North Carolina Clinical Rotations: Finding NP Clinical Placements and Preceptors

Securing a clinical rotation in North Carolina as an NP student is not the “seamless academic experience” schools love to market. It’s more like a scavenger hunt where the prize is… someone willing to let you shadow them for free.

The AHEC Digital Library is a valuable resource for students and preceptors, providing access to evidence-based materials and training resources that enhance the educational experience during community-based rotations.

Some schools throw students into the deep end with a vague “find your own preceptor” policy. Meanwhile, preceptors are overwhelmed, clinics are overbooked, and you’re stuck wondering if cold-emailing random providers counts as networking or just desperation.

So, how do you actually lock in a clinical rotation without selling your soul (or shelling out thousands for a placement service)? Let’s break it down.

Nurse Practitioners outlook in North Carolina

North Carolina is seeing a significant rise in demand for nurse practitioners, making it a strong market for both NP students and practicing professionals. The combination of an increasing patient population, expanding healthcare systems, and ongoing workforce shortages means that NPs will play a critical role in the state’s future. While North Carolina clinical rotations remain competitive, the long-term career opportunities are worth the effort. Nurse practitioners in North Carolina are also essential in preparing the next generation of health professionals through mentorship and practical experience.

Salaries: how much do NPs make in North Carolina?

As of March 2025, the average annual salary for a nurse practitioner in North Carolina is $118,412. Salaries vary based on experience, specialty, and location. Here’s a breakdown:

• 25th percentile: $98,200 per year
• Median: $118,412 per year
• 75th percentile: $136,300 per year
• Top 10% earners: $163,584 per year
• Highest reported salaries: Up to $181,761 per year

While these figures provide a general estimate, actual earnings depend on factors such as practice setting, employer type, and regional healthcare needs. Specialties like psychiatric-mental health and acute care tend to pay more, while rural areas often offer financial incentives to attract NPs.

The demand for NPs in North Carolina is rising

Job opportunities for nurse practitioners in North Carolina are expanding rapidly. Over the next five years, the profession is expected to see substantial growth:

• Current NPs (2020): 5,670
• Projected NPs (2030): 8,800
• Growth rate (2020-2030): 55% increase
• Projected annual job openings: 690

North Carolina’s healthcare system is shifting toward more NP-led care, particularly in primary care and specialty settings. This is due in part to a shortage of physicians and an increasing reliance on NPs to fill gaps in patient care.

The demand is highest in rural and underserved areas, but metropolitan areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro also have a growing need for experienced NPs. ORPCE staff are actively involved in local and statewide discussions related to primary care education and community-based practices to address this growing demand.

The challenge of securing North Carolina preceptors and clinical rotations

With the rising number of NP students, finding North Carolina preceptors for clinical training has become increasingly competitive. Many students struggle to secure Charlotte preceptors, Raleigh preceptors, and Greensboro preceptors, as these cities are home to major healthcare systems and NP programs.

Students looking for North Carolina clinical rotations should start early and explore opportunities in both urban and rural settings. Recruiting preceptors from community-based practices is crucial, as these practitioners bring valuable clinical expertise to the table.

Preceptors, who may be MDs, NPs, CNMs, or DOs, offer real-life, hands-on primary care experiences while guiding students and monitoring their clinical performance throughout their rotations. Preceptors in family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatric care are in particularly high demand. Networking, leveraging school resources, and reaching out to preceptors directly can improve the chances of securing a solid rotation.

What this means for NP students and job seekers

• More career opportunities: Healthcare employers in North Carolina are actively hiring NPs to meet growing patient needs.
• Salary growth potential: As demand increases, experienced and specialized NPs will have stronger negotiating power.
• Increased competition for clinical placements: More NP students entering the workforce means preceptors are in short supply, making it essential to start securing rotations early.

For NP students, navigating the clinical placement process is becoming more challenging as more programs expand enrollment.

Understanding the job market, securing North Carolina clinical rotations, and connecting with Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro preceptors will be key to staying ahead in this evolving healthcare landscape.

Staff facilitate the faculty appointment process to ensure seamless connections between community practitioners and health science schools, enhancing the educational experience for students.

Nurse practitioner salaries by industry and location in North Carolina

Nurse practitioners in North Carolina see salary differences based on where they work and the type of facility they are employed in. While some industries offer higher compensation due to workload and complexity, location also plays a huge role in determining an NP’s earning potential.

Industry matters: where NPs earn the most

Not all NP jobs pay the same, and the industry you choose can significantly impact your salary. Outpatient care centersoffer the highest pay, with an average salary of $128,587 per year. This is followed closely by medical and surgical hospitals, where NPs earn around $127,077 annually.

Those working in physician offices, which tend to have a more structured schedule and patient flow, see slightly lower earnings at $117,737 per year. Meanwhile, NPs who work in colleges and universities, often in teaching or research roles, have an average salary of $115,553 per year.

For NPs looking for the highest pay, fast-paced clinical environments like outpatient centers and hospitals provide the biggest financial advantage. However, these roles often come with demanding schedules and high patient volumes.

How location affects NP salaries in North Carolina

Urban areas in North Carolina tend to have the highest NP salaries, especially in major healthcare hubs like Durham-Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem. In Durham-Chapel Hill, NPs earn an average of $128,770 per year, making it one of the most lucrative areas for nurse practitioners in the state. Winston-Salem follows closely behind, with an average NP salary of $132,570 per year.

Charlotte, which has the highest number of employed NPs in the state, offers an average salary of $123,310 per year, while Raleigh isn’t far behind at $121,960 per year. Greensboro also remains competitive, with NPs in the area earning about $120,580 per year.

On the other hand, smaller urban areas like Goldsboro and New Bern offer lower average salaries, around $103,420 and $108,260 per year, respectively. While these areas may not pay as much as North Carolina’s largest cities, they often provide other benefits, such as lower living costs and less competition for jobs.

Salaries in rural North Carolina: Worth the move?

While urban centers generally offer higher salaries, some rural areas in North Carolina pay NPs competitively to attract providers to underserved regions. In the southeast coastal region, nurse practitioners can earn up to $122,040 per year, making it comparable to salaries in major cities. The Piedmont region also offers strong salaries, with NPs making an average of $118,150 per year.

Though rural salaries may not always exceed those in major metro areas, many rural employers offer loan repayment programs, signing bonuses, and additional incentives to attract healthcare professionals. For NPs willing to work in areas with fewer providers, these benefits can make rural positions an attractive option.

What this means for NPs in North Carolina

Where and how you practice as an NP in North Carolina has a direct impact on your salary. If you’re looking for the highest earnings, outpatient centers, hospitals, and metro areas like Durham-Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte offer the best opportunities. However, rural areas are also making competitive offers, especially for NPs willing to fill critical gaps in patient care. Whether you’re deciding on a clinical rotation, preceptor site, or long-term career move, knowing where the best salaries are can help you make an informed decision.

Free and paid strategies for finding preceptors

Finding a preceptor as an NP student is like trying to book a last-minute flight during the holidays: stressful, expensive, and usually avoidable if you plan ahead.

Preceptors are in short supply, especially in high-demand areas like family medicine, women’s health, and psychiatry, so waiting until the last minute isn’t an option. A preceptor advocate can play a crucial role in supporting both students and preceptors by addressing their needs and promoting high-quality education.

The best approach? Use every tool available, free and paid, to get your clinical rotation secured as early as possible.

Free strategies: start here before spending a dime

If you’re looking for a preceptor without paying out of pocket, your best bet is leveraging every connection you have. Even if you think you don’t have a network, you probably do, you just need to start asking.

• Use your school’s resources – Faculty members, clinical coordinators, and alumni are often the best starting points. Some schools provide lists of previous preceptors, but they don’t always advertise them. Ask directly.
• Check local clinics and hospitals – Many community health centers, urgent care clinics, and primary care offices take students, but you have to reach out early. Larger hospital systems (think Atrium Health, UNC Health, Duke Health) often prioritize students from affiliated programs, but it’s still worth a try.
• Join NP groups – Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and professional associations can be goldmines for preceptor leads. Post in local NP forums and be direct: “Looking for a family medicine preceptor in Charlotte for Fall 2025. Any leads?” You’d be surprised how often people respond.
• Look into AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) – In North Carolina, AHEC helps place students in rural and underserved areas. If you’re open to working in these locations, they may be able to help you secure a preceptor faster.

Paid strategies: when free options aren’t working

If time is running out or your specialty is especially competitive (looking at you, psych and women's health), paid options might be worth considering.

• Telehealth preceptorships – Some NP students secure virtual preceptorships, especially in mental health and chronic disease management. While not all schools allow this, it’s worth asking if you’re struggling to find a local preceptor.
• Clinical placement services – Companies exist that match students with preceptors, but they come at a cost—sometimes $1,000 or more per rotation. If you go this route, read reviews, ask about guarantees, and check with your school to make sure they’ll approve the preceptor.
• Offer flexible scheduling – Some preceptors are more likely to take students who can work evenings or weekends. If your schedule allows, let them know you’re willing to be flexible—it could be the deciding factor.

Whether you’re going the free or paid route, the key is to stay organized and start early. Set a weekly goal for outreach, track your applications, and follow up regularly. Preceptors are busy, and a polite follow-up email or call can make all the difference.

The bottom line? Finding a preceptor in North Carolina isn’t impossible—it just takes strategy, persistence, and sometimes a little creativity.

How to make the most out of the clinical placement

Securing a clinical placement is a big win, but it’s only step one. What you do during your rotation will shape your skills, confidence, and even your job prospects after graduation. A strong clinical experience isn’t just about checking off hours it’s about making connections, expanding your knowledge, and proving that you’re ready to step into practice.

Dedicated primary care practitioners play a crucial role in teaching medical students, providing invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship.

Here’s how to get the most out of your clinical placement and set yourself up for success.

Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress

Nothing throws off a clinical experience like scrambling to meet requirements at the last minute. If you haven’t already, book your placements as early as possible to avoid delays. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation, licensure, and approvals lined up before your start date.

It’s also smart to build relationships with multiple preceptors in case something falls through. Having backup options means you won’t be left without a rotation at the last minute. Plus, working with different preceptors gives you exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical styles, which can be invaluable down the road.

Networking starts now!

Your clinical rotations are one of the best networking opportunities you’ll have as an NP student. Treat them like an extended job interview.

• Make a strong impression – Show up prepared, be engaged, and take initiative. Even small things—like asking thoughtful questions and offering to help with small tasks—can make you stand out.
• Connect with your preceptor and colleagues – Keep in touch with preceptors, supervisors, and even fellow students. They can be valuable references, mentors, and even job leads after you graduate.
• Get involved in professional organizations – Attending NP conferences and joining local or state-level NP associations can expand your network and open up new opportunities for future rotations or employment.

Be flexible with settings and schedules

If you’re set on one specific type of clinical setting, you might be limiting yourself. Being open to a variety of clinical environments, including primary care, urgent care, hospitals, and community health centers, will give you a broader skill set and increase your chances of securing a great placement.

Likewise, flexibility with your schedule (including evenings and weekends) can make you a more attractive candidate to preceptors. Many providers are more willing to take students who can adapt to their busy workloads.

Go in prepared and take ownership of your learning

The best clinical rotations don’t just happen—you have to be proactive about your learning. Before your first day:

• Research the clinical site and patient population – Understanding common conditions and treatments in that setting will help you hit the ground running.
• Set clear learning objectives – Think about what skills and knowledge you want to gain from the rotation, and communicate these goals to your preceptor.
• Be ready to ask questions and seek feedback – Your preceptor is there to guide you, but they won’t know what you need unless you speak up. Take initiative in your learning and ask for hands-on experience whenever possible.

Your clinical placement is more than just a requirement—it’s a chance to hone your skills, build your network, and even secure job leads. The more engaged and prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of it. Whether you’re working in primary care, specialty clinics, or hospitals, every experience adds value to your future as an NP.

Approach your rotation with curiosity, professionalism, and flexibility, and you’ll walk away with far more than just completed hours you’ll gain the confidence and connections you need to launch your career.

Universities in North Carolina with clinical placement support

but some universities and healthcare systems in North Carolina are stepping up to make the process easier. These institutions provide structured clinical placement support, ensuring that students aren’t left to find preceptors on their own. They offer comprehensive support to nurse practitioner students, pharmacy students, and physician assistant students, facilitating hands-on training and practical learning experiences.

Whether you’re looking for guaranteed preceptor placement, a flexible rotation location, or access to a large healthcare network, these programs are designed to take the guesswork out of the process.

Duke University School of Nursing

Duke’s family nurse practitioner (FNP) program is designed with flexibility in mind. Instead of requiring students to relocate or scramble for clinical sites, the program allows students to complete clinical experiences near their homes.

What makes Duke’s clinical support stand out?

• A dedicated clinical placement team that secures rotations for students
• A global network of over 2,000 partner facilities and practices, ensuring diverse learning opportunities
• Strong connections with major healthcare organizations, giving students access to high-quality preceptors

For students who want the backing of a world-class institution without the stress of finding their own preceptors, Duke provides a well-structured, supportive approach to clinical rotations.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) School of Nursing

At UNCG, students in the FNP program benefit from a hybrid learning format that includes both in-person and online components. Clinical rotations are an essential part of the program, and UNCG ensures students have access to preceptors without having to search on their own.

Why UNCG is a strong choice for clinical placement support:

• Guaranteed preceptors—UNCG secures preceptors for students, eliminating the need for cold outreach
• Flexible options for specialized experiences—students can suggest their own preceptors if they have a specific interest area
• A structured, hybrid learning model that balances classroom learning with real-world clinical training

For students who want both flexibility and structured support, UNCG offers the best of both worlds, ensuring a smooth clinical placement process.

Atrium Health’s Center for Advanced Practice

Atrium Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in North Carolina, and its Center for Advanced Practice is dedicated to helping advanced practice provider (APP) students, including NPs, gain real-world experience in high-quality clinical settings.

What sets Atrium Health apart?

• A centralized liaison for all APP students, streamlining the placement process
• Access to 900+ care locations, making it one of the most extensive clinical networks in the region
• Curriculum-based clinical placements, ensuring students receive structured, high-quality training

For students interested in working within a large, integrated healthcare system, Atrium Health provides built-in clinical placement support and opportunities for future employment after graduation.

Duke, UNCG, and Atrium Health take the stress out of finding clinical placements by securing preceptors for students, offering flexible rotation options, and providing access to extensive healthcare networks.

For NP students in North Carolina, these programs provide a structured, efficient way to complete clinical requirements so instead of spending months searching for a preceptor, you can focus on what really matters: gaining hands-on experience and preparing for your future career.

Secure clinical placements in North Carolina with NPHub

Struggling to find a preceptor for your NP clinicals? NPHub makes it easier. We connect NP students with vetted, experienced preceptors across North Carolina, helping you secure your placement quickly and stress-free.

With a rigorous vetting process, we ensure that every preceptor in our network is qualified and ready to provide a valuable learning experience. Plus, we handle all the paperwork, so you can focus on what matters your education and career.

Our process is simple and efficient: you can start your search in just 20 minutes. We provide full support from the moment you request a preceptor until you complete your rotation, and we can even recommend options for your next placement.

Why choose NPHub?

• Trusted by NP students nationwide
• Thoroughly vetted preceptors
• Fast and reliable matching process
• Full support from start to finish

Don’t let clinical placement delays hold you back. Secure your preceptor today with NPHub!