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Both Clinical Match Me and NPHub help nurse practitioner students secure clinical placements, but they differ in approach, pricing, and level of support. Clinical Match Me offers a large preceptor database and a flat-rate model, while NPHub provides active, vetted preceptors with flexible pricing and more hands-on assistance, making each platform better suited to different student needs and preferences.
TL;DR – Clinical Match Me vs NPHub: Preceptor Comparison for Nurse Practitioner Students
- NPHub and Clinical Match Me both help nurse practitioner students secure clinical placements, but their preceptor matching processes and support structures work very differently.
- NPHub connects you directly with active, vetted preceptors across many specialties—often within hours—and handles all paperwork so you can focus on your clinical training and coursework.
- Clinical Match Me uses a preceptor-initiated model where you wait for preceptors to review your profile and send proposals, with no guaranteed timeline or response rate from their 220,000+ preceptor database.
- Pricing models differ—NPHub offers flexible, hourly-based pricing starting at $12.75/hour with payment plans; Clinical Match Me charges a flat $1,995.
- If your deadline is approaching and you need certainty, not waiting—NPHub's direct preceptor matching, comprehensive support, and 100% placement guarantee make it the safer choice for most NP students. Your clinical placement shouldn't be a gamble. Create your free NPHub account to see live preceptor availability in your specialty and location—no commitment required, just clarity on your options.
Why NP Students Are Turning to Preceptor Matching Services Like Clinical Match Me and NPHub
For nurse practitioner students, securing clinical placements has become one of the most stressful and time-consuming barriers to graduation. The shortage of qualified preceptors across healthcare providers and medical practices means most students spend months—sometimes an entire semester—searching for a single clinical site. When schools offer little to no support, NP students are left to navigate affiliation agreements, submit NP placement requests, and cold-call busy clinics on their own.
That's why nurse practitioner students are increasingly turning to preceptor matching services like Clinical Match Me and NPHub. These platforms promise to connect NP students with clinical training opportunities across various specialties—from family practice and pediatrics to women's health and acute care—without the months of frustration.
But here's what most students don't realize: not all preceptor matching services work the same way. While both Clinical Match Me and NPHub help students find preceptors for their required clinical hours, their approaches to the preceptor matching process differ dramatically—and those differences can mean the gap between securing your clinical placement in days or waiting weeks with no guarantee.
Understanding these differences is crucial for nursing students seeking to make an informed decision about which matching service can help them find their perfect preceptor match in days, not months.
Clinical Match Me and NPHub: Key Differences
Here are the essential differences every nurse practitioner student should know when comparing preceptor matching services:
Network and Availability
NPHub:
- 2,000+ active, vetted preceptors with confirmed current availability.
- 10 clinical specialties covered (psych & mental health, family practice, women's health, pediatrics, acute care, primary care, and more).
- All preceptors verified as actively accepting NP students.
Clinical Match Me:
- 220,000+ preceptor database across 5+ clinical specialties.
- Students gain access to a wide pool of healthcare providers.
What this means for you: NPHub's smaller network focuses on confirmed availability, while Clinical Match Me offers a larger database where availability and active status may vary. If you're working with a tight deadline, knowing which qualified preceptors are currently taking students can help you plan accordingly.
Pricing Model
NPHub:
- Starting at $12.75 per clinical hour with minimum $1,000 rotation cost.
- Flexible payment plans: pay in full or up to 12 months.
Clinical Match Me:
- Flat rate: $1,995 per semester.
- Same price regardless of the rotation hours needed.
Consider your rotation requirements and budget when evaluating which pricing structure works better for managing your education expenses around your full-time job.
Preceptor Placement Process
NPHub:
- Direct matching system pairs you with preceptors in as little as 20 minutes.
- Student coordinators handle the search based on your clinical site preferences and specialty requirements.
- You approve or decline the suggested match.
Clinical Match Me:
- Preceptor-initiated matching model where students submit placement requests with their profiles and preceptors review applications and send proposals when interested.
- Students review preceptor information and select from received proposals.
What this means for you: NPHub actively finds matches for you, while Clinical Match Me lets preceptors come to you. The first model offers faster timelines when you need quick placement.
Comprehensive Support
NPHub:
- Full paperwork support including affiliation agreements and school's paperwork requirements.
- 24-hour responses during business days.
- Dedicated student coordinator from initial placement request through completion of required clinical hours.
- Assistance if issues arise mid-rotation.
Clinical Match Me:
- Ongoing support for students is less clearly defined in the available information.
What this means for you: NPHub emphasizes hands-on support throughout your entire clinical experience, which can be valuable when juggling coursework and a full-time job. Clinical Match Me's support level may vary, so it's worth asking specific questions about what assistance is included.
Guarantees and Risk Mitigation
NPHub:
- 100% refund and replacement guarantee.
- Coverage if placement falls through, school rejects the site, or match doesn't meet program requirements.
- Protected both financially and academically.
Clinical Match Me:
- Full refund policy available.
- Specifics on replacement options or guaranteed placement success not clearly outlined in public information.
- Students should inquire directly about guarantee terms.
What this means for you: NPHub's replacement guarantee addresses both the financial and practical aspects if something goes wrong. Clinical Match Me offers refunds, though clarifying their process for finding replacement preceptors when issues arise would be helpful before deciding.
Both services help nurse practitioner students secure clinical placements, but they take different approaches. NPHub focuses on active placement with guaranteed support, while Clinical Match Me emphasizes a large database with a preceptor-choice model. Your best fit depends on your timeline, support needs, and how you prefer the matching process to work.
Create your free NPHub account to explore live preceptor availability in your specialty and location. There's no commitment—just a clear view of what's available and how the process works, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs.
If comparing services has your brain spinning, don’t worry, our team is ready to walk you through the process and match you with a preceptor who fits your specialty and schedule.
About Clinical Match Me
Clinical Match Me, founded in 2014, operates with a database of 220,000+ potential preceptors across 5+ clinical specialties.
The platform allows preceptors to review students' CVs and send proposals for preceptorship.
Clinical Match Me has a rating of 4.9/5 stars based on 190 Trustpilot reviews.
The Clinical Match Me platform approach may appeal to students who prefer a more autonomous role in selecting their clinical placements.
About NPHub
NPHub, established in 2017, has become America's leading NP preceptor matching service for NP programs. With over 10,000 clinical placements fulfilled and 2,000+ active preceptors across 10 clinical specialties, NPHub connects nurse practitioner students with quality hands-on clinical training experiences.
NPHub's team includes experienced nurse practitioners working as preceptor recruiters to bring more qualified preceptors into the network and forge partnerships with universities to improve clinical education. By collaborating with nursing programs and healthcare providers, NPHub helps address the preceptor shortage while ensuring NP students get the comprehensive support they deserve—from placement to graduation.
Key NPHub Features:
- Full paperwork handling and 24-hour responses
- Coverage across psych & mental health, primary care, family practice, women's health, pediatrics, and acute care
- 4.9/5 star rating from 1,329 Google Reviews
- Perfect preceptor match guarantee
Johany C., an NP student, shares her experience when her pediatric preceptor left her without a clinical site:
"NPHub was a lifesaver for me. My pediatric preceptor and clinic left me hanging at the last minute, and I was so overwhelmed. My student coordinator from NPHub, Andrea, was the best! She immediately started looking for places and contacting preceptors for me. She always responded to my messages and attended to my concerns in a timely manner, giving me updates and walking me through the whole process. She took the weight off my shoulders, helping me focus on my exams, job, family, and other responsibilities I have."
This example illustrates NPHub's swift and personalized support in critical situations, allowing students to focus on their coursework while the matching service handles clinical rotations. If you need an urgent placement, create a FREE NPHub account and secure your preceptor within days.
Comparison Overview
This comparison highlights the distinct approaches of Clinical Match Me and NPHub in addressing the challenges nurse practitioner students face when securing clinical rotations.
While Clinical Match Me offers a straightforward pricing model and a unique preceptor-initiated matching process, NPHub provides more comprehensive support services, flexible payment options, and a guaranteed perfect match. Both platforms aim to simplify the often stressful process of finding clinical placements, but their methods and levels of assistance differ significantly to cater to varying student needs and preferences.
It’s a lot to weigh from database size, support, specialty coverage, and cost. The easiest next step is to see what real preceptor matches actually look like. Create your free NPHub account and start exploring today how we can help you secure your clinical rotation and preceptor.
For most nurse practitioner students in graduate nursing programs, NPHub stands out with its comprehensive support services, guaranteed perfect match, and flexible pricing options. These features are particularly beneficial for students juggling multiple responsibilities alongside their clinical rotations, ensuring a smoother, more stress-free experience as you work towards graduation and enter the nursing profession.
Still Need Help Deciding?
Choosing the right preceptor matching service isn’t easy, especially when graduation deadlines, clinical hour requirements, and life stress are all piling up. If you're still weighing your options, these blogs can help clear things up:
- Is Clinical Match Me a Scam or Strategic Tool for NP Students?
Not sure if Clinical Match Me is worth it? This deep dive breaks down what NP students really need to know before signing up. - How NPHub Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for NP Students Curious what working with NPHub actually looks like? Here’s exactly what to expect—from your first request to final approval.
- Precept Me NP vs NPHub: Which NP Preceptor Matching Service Gives You the Edge? Another head-to-head comparison, this time between NPHub and Precept Me NP—see how they stack up.
- Searching for a Preceptor vs Hiring a Matching Service: Pros and Cons Thinking about finding a preceptor on your own? This guide covers the pros, cons, and what to expect from each route.
Conclusion
Securing the right clinical rotations is a critical step in your journey to becoming a nurse practitioner. Both Clinical Match Me and NPHub offer unique approaches to addressing the challenges of finding suitable preceptors. However, NPHub's combination of active, vetted preceptors, comprehensive support services, and flexible payment options make it an excellent choice for many nurse practitioner students.
The difference between these platforms isn't just about features—it's about certainty when you need it most. Choosing a service that can't guarantee placement or response timelines means risking delayed graduation, additional tuition costs, and the possibility of sitting out a semester while your peers move forward. When you're already balancing coursework with a full-time job, you need a solution that works the first time.
With NPHub, you're not just getting a preceptor matching service—you're gaining a partner in your educational journey. From handling affiliation agreements and school's paperwork to providing 24/7 support when a preceptor cancels, NPHub is committed to helping you secure quality clinical experiences and graduate on time. Over 8,000 nurse practitioner students in graduate nursing programs have completed their clinical rotations through NPHub's network of qualified preceptors across various specialties—from family practice and pediatrics to women's health and acute care.
Don't let the stress of finding clinical placements hold you back or watch your deadline approach while waiting for responses that may never come. Take the next step in your nurse practitioner education with confidence.
Ready to find your perfect preceptor match? Visit NPHub's website today to create your free account and explore how we can support your clinical placement needs. Our team is standing by to help you navigate this crucial phase of your education and set you on the path to a successful career in nursing. Most students spend months searching—you could have a confirmed clinical site within days. Don't wait—your ideal clinical rotation is just a click away.
FAQ: Clinical Match Me vs. NPHub for Nurse Practitioner Clinical Placements
1. What is the difference between Clinical Match Me and NPHub?
Clinical Match Me uses a preceptor-initiated model where potential preceptors review student profiles and send proposals. NPHub, on the other hand, uses a direct matching system, connecting students with active, vetted preceptors based on their clinical site needs and specialty requirements.
2. How much does it cost to use Clinical Match Me or NPHub?
Clinical Match Me charges a flat rate of $1,995 per semester. NPHub offers flexible pricing starting at $12.75 per clinical hour, with a minimum rotation cost of $1,000 and several payment plan options.
3. Which service offers faster clinical placement—Clinical Match Me or NPHub?
NPHub is generally faster, often placing students within days, especially when under deadline pressure. Clinical Match Me’s process can vary depending on how quickly preceptors review and respond to student requests.
4. Can I choose my preceptor directly with either service?
With Clinical Match Me, students can review and accept proposals sent by preceptors. NPHub handles the matching for you but allows you to approve or reject the preceptor offered.
5. Does Clinical Match Me or NPHub offer a refund or guarantee?
Yes, NPHub offers a 100% refund or replacement guarantee if a placement falls through or doesn’t meet your program’s requirements. Clinical Match Me also offers a refund policy, but its guarantee terms are less clearly defined.
6. What types of clinical sites are available through Clinical Match Me and NPHub?
Both services offer access to various specialties like psych, family practice, primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, and acute care. NPHub’s preceptors are all vetted and currently active, ensuring timely placement and site availability.
7. Do these services support placements for PA students or just NP students?
While both platforms primarily focus on NP students, NPHub also supports physician associate (PA) students by offering tailored rotation schedules and placement assistance across multiple specialties.
8. Is using a preceptor matching service allowed by my nursing program or university?
Most nursing programs accept placements from third-party services as long as the site and preceptor meet school requirements. Always confirm clinical site details and rotation requirements with your clinical coordinator before booking a match.
9. What’s included in the support services from NPHub or Clinical Match Me?
NPHub offers full paperwork support, 24-hour email and text responses, and a personal student coordinator. Clinical Match Me handles placement paperwork but provides less transparency on ongoing student support.
10. Can I find a preceptor for a specific specialty like family practice or acute care?
Yes, both Clinical Match Me and NPHub offer access to preceptors in key specialties. NPHub currently supports placements in 10 specialties and actively updates its database to reflect availability across psych, primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, and more.
Key Definitions
Key Definitions for NP Students Navigating Clinical Placements
- Clinical Placement
A hands-on training opportunity where nurse practitioner students work under a licensed preceptor to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. - Preceptor:
A licensed medical professional (usually an NP, MD, or PA) who supervises and mentors NP students during their clinical rotations. - Clinical Rotation
A structured segment of clinical training focused on a specific specialty like pediatrics, family practice, or women’s health. Most NP programs require multiple rotations across different specialties. - Preceptor Matching Service
A third-party platform that helps NP students find and secure clinical placements by connecting them with available, qualified preceptors. - Vetted Preceptors
Preceptors who have been verified for active licensure and willingness to supervise students—often screened by services like NPHub. - Clinical Site
The healthcare facility where a clinical rotation takes place, such as a family medicine clinic, urgent care center, or hospital department. - Clinical Hour
One hour of supervised patient care or clinical experience counted toward the total hours required by NP programs for graduation. - Direct Matching
A process where a matching service pairs students directly with a preceptor based on specific criteria like location, specialty, or availability. - Preceptor-Initiated Match
A model where preceptors review student profiles and submit proposals to students, who can then accept or reject offers. - Placement Guarantee
A service feature (offered by NPHub) that promises either a successful match or a full refund/replacement if a preceptor falls through.
About the author
- NPHub Staff
At NPHub, we live and breathe clinical placements. Our team is made up of nurse practitioners, clinical coordinators, placement advisors, and former students who’ve been through the process themselves. We work directly with NP students across the country to help them secure high-quality preceptorships and graduate on time with confidence. - Last updated
October 3rd, 2025 - Fact-checked by
NPHub Clinical Placement Experts & Student Support Team - Sources and references
- https://www.nphub.com/refunds-cancellations-policy
- https://www.nphub.com/rotation-paperwork-process
- https://www.nphub.com/np-student-coordinators
- https://www.nphub.com/blog/is-clinical-match-me-a-scam
- https://www.nphub.com/blog/how-does-nphub-work-guide-for-np-students
- https://www.nphub.com/blog/precept-me-np-vs-nphub-which-np-preceptor-matching-service-gives-you-the-edge
- https://www.nphub.com/blog/find-a-preceptor-on-your-own-vs-preceptor-matching-service
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