Purdue Global University Clinical Rotations

Purdue Global University's academic program requires nurse practitioner students to complete supervised, in-person clinical rotations totaling 500–600 hours across primary care, mental health, and acute care settings. These placements are essential for graduation and national certification, allowing students to apply advanced coursework like advanced health assessment, health assessment, and diagnostic reasoning in real healthcare environments.

TL;DR – Purdue Global University Clinical Rotations

• Clinical placements are student-led. Purdue Global provides resources and support, but you must find your own preceptor and site.
• Hours vary by specialty. FNP and PMHNP tracks require 640 hours; AGACNP requires 520 hours plus a simulation lab.
• You’ll need to stay organized. From affiliation agreements to preceptor credentials, the paperwork matters—and delays can impact your graduation.
• The system is tough—but solvable. Clinical placement is often the hardest part of NP school nationwide due to preceptor shortages and lack of structure.
• NPHub can help. Thousands of Purdue Global students use NPHub to match with approved preceptors and stay on track for certification.

Finding Your Way Through Purdue Global Clinical Rotations

If you’re enrolled in the Purdue Global nurse practitioner program or exploring the graduate nursing programs at this accredited institution, you’ve likely discovered one big detail: clinical placements are on you.

That’s right, Purdue Global students are responsible for securing their own clinical rotations, whether you’re in the family nurse practitioner primary care track, mental health nurse practitioner, or adult gerontology acute care pathway.

And while that might sound overwhelming, it’s a core part of the Purdue Global University experience. Understanding how the Purdue Global clinical placements work is crucial if you want to graduate on time, sit for national certification, and step confidently into your next advanced nursing role. Be sure to review your prior coursework to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for clinical rotations. Luckily, there are tools and tips (and yes, even people) that can help lighten the load, including guidance on required compliance documents such as a criminal background check.

How Purdue Global University Structures Its NP Clinicals

At Purdue Global University, the clinical experience is where everything you’ve studied, from advanced physiology and pathophysiology to nursing research, finally clicks into real-world care.

Whether you’re pursuing a master's degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (a science degree), or a post-grad certificate, all Purdue Global nurse practitioner students must complete clinical rotations in person, regardless of your specialty.

That includes students in:

• Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks

Each Purdue Global NP specialization requires a rigorously defined amount of supervised clinical hours: 640 hours for the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health NP tracks, and 520 hours for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track.

These rotations are designed to meet national certification requirements and prepare students for advanced practice nurse roles in today’s evolving health care system. Purdue Global puts students in the driver’s seat, which means you’re responsible for finding your own preceptors and clinical sites (more on that in a bit).

You may also be eligible to receive college credit for prior experience or training, which can help reduce tuition costs and accelerate your path.

Sound like a lot? It is, but you’re not in this alone. There are smarter ways to handle clinicals and still stay on track to becoming the advanced practice nurse you’ve worked so hard to become.

Purdue Global Nurse Practitioner Program: Which Path Is Yours?

Before diving into clinical placements, it’s worth knowing exactly what kind of nurse practitioner you’re training to become. At the Purdue Global School of Nursing, nurse practitioner students choose from three online distinct tracks, each preparing you for different advanced practice nursing roles within the health care system.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP – Primary Care)

If you’re drawn to primary care across the lifespan—think everything from pediatric wellness visits to chronic disease management in older adults, this track is for you. As a primary care nurse practitioner, you’ll complete rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. It’s broad, well-rounded, and ideal for NPs who want to make a difference in communities big and small.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Mental health matters, and this specialty puts you on the front lines. PMHNP students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions in patients of all ages. Clinical rotations happen in outpatient clinics, inpatient psych units, and even telepsychiatry settings if available. If you want to be the kind of mental health nurse practitioner who changes lives with both therapy and meds, this is your lane.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

If you’re not afraid of a little adrenaline and thrive in critical care settings, this path might be calling your name. AGACNPs manage complex, often unstable conditions in hospitalized adults and seniors. Expect acute care management rotations in ICUs, ERs, and specialty clinics. You’ll also complete hands-on skills labs using advanced technology to simulate high-stakes situations.

It’s important to note the distinction between adult gerontology acute care and adult gerontology primary care: while AGACNPs focus on acute and critical care for adults and older adults, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners and gerontology primary care nurses specialize in providing comprehensive, age-specific primary healthcare to aging adults, often in outpatient clinics, community health settings, and long-term care facilities.

But no matter which path you choose, your clinical rotations are where your classroom knowledge meets real patient care, and that’s where the magic happens.

What Makes Purdue Global NP Programs Different?

Most nurse practitioner students aren’t fresh out of undergrad. They’re working nurses, parents, and career changers trying to earn an advanced degree without pausing their lives. That’s exactly who Purdue University Global is designed for.

As a preferred online university and accredited institution through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring credibility and recognition. Purdue Global delivers a high-quality nursing program that blends academic rigor with real-world flexibility.

Students can complete their core courses like Health Promotion, Advanced Physiology, and Advanced Evidence-Based Practice online, making it ideal for part-time students and working adults.

For those interested in leadership roles or healthcare management, students can also pursue courses in business administration to enhance their career prospects. Plus, there are tuition reductions, financial aid opportunities, and credit options for military training and prior experience.

When it comes to clinical placements, as we said before, Purdue Global does not directly assign you a clinical site or preceptor but they do offer detailed guidance every step of the way.

Through the Purdue Global School of Nursing, students receive:

• A Clinical Site Checklist outlining what’s required for site and preceptor eligibility
• Step-by-step instructions for getting affiliation agreements approved
• Help confirming your preceptor’s credentials meet program standards
• Access to university staff to verify, document, and approve your chosen clinical site
• Tools and templates to help you professionally reach out to potential preceptors
• Access to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications guidance to help navigate state-specific requirements

Support services at Purdue Global include not only academic advising and admissions but also human resources support provided by Kaplan Higher Education, assisting with recruitment, administrative needs, and student services.

That said, support doesn’t always equal simplicity. Finding a willing, qualified preceptor in your area can still feel like a second job and for many students, it becomes the most stressful part of their entire graduate nursing program.

If you’re already feeling the pressure, skip the guesswork, we connect Purdue Global students directly with approved, experienced preceptors nationwide, so you can stop searching and start focusing on your clinical success. Discover our network of vetted preceptors and how to streamline your path to graduation.

Your Guide to Preceptorship Success

Finding a clinical site as a nurse practitioner student isn’t just another to-do item, it’s practically a full-blown project. Most schools offer guidance and a few do help NP students find and secure their clinical placement, but it’s still on you to secure the right preceptor and site.

Be prepared to provide evidence of your qualifications, certifications, or clinical experience as part of the compliance documents required for preceptor approval.

Additionally, you will need to remain current with all required credentials and certifications throughout your clinical rotation. Whether you’re preparing for a rotation in primary care, mental health, or a critical care setting, here’s how to approach your search like a pro.

Step 1: Get Clear on What’s Required

Start by understanding exactly what your school and your state requires. This includes the type of preceptor, acceptable clinical settings, and any necessary paperwork like affiliation agreements or background checks. Clarity up front prevents wasted time chasing leads that won’t be approved. When evaluating clinical sites, consider using analytic approaches to assess site suitability and support evidence-based decision-making.

What to do:

• Check your school’s clinical handbook or checklist
• Confirm license and experience requirements for preceptors (usually 1+ year as an NP, MD, or PA)
• Verify site qualifications: volume, setting, and ability to sign agreements
• Make a checklist for your school’s compliance documents

Step 2: Reach Out Early and Often

The #1 mistake students make? Waiting too long. Start 2–3 months in advance, minimum. Use a clear, professional message that explains who you are, what your program requires, and how many hours you need. A little polish goes a long way in making a busy provider say “yes.”

What to include in your outreach:

• A subject line like: “NP Student Seeking Clinical Preceptorship (Spring Term)”
• A short intro about your program and graduation timeline
• Your resume or CV
• The type of rotation you need and how many hours
• Contact info + availability for a quick call

Step 3: Stay Organized

This isn’t a one-and-done process, you’ll likely be sending dozens of emails. Create a spreadsheet to track where you’ve reached out, who responded, and when to follow up. Keeping everything organized helps you stay professional and persistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Your tracking sheet should include:

• Clinic/provider name and contact info
• Date contacted and follow-up deadlines
• Preceptor response status (Yes, No, Maybe)
• Notes on requirements, documents sent, etc.

Step 4: Use a Clinical Placement Service (If You’re Stuck)

If your leads go cold or you simply don’t have time to keep chasing preceptors it’s okay to ask for help. Clinical placement services like NPHub exist for this exact reason. Instead of stressing over emails, paperwork, and delays, you can get matched with a vetted preceptor who meets your school’s requirements, in your specialty and location.

Why NPHub works:

• Access to preceptors in family practice, psychiatric mental health, and acute care
• Guaranteed match or your money back
• You stay in control of your schedule, site preferences, and specialty focus
• Already trusted by thousands of NP students across the U.S.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start securing your clinical future? Click here to find a preceptor through NPHub and move forward with confidence.

You've Done the Work, Now Let’s Clear the Last Hurdle

There’s a reason so many future nurse practitioners choose Purdue Global University. It’s flexible, built for working adults, and rooted in academic excellence.

Whether you’re pursuing family nurse practitioner, mental health, or acute care, Purdue Global delivers a solid education with supportive faculty, well-structured clinical requirements, and the kind of professional development that sets you up for real success in today’s evolving health care system.

But even in a great program, some parts of NP school are just hard, not because the school is failing you, but because the system wasn’t designed with NP students in mind. And it’s not just a Purdue thing. It’s not even a school thing. It’s a system thing.

The reality is that the clinical placement model for NP students across the country is outdated and under-supported. You’re asked to cold-email clinics, chase busy preceptors, wait on HR paperwork, and hope something sticks all while juggling work, classes, family, and everything else.

In many regions, there are simply more students than there are preceptors, and no central system to connect the two. It’s frustrating, inefficient, and emotionally draining.

And let’s be honest: You weren’t trained for this part. You were trained to diagnose, to lead, to care, not to play clinical recruiter on top of everything else.

Understanding health policy and legal perspectives is essential for navigating clinical placement and licensure requirements, as these areas shape the regulatory environment and compliance standards advanced practice nurses must meet.

That’s where NPHub comes in. We’re here to give you back your time, your energy, and your momentum by connecting you directly with vetted preceptors who meet your school’s requirements.

No guessing. No ghosting. No delays in your graduation plan.

You’ve come too far to get stuck here. Secure your clinical placement through NPHub and move forward with confidence. We’ll handle the logistics, you keep showing up as the NP the future of healthcare depends on!

Frequently Asked Questions: Purdue Global University Clinical Rotations

1. Does Purdue Global University help students secure clinical placements?

While Purdue Global University does not directly place students, it provides strong support through a detailed Clinical Site Checklist, approval processes, and access to faculty for guidance. However, Purdue Global nurse practitioner students are ultimately responsible for finding their own clinical placements and preceptors.

2. How many clinical hours are required in Purdue Global NP programs?

Each Purdue Global NP program has specific clinical hour requirements: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – 640 hours, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – 640 hours, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) – 520 hours plus an immersive simulation lab experience. These hours meet national certification standards and align with the expectations of most graduate nursing programs.

3. Where can Purdue Global students complete clinical rotations?

Clinical rotations must occur in approved, supervised environments such as primary care clinics, community health centers, urgent care facilities, mental health clinics, or critical care settings. The clinical site must match your specialty and meet all criteria outlined by the Purdue Global School of Nursing.

4. Can I use my current job site as a clinical setting?

Yes, sometimes. Purdue Global students may use their workplace if the site and preceptor are approved and if they’re not functioning under their paid job role. Your clinical preceptor must be an experienced advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), physician, or physician assistant who meets licensing and credentialing standards.

5. When should I begin searching for a clinical preceptor?

Start 2–3 months ahead of your rotation, at minimum. Purdue Global NP program students are encouraged to begin outreach early—especially for specialties like mental health nurse practitioner or acute care nurse practitioner, which are highly competitive.

6. What happens if I can’t find a clinical placement?

Unfortunately, this is a common issue due to national preceptor shortages. A delay in placement can mean postponing graduation and nurse practitioner certification. To stay on track, many Purdue Global graduates use services like NPHub to match with compliant preceptors quickly.

7. Is NPHub accepted by Purdue Global University?

NPHub partners with NP students from across the U.S., including many from Purdue Global University. As long as the site and preceptor meet Purdue’s requirements and complete the necessary documentation, your hours can be approved like any other clinical site.

8. Can international students at Purdue Global complete clinicals in the U.S.?

Yes. International students enrolled in Purdue Global's nursing program must complete clinical requirements within the U.S. and ensure that their chosen sites are authorized and able to enter into necessary affiliation agreements.

9. How much does NPHub cost for Purdue Global students?

Pricing varies depending on specialty, urgency, and location. However, most students find it worth the investment to stay on track with their degree plan and avoid delays in nurse practitioner primary care or specialty certifications. You can get a personalized quote at NPHub.com.

10. Will using NPHub affect my ability to get licensed or certified?

Nope! As long as your preceptor and site are approved by Purdue Global’s School of Nursing, your clinical hours count just the same. NPHub helps students meet all academic and professional requirements without added stress.

Key Definitions

• Purdue Global University

An accredited online university offering flexible graduate nursing programs for working adults, including multiple nurse practitioner tracks. Its main campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana.

• Purdue Global NP Program

The academic track for students pursuing roles like family nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner at Purdue Global.

• Clinical Rotation

A supervised, hands-on training experience where NP students apply coursework in real-world health care system settings like clinics, hospitals, or mental health facilities.

• Clinical Placement

The process of securing an approved site and preceptor where a student will complete required clinical hours as part of their nursing program.

• Preceptor

A licensed provider (typically an advanced practice registered nurse, MD, or PA) who supervises an NP student during their clinicals and evaluates performance.

• Affiliation Agreement

A legal agreement between a clinical site and Purdue Global University that allows the student to complete rotations there.

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

A registered nurse with a graduate degree and national certification in a specialized role such as NP, CRNA, CNS, or CNM.

• National Certification

The board certification (e.g., through AANP or ANCC) required to practice as a licensed nurse practitioner in the U.S.

• Core Curriculum

The set of foundational courses required in NP programs, including advanced physiology, health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, and nursing research.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A master’s degree that prepares RNs for advanced nursing roles, including nurse practitioner specializations.

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
  Jul 17, 2025
• Fact-checked by
  NPHub Clinical Placement Experts & Student Support Team
• Sources and references
  
  • https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/
  • https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/nursing/clinical-site-checklist.pdf
  • https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/nursing/?_gl=1*16pifti*_gcl_au*MTIxMDcxMzA2Mi4xNzQ1Njk1MjQ4
  • https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/nursing/online-master-degree-nursing/
  • https://www.nphub.com