How to Find Urgent Care Preceptors & Clinical Rotations

Ah, clinical rotations… the magical time in every Nurse Practitioner student’s life when you realize that finding a preceptor is way harder than passing pharmacology (and that’s saying something).

Finding an Urgent Care preceptor feels way harder than it should. You’d think clinics would be thrilled to have free labor, but instead, you’re stuck sending desperate emails, making awkward cold calls, and refreshing your inbox like it’s the countdown to the NCLEX results.

But before you spiral into full-blown panic mode, take a breath. Finding a solid Urgent Care clinical rotation is possible, you just need the right strategy (and maybe a little NP magic). For those aiming to become a family nurse practitioner, securing a preceptor in an urgent care setting is crucial to gaining the advanced education and clinical skills needed to address healthcare needs across all age groups effectively.

Whether you’re up against a looming deadline or just getting started, we’ve got the proven tips, networking tricks, and actually useful resources to help you land that preceptor without losing your mind.

Let’s get you that rotation!

Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners: The MVPs of fast-paced medicine

If you love variety, thrive under pressure, and have a knack for thinking on your feet, then being an Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner (UCNP) might just be your calling. These NPs are the go-to providers for patients who need medical attention now but not emergency room-level now. From treating minor injuries and infections to managing chronic conditions, they handle a little bit of everything.

What does an Urgent Care NP actually do?

Think of them as the Swiss Army knives of healthcare. Urgent Care NPs perform a wide range of tasks, including:

• Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses and minor injuries
• Ordering and interpreting lab work and X-rays
• Performing minor medical procedures (like suturing and wound care)
• Prescribing medications and developing treatment plans
• Educating patients on follow-up care and preventive measures
• Deciding when a patient can be treated on-site or needs a hospital referral

Since urgent care clinics are fast-paced and unpredictable, NPs here must be confident decision-makers. They often work independently or alongside physicians, handling a steady stream of patients with different levels of medical needs.

Urgent Care NPs aren’t just treating patients, they’re often running the show. Many take on leadership roles, managing clinic workflows, supervising nursing staff, and ensuring the clinic is stocked with supplies. Balancing hands-on care with administrative duties makes them key players in keeping urgent care centers efficient and patient-focused.

Clinical settings for Urgent Care NPs

Urgent care nurse practitioners can work in various clinical settings, including an urgent care setting, each offering unique experiences and professional growth opportunities. The most common setting is physicians’ offices, employing 48.2% of urgent care NPs. Here, NPs work closely with physicians to provide comprehensive patient care and manage a wide range of health issues.

General medical and surgical hospitals employ 17.9% of urgent care NPs. These fast-paced settings allow NPs to treat acute conditions, assist in surgeries, and collaborate with a broad healthcare team. The hands-on experience is invaluable, preparing NPs to handle various medical emergencies and complex cases.

Outpatient care centers employ 9% of urgent care NPs, offering a focused environment to hone skills in treating specific conditions and managing patient care efficiently. This work often involves less emergency care and more routine follow-ups and preventive measures, allowing NPs to build lasting patient relationships.

Urgent care NPs also find opportunities in the offices of other health practitioners (4.1%), state government education and hospitals (3.3%), and local government education and hospitals (3.2%). These roles can include educational duties, policy development, and providing care in underserved communities, ensuring NPs find niches aligning with their interests and career goals.

The remaining 14.3% of urgent care NPs work in various settings, including specialized clinics and private practices. This range of opportunities highlights the versatility of the urgent care NP role and the many career paths available within the healthcare industry.

Whether treating acute conditions, managing chronic illnesses, or focusing on specific populations like pediatrics or geriatrics, urgent care NPs make a significant impact in any setting.

Skills that make a great Urgent Care NP

Being an Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner takes more than just clinical knowledge. It requires a unique blend of quick decision-making, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Here are the key skills that set top urgent care NPs apart:

• Quick thinking: Urgent care moves fast. NPs must assess patients quickly, decide on a treatment plan, and determine if a patient can be treated in the clinic or needs to be referred elsewhere. There’s no time for hesitation when making critical decisions.
• Strong communication: Patients—and their often anxious family members—need clear explanations about their condition, treatment options, and follow-up care. NPs also coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other staff, making effective communication essential for smooth patient care.
• Cool under pressure: Urgent care clinics can be unpredictable and fast-paced, with a steady flow of patients needing immediate attention. A great NP can manage stress, stay focused, and remain efficient, even during peak hours when the waiting room is full.
• Empathy and patience: No one goes to urgent care because they want to be there. Patients are often in pain, worried, or frustrated. A skilled NP approaches every case with compassion, whether they’re calming a nervous child, reassuring a distressed parent, or explaining a treatment plan to an elderly patient.
• Adaptability: Every shift is different, and urgent care NPs must be ready for anything—from diagnosing infections to handling minor injuries or managing chronic conditions. Being flexible and able to pivot quickly is a must.
• Confidence in independent practice: While collaboration is important, urgent care NPs often work autonomously. They need to be confident in their assessments and treatment plans, as they frequently make decisions without direct physician oversight. Registered nurses, with their specialized graduate education, play a critical role in urgent care settings, managing both patient care and administrative tasks.

Urgent Care NPs are the bridge between primary care and emergency rooms. By providing timely treatment, they help prevent unnecessary ER visits while ensuring patients get the care they need, when they need it. 

It’s a role that’s as rewarding as it is challenging, no two days are ever the same, and every shift brings new opportunities to make a real impact.

If you’re looking for a career that’s dynamic, fast-paced, and deeply meaningful, urgent care might just be the perfect fit.

US Demand for Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners

The demand for Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners (UCNPs) in the United States is on a steady rise, reflecting the increasing reliance on urgent care centers for immediate, non-emergency medical needs. As healthcare continues to shift toward accessible, cost-effective care outside of hospitals, the role of urgent care NPs has become more essential than ever.

Currently, there are approximately 287,902 urgent care NP positions nationwide, showcasing the expansive opportunities available in this field.Employers are actively hiring, with 236,344 job postings for urgent care NPs in 2023 alone, signaling a strong and immediate need for qualified professionals.

Financially, urgent care NPs are well-compensated for their expertise and responsibilities. The national median salary stands at $126,256, making this career path both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling. With the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions, urgent care NPs play a critical role in delivering timely healthcare while enjoying competitive salaries that reflect their skill level and autonomy.

Looking ahead, the job outlook for urgent care NPs is even more promising. By 2033, an additional 126,048 positions are expected to be added, marking a projected 43.8% increase over the next decade. This rapid growth highlights the increasing dependence on urgent care services, driven by factors such as a growing population, physician shortages, and the demand for accessible, immediate medical care.

For those considering a career as an urgent care NP, the future is bright. With high demand, strong salaries, and expanding job opportunities, this field offers stability, professional growth, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in patient care.

What to look for in an Urgent Care Preceptor?

When searching for an urgent care preceptor, it’s essential to find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about teaching. Here are some key qualities to look for:

1. Experience in urgent care: Seek out a preceptor with extensive experience in urgent care settings, ideally with a focus on family medicine or primary care. Their hands-on experience will be invaluable as you learn to treat acute conditions and manage a diverse patient population.
2. Strong clinical skills: Your preceptor should possess excellent clinical skills, including the ability to diagnose and treat acute illnesses and injuries effectively. This ensures you receive top-notch training and guidance.
3. Effective communication skills: A great preceptor can communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team. This skill is crucial for providing high-quality patient care and ensuring smooth clinic operations.
4. Teaching experience: Opt for a preceptor who has experience teaching students or residents. Their ability to provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback will enhance your learning experience.
5. Current certifications and licensure: Verify that your preceptor is certified and licensed to practice in their state. Ensure they have up-to-date certifications in areas such as CPR and ACLS, reflecting their commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care.

How to Find Urgent Care Preceptors

Finding the right urgent care preceptor can be a challenging task, but here are some strategies to help you get started:

1. Reach out to professional networks: Tap into your professional networks by contacting colleagues, friends, or mentors who work in urgent care. They may have valuable recommendations or referrals for potential preceptors.
2. Search online directories: Utilize online directories such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Association of Urgent Care Medicine (AAUCM) to find preceptors in your area. These directories can be a goldmine for locating experienced urgent care nurse practitioners.
3. Contact local urgent care centers: Reach out to local urgent care centers and inquire if they have any preceptors available for clinical rotations. Many centers are open to mentoring aspiring nurse practitioners.
4. Attend industry events: Participate in conferences, workshops, or seminars related to urgent care. Networking with professionals in the field can lead to valuable connections and potential preceptor opportunities.
5. Check with your institution: Your academic institution may have a list of preceptors or contacts in the urgent care field. Leverage these resources to find guidance and support in securing a clinical rotation.

Finding a Preceptor on your own vs. using paid services

Finding a preceptor is a crucial step in becoming an urgent care NP. Traditionally, aspiring NPs find preceptors on their own by networking, reaching out to healthcare professionals, and leveraging academic connections. 

While cost-effective, this method requires a significant investment of time and effort and can be challenging, especially in areas with fewer healthcare facilities.

Many NPs consider using paid services to find preceptors. Services like NPHub streamline the process by connecting students with ready and willing mentors, reducing the time and effort required. 

These services often have wide networks, increasing the likelihood of finding a preceptor who matches specific needs and preferences.

However, paid services come with financial costs that can be a barrier for some students. It’s important to weigh the convenience and guaranteed placement against the expense and research to ensure the quality of preceptors from the service.

Pros & cons: Free vs. paid preceptor search

Finding a Preceptor on Your Own (Free Option)

Pros:

• No additional cost
• Full control over the choice of preceptor
• Opportunity to build strong, direct professional relationships

Cons:

• Extremely time-consuming (weeks to months of searching)
• No guarantee of finding a preceptor before deadlines
• Limited availability due to preceptor shortages
• Requires extensive networking and cold outreach
• Risk of rejection, delaying graduation

Using a Paid Service (Like NPHub)

Pros:

• Fast and guaranteed placement
• Pre-vetted preceptors ensure a quality experience
• Saves time and reduces stress
• Support with paperwork and logistics
• Expands access to preceptors beyond local limitations

Cons:

• Financial investment required
• Limited ability to customize preceptor selection
• Availability may vary based on location and specialty

Creating a strong clinical rotation application

When applying for a clinical rotation in urgent care, it’s essential to create a strong application that showcases your skills, experience, and commitment to the field. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Tailor your application: Customize your application to the specific clinical rotation and preceptor you are applying for. Highlight how your goals align with the preceptor’s expertise and the urgent care setting.
2. Highlight relevant experience: Emphasize any relevant experience you have in urgent care, including volunteer work, internships, or previous clinical rotations. Demonstrating your familiarity with the urgent care environment can set you apart.
3. Showcase your skills: Highlight your clinical skills, including any certifications or training you have received in areas such as CPR or ACLS. This demonstrates your preparedness and commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
4. Demonstrate a strong commitment: Express your passion for urgent care and your dedication to delivering excellent patient care. Share specific examples of how you have shown a strong commitment to the field.
5. Proofread and edit: Ensure that your application is well-written, free of errors, and easy to read. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

Making the best choice for your future

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your priorities, time constraints, and financial situation. If you have months to spare, a strong professional network, and the patience for outreach, finding a preceptor on your own may work for you. 

However, if you’re struggling with deadlines, facing repeated rejections, or simply don’t have the time to search while juggling work and coursework, a paid service like NPHub can be a game-changer.

With NPHub, you don’t have to waste precious time searching. We connect you with preceptors who are ready to mentor, so you can focus on your education and career. 

Don’t let delays hold you back! Secure your clinical placement today and take the next step toward becoming an urgent care NP!