navigating complex processes, including finding preceptors and managing paperwork. Academic partners including James Madison University, University of Virginia, Longwood University, Liberty University, University of Lynchburg, and Reynolds Community College also receive priority placement.

Here’s what you need to know about securing a clinical rotation at VCU Health:

• Affiliated nursing programs get priority, while non-affiliated programs can apply for placement on a space-available basis.
• Due to high demand, placement is not guaranteed even for VCU employees or students from affiliated programs.
• Your school must have a current affiliation agreement with VCU Health that extends beyond your proposed rotation dates.
• VCU Health’s Student Placement Department manages all undergraduate and graduate NP student requests for both clinical and non-clinical placements, ensuring compliance with educational and healthcare regulations.

While securing a preceptor in Virginia can be competitive, there are structured opportunities available, you just need to plan ahead and be proactive. 

Whether you’re aiming for a hospital-based rotation at HCA Virginia or looking to train in one of the state’s top academic health centers like VCU Health, knowing the process ahead of time will save you from last-minute stress.

If you’re struggling to find a placement, reaching out to smaller healthcare organizations, private practices, or independent NPs may also open up additional opportunities. 

The key is starting early, being flexible with location and specialty, and leveraging your school’s connections to find the right fit.

Finding potential preceptors: Free hustle vs. paid fast-track

Finding a preceptor in Virginia can feel like trying to get a last-minute reservation at a five-star restaurant everyone wants in, but only a lucky few actually get a seat. Schools play a crucial role in providing guidance and assistance to students during their clinical education.

If you’re determined to secure a clinical placement without spending a dime, you’ll need persistence, strategy, and a thick skin for handling rejections. 

But if time is your most valuable resource, a paid preceptor matching service can cut through the chaos and get you placed without the stress.

Let’s break down the hustle vs. fast-track approach so you can choose the best strategy for your situation.

The Hustle approach: Free placement strategies

If you’re willing to put in the work and hear “no” a few (or a hundred) times before landing a preceptor, here are some tried-and-true free methods. Networking can also help students find preceptors in primary care practice settings.

1. Networking like your career depends on it (because it does)

Now is not the time to be shy. If you have any connections in the healthcare field—former professors, colleagues, your own healthcare provider—reach out. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to land a preceptor, especially since many NPs prefer to take students they’ve been personally referred to.

Pro tip: If you have an NP mentor or work in a healthcare setting, ask around early. Some clinics precept students on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Cold calling & emailing (aka the persistence game)

If you’re not tapping into an existing network, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and start reaching out directly to clinics, private practices, and community health centers.

This method requires patience as you’ll likely need to send dozens of emails and follow up multiple times before getting a response. But for students in areas with fewer NP programs, this can be one of the most effective ways to find a preceptor.

Pro tip: Don’t just send generic emails. Research the clinic, mention any mutual connections, and explain why you’re a great student to precept.

3. Leveraging NP organizations & social media

Professional networks aren’t just for job hunting. NP Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and professional associations like the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) are great resources for finding preceptors.

Many NP-focused groups have dedicated threads where preceptors post openings, making it easier to connect with providers actively looking to take students.

The fast-track option: Paid preceptor matching services

If you’re running out of time, drowning in rejections, or desperately searching for a specialized preceptor, a paid preceptor matching service like NPHub can be a lifesaver. 

Instead of spending weeks or even months chasing leads, NPHub takes care of the entire process for you finding, vetting, and securing a preceptor that fits your needs so you can focus on what actually matters: your education.

Unlike traditional job boards that leave you to fend for yourself, NPHub is built specifically for NP students, meaning every preceptor in their network is ready and willing to teach. No more dead ends, no more unanswered emails, no more last-minute panic. 

These services can help students find preceptors in various fields of medicine. So why NPHub might be worth it?

No more waiting & hoping for placements

Tired of sending emails into the void? NPHub takes the guesswork out of the process by matching students with preceptors who are already pre-approved and ready to take on students. You won’t have to worry about spending another semester scrambling to find a rotation.

2. Saves you time & sanity

Between coursework, exams, and maybe even working a job, who has time to cold-call dozens of clinics and chase after unresponsive preceptors? Instead of wasting hours on emails and voicemails that lead nowhere, NPHub handles the search, paperwork, and scheduling for you often securing a match in just a few days.

3. Access to hard-to-find specialties

If you need a specialty rotation finding a preceptor on your own can feel impossible. Most NP students struggle to secure specialized placements, and without one, your graduation could be delayed.

NPHub has an exclusive network of preceptors in high-demand specialties, making it significantly easier to complete your required hours without having to relocate or accept a less-than-ideal placement.

Things to consider before paying for a placement

The cost

Paid preceptor services aren’t free. Depending on specialty, location, and demand, placement fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. 

However, NPHub offers transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and no hidden fees, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for upfront. 

If you’re comparing it to the cost of delaying your graduation (extra tuition, lost income, and stress), the investment might just be worth it.

Limited availability in some regions

While NPHub has a large network of preceptors, some rural areas or highly competitive locations may have fewer available slots.

If you’re determined to stay in a hyper-local area, it’s best to check availability early. However, if you’re open to a bit of flexibility in location, NPHub can significantly increase your chances of getting placed quickly.

So, which route is best for you?

If you have plenty of time, a strong local network, and the patience to hunt for a preceptor on your own, the hustle approach might work for you. If you’re resourceful, persistent, and willing to put in the effort, this path can save you money and help you build relationships with NPs in your field.

But if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or in need of a fast, reliable solution, NPHub can save you time, stress, and uncertainty helping you move forward in your NP journey without the hassle.

Regardless of which path you take, start early, be proactive, and explore every option available because the best opportunities go fast and what really matters is the goal: securing the preceptor you need to graduate and launch your NP career.

Securing a clinical preceptor in Virginia: Challenging, but doable

Finding a preceptor in Virginia can feel like an uphill battle, but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you take the networking route, cold-call clinics, or leverage university partnerships, persistence is key. The earlier you start and the wider you cast your net, the better your chances of landing a quality clinical rotation.

But if the process is dragging on, deadlines are looming, or you’re struggling to find a specialty preceptor, there’s an easier way. NPHub simplifies the search by matching you with vetted preceptors quickly, so you can spend less time stressing and more time preparing for your future as an NP.

Your education and career shouldn’t be put on hold because of preceptor roadblocks. Take control of the process, whether that means hustling for a placement or letting NPHub do the work for you. Either way, your path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner is within reach.