Pennsylvania Clinical Rotations: Finding NP Clinical Placements with Preceptors

Ah, Pennsylvania. Home to cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, and an ever-growing demand for nurse practitioners. You’d think that would make finding a clinical placement easy, right? Not so fast.

With a significant healthcare provider shortage and over a third of the state designated as a health professional shortage area, NPs are needed now more than ever, especially in specialized areas like acute care and critical care. But securing a preceptor? That’s a different battle. It can feel like trying to schedule lunch with a friend who’s always “so excited to catch up” but never actually confirms a time.

Here’s the deal with Pennsylvania’s NP landscape:

• The state is seeing a surge in new NPs, which means more competition for clinical spots
• Both rural and urban areas are facing major provider shortages, making it a prime place to train and work
• Pennsylvania technically granted full practice authority in 2017, but with a catch—you have to complete 3,600 hours under physician supervision before flying solo
• Many counties are federally designated as shortage areas, increasing the need for NPs across all specialties

Whether you’re eyeing a rotation in Philly, Pittsburgh, or somewhere in between, let’s talk about how to secure the right placement without losing your sanity.

Nurse Practitioners outlook in Pennsylvania

If you’re an NP looking to train, work, or grow your career in Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place. The state has a huge demand for nurse practitioners, and while clinical placements can be competitive, there are real opportunities to get your foot in the door. Programs in Pennsylvania are designed to develop essential skills and educational experiences for future medical providers. Let’s break it down.

Clinical training is happening but mostly in underserved areas

In the 2023-24 state fiscal year, 332 clinical rotations were completed for NP, PA, and medical students across Pennsylvania. But here’s the catch—271 of those were in underserved or safety net sites. That means if you’re willing to train in a high-need area, your chances of landing a spot increase significantly, especially in internal medicine.

Residency options are expanding

NP residencies aren’t super common, but Pennsylvania is testing the waters. The Pennsylvania Primary Care Career Center partnered with Carlow University to place three NP residents in Pittsburgh-area community health centers as part of a pilot program. If successful, this could mean more structured training opportunities for new grads looking to build confidence before diving into independent practice. These residency programs were developed to enhance the precepting experience and create an effective learning environment for students.

Recruitment efforts are ramping up

Career center staff have been actively recruiting at NP conferences and statewide meetings, making connections with nursing schools to encourage more students to pursue advanced practice roles. If you’re a student or new grad, it’s worth keeping an eye on these initiatives—networking is half the battle in securing a good clinical placement.

The demand for NPs isn’t slowing down

Even with 7,560 NPs already employed in Pennsylvania, the state still had a 31.7 percent vacancy rate in 2022. Translation? There are plenty of job opportunities, and healthcare systems are actively looking for skilled NPs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a change, Pennsylvania has plenty of openings for those ready to step in and fill the gap.

Geographic and salary benefits for Nurse Practitioners in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a unique blend of urban and rural healthcare settings, making it an excellent place for nurse practitioners to complete clinical placements, build their careers, and improve outcomes for patients. Whether you’re looking to train in a world-class hospital in Philadelphia, gain hands-on experience in Pittsburgh’s innovative healthcare system, or serve high-need communities in rural Pennsylvania, the state provides a wide range of opportunities.

Diverse clinical environments across the state

From major medical centers to underserved areas, Pennsylvania allows NP students and professionals to gain experience across different populations and specialties.

Urban hubs like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown offer rotations in large hospitals, specialty clinics, and academic institutions. Meanwhile, rural areas provide exposure to primary care, family medicine, community health, and pharmacy—critical experience for those interested in filling provider gaps in high-need regions.

Top locations for preceptors and clinical placements

• Philadelphia preceptors: Home to some of the nation’s top medical institutions, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Health, offering high-level training in multiple specialties.
• Pittsburgh preceptors: With UPMC leading the way in medical research and innovation, NP students in Pittsburgh have access to cutting-edge patient care and specialty training.
• Allentown preceptors: The Lehigh Valley region offers growing healthcare networks with strong preceptor availability in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and primary care settings.

Competitive salaries for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania NPs benefit from competitive salaries that vary by industry and location. On average, nurse practitioners in the state earn between $99,530 and $162,820 annually, depending on experience, setting, and specialization.

Salaries by industry

• Physicians' offices: $122,283
• Medical and surgical hospitals: $131,984
• Outpatient care centers: $133,552
• Colleges and universities: $120,015

Salaries in urban areas

If you're looking to practice in a metropolitan area, here’s what you can expect in terms of salary:

• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: $131,680 (5,220 NPs employed)
• Pittsburgh: $128,730 (1,860 NPs employed)
• Harrisburg-Carlisle: $131,370 (420 NPs employed)
• Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton: $127,580 (560 NPs employed)
• Reading: $128,720 (290 NPs employed)

Salaries in rural areas

For those interested in practicing in nonmetropolitan regions, rural NPs in Pennsylvania still earn competitive wages:

• Western Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $122,810
• Northern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $119,320
• Southern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $119,920

With a 31.7 percent vacancy rate, Pennsylvania has a major need for NPs, meaning both urban and rural job markets are wide open for qualified candidates.

Whether you're an NP student searching for the right preceptor in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, or an experienced NP looking for a high-paying role, Pennsylvania provides both opportunity and competitive salaries.

Universities in Pennsylvania with clinical placement support

Pennsylvania universities are well-equipped to help NP students secure clinical placements. For instance, Penn Nursing offers extensive support, ensuring hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. The University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its exceptional clinical training facilities, which significantly enhance the learning experience for nursing students.

Penn Nursing partners with top healthcare organizations for clinical placements, facilitating quality education and real-world experience, better preparing students for their professional roles. Further, Penn Nursing emphasizes experiential learning through simulation and global travel opportunities, broadening clinical education.

Other universities, such as Duquesne University and the Pittsburgh School of Nursing, also prioritize partnerships with healthcare organizations to enhance clinical experiences for their students. These institutions provide resources and mentorship to facilitate successful clinical placements, ensuring students receive the necessary guidance and support. These universities offer assistance in finding and coordinating with preceptors, making the placement process smoother and more efficient for students.

In summary, robust support systems at Pennsylvania’s universities help NP students secure valuable clinical placements, enriching their education and preparing them for successful healthcare careers.

Pennsylvania Universities with Clinical Placement Support

Securing a clinical rotation can feel like a full-time job in itself, but some Pennsylvania universities are making the process easier for nurse practitioner students. From structured placement programs to partnerships with top-tier hospitals, these schools take the stress out of finding preceptors. Let’s take a look at four standout institutions that go the extra mile in clinical placement support.

Penn Nursing – University of Pennsylvania

At Penn Nursing, clinical practice isn’t just a requirement—it’s a core part of the program. Through longstanding partnerships with some of the nation’s top hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, Penn ensures that students aren’t left scrambling to find placements on their own.

What sets Penn Nursing apart?

• Guaranteed clinical placements tailored to students’ educational and professional goals
• Strong relationships with hospitals and research institutions, opening doors to specialized experiences
• Opportunities to work in healthcare, academic, and research settings
• Hands-on training with experienced clinician educators who provide mentorship and guidance

Villanova University – M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

If you’re looking for a program that handles clinical placements across multiple states, Villanova’s MSN program has you covered. They take a proactive approach to securing placements in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, ensuring that students get high-quality experiences in diverse practice settings.

What makes Villanova stand out?

• Pre-arranged clinical placements—no cold-calling required
• Access to a wide variety of clinical agencies and practice settings
• Strong partnerships with physician and nurse practitioner preceptors across state lines
• Emphasis on hands-on learning in real-world healthcare environments

Saint Joseph’s University

With 720 required clinical hours, Saint Joseph’s University ensures that NP students get plenty of real-world experience before graduation. Their program focuses on providing structured clinical support, so students aren’t left struggling to meet their requirements.

Why Saint Joseph’s is a strong choice:

• Premier clinical placements in Pennsylvania’s top healthcare institutions
• Hands-on learning with expert preceptors and faculty mentors
• A focus on bridging classroom knowledge with real patient care experiences
• Strong emphasis on professional networking through clinical rotations

UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)

For students interested in specialty rotations, UPMC’s Office of Advanced Practice Providers (OAPP) offers a structured system to help secure elective placements. While students must first secure a preceptor, UPMC provides rotation placement assistance to match students with the right specialty experience.

Key benefits of UPMC’s clinical placement support:

• Elective rotation placement assistance for students pursuing specialty areas
• Access to one of the largest and most respected healthcare networks in Pennsylvania
• Placement requests fulfilled based on preceptor availability, ensuring a structured process
• Strong focus on advanced practice provider education

Less searching, more learning

Penn Nursing, Villanova, Saint Joseph’s, and UPMC have built-in support systems that take the guesswork out of securing clinical placements. 

Whether you're looking for a guaranteed rotation in a top hospital, a multi-state clinical network, or specialized elective opportunities, these institutions help students focus on what really matters: gaining experience and preparing for a successful NP career

Free and paid strategies for findingpPreceptors in Pennsylvania

Finding a clinical preceptor as a nurse practitioner student can feel like a full-time job. Between unanswered emails and “Sorry, we’re not taking students right now” responses, the struggle is real. But don’t worry—there are ways to land a solid Philadelphia preceptor, Pittsburgh preceptor, or Allentown preceptor without losing your mind.

Free strategies for finding preceptors

Before you spend a dime on paid services, try these free methods to lock in a clinical rotation. They take effort, but they can save you money and help you build valuable connections in the field.

• Use your network – Your best leads are often people you already know. Reach out to former professors, past coworkers, or NPs you’ve worked with during your RN days. A personal connection can make all the difference in securing a yes.
• Leverage social media – Facebook and LinkedIn aren’t just for scrolling memes and job posts. Join NP-specific groups and local nursing organizations—many preceptors post openings or are willing to help students who ask.
• Attend conferences and job fairs – Face-to-face connections still matter. NP conferences and Pennsylvania healthcare job fairs put you in direct contact with NPs who may be open to taking a student.
• Volunteer or shadow – If a potential preceptor is hesitant, offer to shadow them first. Showing your initiative and professionalism can turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”
• Get creative with outreach – Don’t just ask for help—explain why working with you benefits them. Emphasize your skills, your eagerness to learn, and how you can make their day-to-day easier.

Paid placement services

If time is running out and free methods aren’t working, paid preceptor services can help you secure a Pennsylvania preceptor quickly.

These services connect NP students with vetted preceptors in various specialties and settings, helping you avoid the frustration of cold-emailing and last-minute scrambling.

What paid preceptor services typically offer:

• Guaranteed placements within a set time frame
• Flexible payment plans to help manage costs
• Paperwork assistance, reducing administrative headaches
• Vetted preceptors, ensuring a quality learning experience

These services can be a game-changer for students who need a reliable placement, especially in competitive areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. While they come at a cost, they can save you hours of searching, rejection, and stress, letting you focus on what really matters your clinical training.

Secure clinical placements in Pennsylvania with NPHub

Finding a clinical placement in Pennsylvania can be one of the most stressful parts of your nurse practitioner (NP) journey. With the growing shortage of preceptors and the overwhelming task of reaching out to clinics on your own often while balancing coursework, work, and family—it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s where NPHub comes in.

We take the frustration out of securing your clinical rotations by connecting you with preceptors who are ready to teach. 

Our network is thoroughly vetted to ensure a high-quality learning experience, and we handle the paperwork, coordination, and support every step of the way. Instead of spending months searching for a placement, you can secure one quicklyand get back to focusing on what really matters your education and future career as an NP.

With NPHub, you’re not just finding a preceptor; you’re gaining peace of mind, staying on track for graduation, and taking the next step toward making a difference in healthcare.

Don’t let delays hold you back. Get started with NPHub today and secure your clinical placement in Pennsylvania!