How to find a preceptor: 4 quick ways to get started

Finding a preceptor as an NP student can feel like searching for a unicorn… rare, elusive, and sometimes impossible to find.

But don’t worry, there are effective ways to secure a preceptor without endless cold calls and unanswered emails.

This is one of the biggest challenges NP students face every year, but with the right approach to the preceptor search, you can increase your chances of success. Here are three key strategies to help you get started:

• Join NP organizations in your area. Many offer resources, programs, or direct connections to available preceptors.
• Leverage social media. LinkedIn and Facebook groups for NPs often have preceptors looking for students. Networking online can lead to real opportunities.
• Reach out directly to clinics and hospitals. Some practices welcome NP students but don’t openly advertise it. A well-crafted email or a polite phone call can make all the difference.

Understanding preceptor qualifications and practicum site requirements specific to each course is crucial before beginning your search. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to application denial, so always check against provided prescreen checklists to ensure conformity with course expectations.

We’ve covered this topic in detail in past guides, but if you’re looking for the most efficient ways to find a preceptor, these three strategies are a great place to start.

For more expert advice on navigating NP school and securing preceptors, follow NPHire on social media. We regularly share resources, job opportunities, and career tips to support your journey.

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1. Get on LinkedIn right now

There was a time when LinkedIn felt like just another inbox-cluttering platform. But today, it’s a powerhouse for professional networking, and for NP students, it’s one of the best tools for finding a preceptor.

Preceptors are busy professionals, and many of them prefer connecting with students online rather than fielding endless cold calls and emails. LinkedIn allows you to present yourself professionally, build credibility, and connect directly with potential preceptors in your area. Professional preparation for field is crucial when using LinkedIn to find a preceptor, as it ensures you are well-prepared and can make a strong impression.

Step 1: Optimize your profile

Before reaching out, make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out:

• Professional photo: A clear, friendly, and professional-looking headshot goes a long way.
• Headline that grabs attention: Instead of just “NP Student,” use something like: “Aspiring Family Nurse Practitioner | Passionate About Preventive Care & Patient Advocacy”
• Engaging ‘About’ section: Highlight your clinical interests, goals, and what makes you a great student. Keep it concise but compelling.
• Experience and skills: Even if you’re still in school, showcase any relevant healthcare experience, clinical rotations, certifications, and clinical expertise.

Step 2: Start connecting

Once your profile is polished, get proactive:

• Search for preceptors in your specialty, including family medicine and mental health, and send them a personalized connection request.
• Join NP groups and associations on LinkedIn—many preceptors post opportunities in these forums.
• Engage with posts from NPs and healthcare professionals. Commenting and sharing thoughtful insights helps you get noticed.

Step 3: Craft a strong outreach message

When reaching out to potential preceptors, ditch the generic messages. Instead, personalize your request:

• Introduce yourself (name, NP program, specialty interest)
• Express why you’re reaching out (e.g., admiration for their work as a nurse practitioner preceptor, shared interests)
• Be direct and professional (ask if they’re open to discussing precepting opportunities in emergency medicine)

Step 4: Stay active and follow up

Building connections isn’t a one-and-done deal. Stay engaged by posting about your NP journey, sharing interesting articles, and continuing to expand your network. If a preceptor doesn’t respond, don’t be discouraged—many are busy, and a polite follow-up can make all the difference.

In 2025, LinkedIn is a key tool for expanding your network, finding preceptors, and even lining up job opportunities after graduation. So if you haven’t already, get on LinkedIn today and start building those connections!

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2. Find a preceptor via cold calling

Cold calling might feel outdated, but it remains one of the most effective ways to secure a preceptor. The practicum journey is searching for the right practicum site and preceptor, and actively seeking out these opportunities is crucial. Not everyone is active on LinkedIn or preceptor-matching platforms, so reaching out directly by phone can help you connect with professionals who might otherwise be hard to find.

While this method can feel intimidating, preparation and confidence make all the difference. It is also important to understand practicum site requirements before reaching out to ensure that the site and preceptor meet the necessary qualifications.

Step 1: Research potential preceptors

Before picking up the phone, compile a list of clinics, hospitals, and private practices in your area that align with your specialty. Check:

• Online directories and NP networks for preceptors in acute care and other relevant specialties.
• State nursing boards for lists of licensed NPs and their workplaces.
• Local healthcare facilities that may offer student preceptorships but don’t actively advertise them.

Having a clear list of names, phone numbers, and clinic details will keep you organized and efficient. Additionally, ensure you understand preceptor qualifications and practicum site requirements specific to each course to avoid application denial.

Step 2: Plan your approach

When calling a clinic, you’ll likely speak to a receptionist or office manager before reaching the preceptor. Be clear and concise about who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re reaching out.

Instead of reading from a script, focus on key talking points:

• Introduce yourself and state that you’re an NP student seeking a preceptor.
• Mention your school and any relevant program details.
• Highlight why you’re interested in that specific provider or clinic, especially if they specialize in primary care.
• Ask about availability for student preceptorships with nurse practitioner preceptors.

Step 3: Be prepared for different responses

Not every call will result in an immediate “yes,” so expect a range of responses and know how to handle them:

• If they’re not accepting students: Politely thank them and ask if they know of any colleagues in urgent care who might be.
• If they seem hesitant: Offer to provide more details via email or follow up at a later date.
• If they agree to consider you: Ask about next steps and what documentation is required from your school for NP preceptors.

Step 4: Follow up and stay organized

Keeping track of your calls ensures you don’t miss opportunities. Create a simple system to log:

• Who you called and when
• The response you received
• Any follow-up actions needed

If a provider or office manager asks you to call back later, make sure to follow through. Many preceptors are busy, and a well-timed follow-up can make the difference.

Step 5: Use this as a learning experience

Cold calling is not just about finding a preceptor—it’s also a great way to practice professional communication. Speaking confidently about your background, interests, and goals will serve you well in job interviews and networking throughout your NP career.

While cold calling may not be the most comfortable approach, it’s often one of the fastest ways to secure a preceptor.

With research, preparation, and persistence, you can turn a simple phone call into an opportunity for hands-on learning and mentorship. If other methods aren’t working, this direct approach might be the key to finding the right preceptor for your next rotation.

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3. Take advantage of social media

Social media isn’t just for catching up with friends or scrolling through endless memes—it’s a powerful tool for finding preceptors. Many nurse practitioners, clinics, and healthcare organizations are active on these platforms, making them a great place to connect. But the real question is: Where do you start?

Utilizing professional preparation resources can significantly enhance your search, ensuring you approach it with the same rigor as a traditional job hunt.

Choosing the Right Platform

Not all social media platforms are equally effective for networking. Here’s where to focus your efforts:

• Facebook: This is by far the best platform for finding preceptors. Many NP-specific groups exist where students and preceptors connect. Some NPs even post availability directly in these groups. Joining and engaging in these communities can give you a huge advantage.
• LinkedIn: A must-have for professional networking. It allows you to connect with potential preceptors, send direct messages, and showcase your experience in a way that looks polished and professional.
• Instagram & X: While these aren’t the go-to platforms for professional networking, they can work. Some NPs and clinics have strong presences on Instagram, and sending a well-crafted direct message may lead to an opportunity. Twitter is more of a last resort but can still be useful for engaging in healthcare discussions and finding leads.

If you're serious about using social media to find a preceptor, Facebook should be your first stop. Many preceptors share their availability in NP-focused groups, and we even run an exclusive NPHire Facebook group where we post preceptor opportunities and promo codes.

Social media is one of the easiest ways to expand your network and uncover opportunities you might not find elsewhere. The key is to be active, professional, and strategic in how you use it. With the right approach, your next preceptor could be just a message away.

Follow our groups today:

Join our Facebook Group

Join our LinkedIn Group

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4. Secure your preceptor with NPHub

We understand how overwhelming it is to search for a practicum site and preceptor on your own! Weeks or even months of unanswered emails, rejected requests, and looming deadlines. That’s why over 10,000 NP students have turned to NPHub to secure their clinical placements quickly and stress-free.

With the largest network of preceptors in the U.S., covering over 30 specialties, we connect you directly with professionals who are ready to teach, no more waiting, guessing, or scrambling at the last minute. Most students find their preceptor within days, allowing them to stay on track for graduation without delays. Securing a practicum site quickly and efficiently is crucial for achieving success in practicum courses.

Here’s why NP students trust NPHub:

1. Guaranteed matches: No more uncertainty. Search by specialty and location, and secure your spot instantly.
2. Vetted, experienced preceptors: We rigorously screen every preceptor to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
3. Fast results: Most students secure their preceptor in less than 14 days—compared to months of searching on their own.
4. Zero paperwork hassle: We handle the administrative process, ensuring your placement meets your school’s requirements.

Take control of your clinical placement today

The search for a preceptor can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

While networking and cold outreach can sometimes work, they’re often unpredictable and time-consuming. Instead of facing endless roadblocks, you deserve a solution that works quickly and efficiently.

Utilize professional preparation resources to aid in the search for practicum sites, as these resources are beneficial not only for securing practicum placements but also for future job searches.

NPHub was built to give nurse practitioner students a faster, stress-free way to secure clinical placements. With a trusted network of experienced preceptors across the country, we provide direct access to professionals who are ready to teach.

This service facilitates connections between students and preceptors, offering financial incentives for preceptors to support nurse practitioner students during their training.

No more waiting, uncertainty, or last-minute scrambling. Your education and career shouldn’t be put on hold because of preceptor shortages. Get started with NPHub today and secure your placement with confidence.