Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina: Guide to Finding NP Preceptors in Charlotte

To find nurse practitioner preceptors in Charlotte, NC, students should look into accessible local NP programs like UNC Charlotte, apply through health systems like Atrium and Novant, or use services like NPHub. Clinical placements in the Charlotte region are in high demand, so early action and the right connections are key.

TL;DR: How to Find NP Preceptors in Charlotte, NC

• Start early—Charlotte is competitive. Clinical sites fill up fast, so begin your search 3–6 months in advance.
• Use local resources. UNC Charlotte, Atrium Health, and Novant offer some placement support—but only if your school has a valid affiliation agreement.
• Master cold outreach. Many students must contact 10–20 clinics directly before securing a preceptor—professional, personalized emails matter.
• Avoid common mistakes. Don’t wait too long, skip follow-ups, or send incomplete outreach—it can cost you the spot.
• Consider NPHub if you're stuck. When all else fails, NPHub connects you with vetted preceptors in Charlotte and handles the paperwork for you.

Why Finding a Preceptor in Charlotte Is So Challenging

Charlotte stands out as a healthcare hub in North Carolina, offering a wealth of clinical opportunities through its hospitals, community clinics, and academic programs. However, with its growing population of NP students—many coming from out of state—the competition for qualified preceptors has intensified. As a result, even students enrolled in local programs often face delays or denials when trying to secure required clinical rotations.

This guide is here to simplify the process. Whether you're working with your school, contacting clinics directly, or using outside support, we'll walk you through how to secure a Charlotte clinical placement efficiently and confidently.

Reasons Why Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina Are Flocking to Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has become a magnet for nurse practitioner students in North Carolina, and for good reason. With nationally recognized hospitals, respected NP programs, and a variety of clinical settings, it offers unmatched educational value. But its appeal comes at a cost: securing clinical placements here is increasingly competitive.

A Rapidly Expanding NP Workforce

According to the North Carolina APRN Workforce Report, the number of nurse practitioners in the state rose by 147.3% between 2013 and 2022, growing from 4,696 to 11,612 active NPs.

Even more striking, the NP workforce expanded by 429% between 2000 and 2022. This growth far outpaces other healthcare roles:

• Nurse Practitioners: +429%
• Physician Assistants: +228%
• Physicians: +28%

NPs now make up over 76% of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) workforce in North Carolina.

In 2022, nearly 60% of new NP workforce entrants in North Carolina came from out-of-state programs. That’s a significant increase compared to 2013, when more than 62% of new NPs were trained in-state. Today, fewer than half are educated in North Carolina.

This shift has put additional pressure on popular metro areas like Charlotte, where both in-state and out-of-state students are competing for limited preceptor availability.

What This Means for Students Seeking Charlotte Clinical Placements?

• Demand for NP preceptors in Charlotte is higher than ever.
• Local students are competing with national applicants for the same clinical sites.
• Placement opportunities may be limited without early planning or external support.

With demand rising and preceptor availability tightening, it’s critical to understand which local resources can actually support your placement efforts.

Whether you're enrolled in a Charlotte-based program or attending school elsewhere, knowing who offers structured help and who doesn’t, can make all the difference in how quickly and successfully you secure your rotation.

Where to Find Charlotte Preceptors: Schools and Health Systems That Can Help

Some NP programs help their students line up preceptors with ease. Others hand you a checklist and wish you luck. If you’ve ever found yourself refreshing your inbox after emailing ten clinics, only to hear crickets, you know how stressful this process can be.

Some schools and health systems are designed to assist students by providing structured support and resources, making the process of finding preceptors and clinical training opportunities more manageable.

That’s why it’s so important to know which schools and health systems in the Charlotte area actually support NP students and which leave you on your own.

Here’s what you need to know before you start chasing placements in one of the most competitive cities in North Carolina.

UNC Charlotte (UNCC)

UNC Charlotte stands out as one of the few universities in the state that provides coordinated clinical placement support for its nurse practitioner students. But how does it works:

• Students use the Sonia portal, a centralized platform to manage all aspects of their clinical education.
• Clinical placements are arranged by the university in collaboration with local partners, most notably Atrium Health, one of the largest employers in the region.
• Faculty members and placement coordinators work directly with students to ensure they meet hour requirements and complete rotations across multiple settings.
• Placement support is strongest for students in the FNP and AGACNP tracks, including those enrolled in the school’s DNP program.
• Students must meet specific prerequisites before starting their clinical placements, such as completing required coursework or obtaining necessary approvals. Certain courses must be completed prior to beginning clinical placements, as these courses are designed to prepare students for the demands of clinical education.

This level of support helps students avoid the preceptor scramble many face in their final year and ensures rotations align with educational goals. The scheduling process may differ for each class, such as the Class of 2026 or Class of 2027, and some clinical rotations or courses are only offered during specific terms or to certain cohorts. Not all clinical rotations are offered every semester, so students should plan ahead to ensure availability and meet all graduation requirements.

Atrium Health – Center for Advanced Practice

For NP students not enrolled in Atrium-owned schools, direct application through Atrium’s Center for Advanced Practice is required.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Atrium manages a centralized placement process covering 900+ clinical sites in and around Charlotte.
• NP students must submit a placement request using their Student Placement Application at least 3 to 6 months before the rotation start date.
• Your school must have a Clinical Education Affiliation Agreement (CEAA) in place with Atrium. Without it, your application will not be considered.
• The placement team reviews credentials and attempts to match students with available preceptors based on availability, specialty, and rotation needs. Students may need to select from a set of available rotations depending on their specialty and what is open.

It’s a formal, competitive process—early submission and complete documentation are critical for success.

Novant Health

Novant Health accepts NP students but handles placements a bit differently through its myClinicalExchange system.

Here’s how it works:

• Your school must first have an active affiliation agreement with Novant Health.
• Students or clinical coordinators must apply through myClinicalExchange, a portal used to submit documentation and monitor placement progress.
• While Novant provides clinical sites and manages onboarding, students are often responsible for securing their own preceptors.
• Rotations must be requested at least 30 days in advance, but earlier is better given demand.

Novant Health may also offer elective clinical rotations, allowing students to gain experience in specialized areas depending on site availability.

This hybrid model works well for organized students who can identify preceptors early but still want the structure of a formal health system onboarding process.

As helpful as these systems and schools can be, they aren’t always enough, especially for students from out-of-state programs or those whose schools lack formal agreements with local facilities.

Even if you’re enrolled in a supportive program, you may still be expected to secure some or all of your own clinical rotations. Students are also responsible for ensuring the completion of all required clinical rotations and documentation to meet graduation or certification requirements.

That’s where cold outreach becomes a critical skill. Whether you’re starting from scratch or supplementing what your school provides, reaching out directly to providers and clinics in the Charlotte area can open doors that formal systems might miss. Here’s how to do it effectively.

How to Find Nurse Practitioner Preceptors in Charlotte on Your Own

Even with a solid plan, many NP students hit a wall when it comes to finding a preceptor, especially in competitive cities like Charlotte.

When searching for preceptorship opportunities, carefully choosing which clinics and providers to contact is crucial to maximize your chances of success.

If your school doesn’t have an affiliation with a local health system, or if you’re in a time crunch, cold outreach can be your lifeline. It’s not glamorous, but when done right, it works.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Search Smart

Start by identifying clinics and providers that are most likely to accept students:

• Primary care and family medicine clinics tend to be the most open to students, especially those focused on FNP or general practice. These clinics serve a diverse range of patients, providing valuable hands-on experience with different populations.
• Urgent care centers, community health centers, and women’s health practices are often under less administrative red tape than hospitals and may be more flexible. These settings also expose students to a variety of patients and clinical scenarios.
• NP-owned clinics or private practices are hidden gems—these providers often remember what it was like to search for a preceptor and are more likely to say yes. Working in these clinics allows students to interact with patients from various backgrounds.
• Use online tools like:
• Google Maps: Search “family nurse practitioner clinic” or “primary care NP Charlotte NC.”
• Healthgrades or Zocdoc: Browse individual providers and specialties by zip code.
• LinkedIn: Look for NPs in your area, filter by city, and check their current practice settings.

Keep an eye out for providers who mention teaching, mentoring, or academic affiliations in their bios—they’re often more open to students.

Step 2: Reach Out Professionally

This is where many students lose their chance—so keep it sharp, respectful, and specific:

• Start with a strong subject line to grab attention and clarify your intent.
  Example: “NP Student Seeking Primary Care Preceptor – Charlotte, Fall 2025”
• Include the essentials in your message:
  
  • Your name, NP program, and expected graduation date.
  • The type of rotation you need (e.g., family practice, women’s health).
  • Required hours and preferred dates (e.g., “180 hours between Sept 15–Nov 30”).
  • Attach your resume and required documents (liability insurance, immunizations, etc.).
  • Keep the tone appreciative and professional—this is a professional request, not a favor.
• Personalize each email:
  
  • Use the provider’s name.
  • Mention something specific about their clinic (e.g., "I admire your focus on underserved communities").
  • Avoid mass-email language. If it feels like spam, it will be ignored.

A thoughtful, personalized message shows you're serious, prepared, and respectful of their time, qualities every potential preceptor appreciates. Below is a sample email you can customize for your own outreach.

• Email Template:
  Subject: NP Student Seeking Primary Care Preceptor – Charlotte (Fall 2025)
• Email Body:
  Dear [Provider’s Name],
  I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I’m a nurse practitioner student currently enrolled at [Your NP Program Name], expecting to graduate in [Month, Year].
  I’m reaching out to kindly inquire whether you might be accepting NP students for clinical rotations this fall. I’m looking to complete a [specialty] rotation—specifically, [X] clinical hours between [start date] and [end date]—and your practice’s focus on [personalized mention about their clinic] really stood out to me.
  I’ve attached my resume, proof of liability insurance, and other required documents for your review. My school provides full onboarding support and can work directly with your office to manage any necessary paperwork or affiliation agreements.
  If this might be a possibility, I’d love to connect and discuss further. Thank you so much for your time and for the important work you’re doing for our community.
  Warm regards,
  [Your Full Name]
  [Phone Number]
  [Email Address]
  [Attachments: Resume, Insurance Proof, Immunizations, etc.]

Once you’ve sent your message, don’t stop there—following up is just as important as the first outreach. Let’s talk about how to do it without being pushy.

Step 3: Follow Up (It Matters More Than You Think)

No response doesn’t always mean “no.” More often, it means “I haven’t had time to read this” or “This got buried in my inbox.”

Providers are busy, especially those in high-demand specialties or small clinics. A polite follow-up can bring your message back to the top of their inbox and back to their attention:

• Follow up 5–7 business days after your initial message with a brief, polite check-in.
• Keep your follow-up short, friendly, and direct.
  Example: “Just checking in on my previous email regarding a clinical rotation. I’d love to connect if this might be possible!”
• Keep a simple tracking sheet with information like clinic name, contact info, date contacted, response received (if any), follow-up schedule, etc.
• Don’t take silence personally. Preceptors are busy. Consistent, respectful follow-up shows professionalism.

Step 4: Be Ready to Say Yes Immediately

If someone agrees to precept you, you’ll likely need to act fast to lock it in. Many preceptors receive multiple requests, and they may offer their availability to the first student who confirms. Being prepared to respond the same day can make the difference in securing a preceptorship.

• Have all your documents prepped and in one folder: resume, background check, proof of insurance, immunization records, and your program’s preceptor packet.
• Notify your school immediately to start the approval process. Many schools need to review and approve the site before confirming placement.
• Confirm everything in writing: Rotation dates, hours, specialty, and any onboarding or EMR training you’ll need.

Think of it like a job offer: you want to respond with gratitude and readiness because delays in submitting paperwork or getting school approval can cost you the opportunity.

Being ready with your documents and knowing your program’s next steps ensures you can secure the spot without hesitation.

Cold outreach can work and for many students, it’s the only option available. But even with the right message, timing, and follow-up, the reality is that Charlotte is a saturated market. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the “yes” just doesn’t come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Securing a Charlotte Clinical Placement

In a city as competitive as Charlotte, even small missteps can cost you a rotation. Students often have a limited number of opportunities to change their clinical schedules, so planning ahead is crucial. The good news? Most of them are completely avoidable. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes NP students make—and how to stay ahead of them.

Waiting Too Long to Start

• Charlotte is one of the most competitive markets for NP students, and many preceptors are booked months in advance.
• Some health systems like Atrium require placement applications 3–6 months before the rotation begins.
• Waiting until your semester starts to begin searching almost guarantees stress—or worse, a delayed graduation.
• Starting your search in the spring semester can help you secure a placement before the most competitive periods.

Assuming Your School Has an Affiliation

• Not every clinic or hospital that accepts NP students accepts your specific school. Without an active Clinical Education Affiliation Agreement (CEAA), you can’t rotate there. Some clinical sites, such as those affiliated with a school of medicine, may have different requirements or agreements.
• Many students secure a preceptor only to find out later their school can’t approve the site—losing valuable time.
• Before reaching out, always confirm with your program whether the site is already approved or if initiating a new agreement is even possible.

Sending Generic or Incomplete Outreach

• A vague, impersonal email is easy to ignore—especially in a city where preceptors receive dozens of requests.
• Leaving out key information (like your dates, required hours, or program details) forces providers to do extra work just to assess your fit.
• Not attaching documents like your resume or insurance proof makes you look unprepared—and slows down the decision process.

For more tips on crafting effective outreach messages, click on the provided links or resources to learn how to improve your email communication.

Not Following Up

• One email is rarely enough. Preceptors are busy, and your message can easily get lost or forgotten.
• Without follow-up, you miss out on potential opportunities simply because your request wasn’t seen at the right time.
• A short, polite message 5–7 days later shows initiative and professionalism—and often makes all the difference. Consistent follow-up can help guarantee your request is seen and considered by potential preceptors.

Ignoring Paperwork and Deadlines

• Once a preceptor says yes, the clock starts ticking. Delay your documents, and you risk losing the spot.
• Some schools have their own internal deadlines for site approval and preceptor contracts that students overlook.
• Keep a checklist of what’s required and start gathering everything early—even before you have a confirmed site.

Giving Up Too Soon

• It’s not uncommon to contact 10–20 clinics before finding a match—especially in saturated cities like Charlotte.
• Each “no” gets you closer to a “yes,” but too many students stop after just a few rejections.
• Persistence, tracking, and a positive mindset can make the difference between landing your rotation—or starting all over next semester. Remember, consistently serving your own interests and continuing outreach is key to eventually securing a placement.

Even if you do everything right, the Charlotte clinical placement process is unpredictable. That’s why having a backup like NPHub can be a game changer.

When time runs out, leads fall through, or your inbox is full of “unfortunatelys,” it’s a relief to know there’s a reliable, professional solution ready to help.

When to Use NPHub for Charlotte Clinical Placements

If you’re feeling stuck or simply don’t have the time to keep chasing leads it may be time to explore a more direct option for securing your clinical placement. That’s where a preceptor-matching service like NPHub can make the difference.

Join NPHub’s network to access more preceptorship opportunities and become part of a supportive community designed for nurse practitioner students.

NPHub is a preceptor-matching service built specifically for nurse practitioner students. Unlike general job boards or school lists, NPHub connects you with vetted preceptors who are actively available to take students and many are already credentialed with major NP programs across the country, including in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Why NPHub Might Be Right for You

Consider using NPHub if:

• You’ve exhausted your own outreach and haven’t secured a rotation.
• Your school doesn’t assign preceptors or has limited placement support.
• You’re facing a tight deadline and can’t afford to delay graduation.
• You’re out-of-state and don’t have local networking connections in Charlotte.
• You simply want peace of mind and a smoother placement process.

What NPHub Provides

• A network of verified, experienced preceptors across Charlotte and surrounding areas.
• Placement coordination that includes communication, paperwork, and school requirements.
• Flexible options based on your specialty, schedule, and hours needed.
• Dedicated support throughout the placement process.

NPHub is not a shortcut for unprepared students, but it is a powerful solution for those who’ve done the work and still need help. It’s a backup plan, a safety net, or even your Plan A if your program gives you total responsibility for securing preceptors.

From Search to Success: Your Charlotte Clinical Journey Starts Here

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing more than most NP students. You’re planning ahead, researching your options, and taking control of your clinical placement process—and in a city like Charlotte, that proactive mindset is your biggest advantage.

Yes, Charlotte is competitive. But it’s also one of the most exciting places in North Carolina to grow as a provider. With two nationally recognized health systems, a strong network of community clinics, and a diverse patient population, Charlotte clinical placements offer hands-on experiences that few other cities can match. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a variety of specialties, including internal medicine, geriatrics, and pediatrics, and gain hands-on experience with different procedures.

From urban family medicine practices to rural outreach and specialty care, this region gives you the range and depth you need to grow your skills and your confidence.

And let’s not forget, Charlotte isn’t just about work. Known as the Queen City, it’s home to a vibrant mix of culture, food, parks, and events.

When you’re not in scrubs, there’s no shortage of ways to decompress, recharge, and feel part of something bigger than your school calendar.

So yes, the process can be tough. But remember: it’s tough because the opportunities are worth it. Whether you secure your rotation through school connections, cold outreach, or a matching service like NPHub, know this—you’re not just finding a preceptor. You’re stepping into the next phase of your career in a city built for healthcare leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions: Finding NP Preceptors in Charlotte, NC

1. How do I find nurse practitioner preceptors in Charlotte, NC?

Start with your school’s clinical placement coordinator, then explore local health systems like Atrium and Novant. If you're still stuck, use preceptor-matching services like NPHub, or begin cold outreach to local clinics and providers.

2. Which hospitals in Charlotte accept NP students?

Atrium Health and Novant Health are the two largest health systems that offer clinical placements. Both require that your school has a current Clinical Education Affiliation Agreement.

3. How far in advance should I apply for a clinical rotation in Charlotte?

Ideally, you should begin applying 3 to 6 months before your intended start date. Some hospital systems close rotation requests once capacity is met.

4. Can out-of-state NP students do clinicals in Charlotte?

Yes, but only if their school has an active agreement with the clinical site. Out-of-state students often need to use cold outreach or NPHub to secure placements. Out-of-state students interested in Charlotte placements should start their search early and confirm that their school has the necessary agreements in place.

5. What if my school doesn’t help with preceptors?

You’ll need to find one independently. This includes researching local providers, reaching out directly, or using a service like NPHub that does the work for you. You can also participate in preceptor-matching services or local networking events to increase your chances of finding a placement.

6. Is it okay to use a paid preceptor service like NPHub?

Yes. Many students use services like NPHub when their school doesn’t offer placement help or when they face time constraints. It's especially helpful in high-demand cities like Charlotte.

7. What paperwork do I need to start a clinical rotation?

Most preceptors and schools require a resume, proof of liability insurance, immunization records, background check, and a school-specific preceptor packet.

8. How many preceptors should I contact?

Expect to contact 10–20 providers before getting a “yes.” Keep track of your outreach and follow up consistently.

9. Do UNC Charlotte students get help with clinical placements?

Yes. UNC Charlotte provides coordinated placement support through the Sonia portal and works closely with health systems like Atrium Health.

10. What if a preceptor says yes, but my school doesn’t approve the site?

You may not be able to proceed. Always confirm with your school’s clinical office that the site is approved or eligible for a new affiliation agreement before committing.

Key Definitions

• Preceptor

A licensed healthcare provider (usually an NP, MD, or PA) who supervises and mentors a nurse practitioner student during clinical rotations.

• Clinical Placement

A supervised hands-on training experience in a real healthcare setting where NP students apply classroom knowledge to patient care.

• Clinical Training

A comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that includes clinical rotations, preceptorships, and practicing with real patients. Clinical training provides supervised, real-world clinical exposure across various healthcare settings, preparing NP students for advanced practice roles, licensure, and professional competency.

• CEAA (Clinical Education Affiliation Agreement)

A formal contract between an NP program and a clinical site that allows students to complete rotations there. Without this agreement, a site may not be approved.

• Sonia Portal

The online system used by UNC Charlotte for managing student clinical placements, documentation, and hours tracking.

• myClinicalExchange

A platform used by Novant Health to coordinate student placements, track compliance, and manage documentation.

• NPHub

A preceptor-matching service that helps NP students find verified clinical preceptors, especially in competitive markets like Charlotte, NC.

• Cold Outreach

The process of contacting potential preceptors (usually via email or phone) without a prior relationship or referral.

• Rotation Hours

The number of clinical hours a student must complete under a preceptor to meet graduation and certification requirements. Typically ranges from 500–1000 hours across multiple specialties.

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
  Jun 25, 2025
• Fact-checked by
  NPHub Clinical Placement Experts & Student Support Team
• Sources and references
  
  • https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Final-Public-APRN-State-of-the-State-Report-1.pdf
  • https://oscp.charlotte.edu/clinicals/
  • https://atriumhealth.org/education/center-for-advanced-practice/advanced-clinical-practitioner-student-placement
  • https://www.nphub.com