August 14, 2025

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Regis College Clinical Rotations For Nurse Practitioner Students

At Regis College it is the responsibility of the NP student to find and secure their own clinical site and preceptor. Clinical rotations are a required part of the nurse practitioner program that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world clinical practice settings. Starting in the second year, students must complete 800 clinical hours to meet program completion and national certification requirements.

TL;DR – Regis College Clinical Rotations for Nurse Practitioner Students

Regis College requires NP students to complete 800 clinical hours, typically starting in the second year of the program.
Students are responsible for finding their own preceptors—the school does not assign placements.
Clinical hours must align with your NP track (e.g., family, pediatrics, adult-gerontology) and meet Board of Nursing standards.
Finding a preceptor in Massachusetts is especially competitive due to provider shortages and burnout.
NPHub helps students secure vetted preceptors quickly, handling paperwork and school coordination to keep you on track for graduation.

Why Nurse Practitioner Students in Massachusetts Struggle to Find NP Preceptors

If you're a nurse practitioner student at Regis or anywhere in Massachusetts, trying to find a clinical preceptor might feel like a full-time job. And not the kind with benefits. More like the unpaid, cold-emailing, voicemail-leaving kind. Yep, Regis College clinical rotations can get messy fast, and it’s not your fault.

According to a 2025 Massachusetts Health Policy Commission report, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and other NPs now make up over 26% of the primary care workforce, a sharp increase over the past few years. This growth means more students, more clinical hours needed, and fewer clinical practice sites available to go around.

Add in that NPs are increasingly responsible for primary care delivery, especially in community health centers where they now outnumber physicians, and the issue becomes clear: there are more NP students than ever, and the preceptors who could take them on? Many are simply too overwhelmed.

Here’s why:

Too much demand, not enough supply: The number of students in nursing programs has exploded. But the number of clinical practice sites, especially in adult primary care and pediatrics, hasn’t kept up. This means Regis College clinical rotations are harder to line up—especially for specialties with limited access.
Burnout + low pay: Massachusetts NPs working in primary care earn, on average, $20,000–$25,000 less than their peers in inpatient or specialty settings. Many are juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat. So even if they love mentoring, the time commitment just isn’t sustainable.
Administrative headaches: Even experienced preceptors are turned off by the extra paperwork. Many clinics don’t have time to review official transcripts, complete affiliation agreements, or coordinate with university systems.
Shifting job settings: Between 2018 and 2022, the share of NPs working in office-based care dropped from 26% to 21%. That’s a big hit to preceptor availability in the most common setting for student clinical experience.

And yet, you still need those hours to graduate. Every Regis NP student must complete 800 clinical hours with specialty-specific requirements based on your program track. Without a preceptor, your second year could stall. Your completion date could get delayed. And your path to national certification? Put on hold.

At NPHub, we get it, you're a nurse practitioner student balancing tough courses, long shifts, and the stress of finding the right clinical practice site. You need support, not another to-do list.

When you create a free account on NPHub, you’ll get an inside look at how our placement process works and what preceptors are available in your area and specialty. We take care of the hard parts like vetting preceptors, handling paperwork and streamlining the whole process so you can focus on school, life and most importantly, crafting a clear path towards your graduation.

Whether you’re just starting your second year, preparing for family nurse practitioner rotations, or racing to meet your clinical hour deadline, NPHub is here to help you complete your rotations with confidence.

Create your free NPHub account today to see how we’re making the placement process faster, simpler, and student-first. You’ll get clarity, peace of mind, and a clear path to program completion and national certification, without the last-minute panic.

What Nurse Practitioner Students Really Need to Expect from Regis College Clinical Placements

If you’re a nursing student at Regis College dreaming then listen up: your clinical rotations are where everything gets real.

After spending time in the classroom building your knowledge, your second year of the program is when that knowledge meets actual clinical practice. And yes, it’s just as intense as it sounds, but also incredibly rewarding.

Here’s how it works: students start their clinical experience in year two, after completing foundational courses like Advanced Health Assessment and Advanced Pharmacology.

You’ll also need a current, unencumbered RN license and your official transcripts up to date. This is where the learning shifts from lectures to hands-on practice with real patients.

Regis College uses a team-based model to support you, meaning you’ll work with a clinical placement team, but you’ll still take charge of finding clinical sites.

It’s a shared responsibility, and if you wait too long, you might find yourself scrambling for a pediatrics or adult rotation spot when everyone else is already booked.

So, how many clinical hours do you need? A total of 800, regardless of your NP track. These hours are required for program completion, national certification, and, let’s be honest, making sure you don’t freeze up the first time you walk into an exam room.

Let’s break that down by specialty:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): You’ll complete 150 clinical hours each in adult, geriatric, women’s health, and pediatrics. Then comes your 200-hour immersion rotation, which ties all your skills together and prepares you for certification and real-world practice.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Your focus will be on mental health across the lifespan: 400 hours in adult psychiatry, 100 in pediatrics, and 100 in geriatrics, topped off with the required 200-hour clinical immersion.
Pediatric NP: You’ll spend 600 hours honing your skills working with children and teens, followed by a 200-hour immersive experience for practice readiness.
Women’s Health NP: Think 190 hours in OB, 310 in GYN, 100 in adult primary care, and a final 200-hour rotation that ensures you’re ready for graduation and certification.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGNP): You'll split your time between adult and geriatric populations, 250 hours each plus 50 hours in women’s health, 50 in hospice, and the final 200-hour clinical practice immersion.

These clinical rotations are no joke, they’re a critical part of your nursing curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical science and hands-on care. Regis grads walk out with the clinical experience they need to confidently sit for national certification exams and serve patients across all settings.

The best part? Regis College is committed to supporting students beyond the classroom. From scholarships to flexible learning options for working RNs, they’ve built this nurse practitioner program around the real-life challenges of future healthcare leaders like you.

Still feeling overwhelmed about how to line up those 800 clinical hours? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Creating a free NPHub account lets you explore how we help Regis College NP students find the right preceptors, stay compliant, and stay on track, all without the constant back-and-forth emails or clinical chaos.

How You Can Get Started to Secure Your NP Preceptor?

By now you most likely realized something: finding a preceptor is harder than passing advanced patho after a night shift. But getting started doesn’t have to feel impossible.

Here’s how to start the search process for your Regis College clinical rotations, even if you're feeling totally lost:

1. Know Your Requirements Cold

Before you send a single email, you need to know exactly what your nursing program expects. At Regis College, most NP tracks require 800 clinical hours, with specific breakdowns depending on whether you’re in family, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, women’s health, or psych.

But it’s not just about hours—you need a board-approved preceptor in the right setting, with the right license (NP, MD, or PA), and patients who match your track. Some rotations require acute care settings; others mandate primary care with a broad age range. Get super clear on:

The number of hours per population group
The type of preceptor and setting allowed
What forms or documentation Regis needs
Whether the site has an existing affiliation agreement with the school

Knowing these details helps you pitch yourself with confidence—and ensures you don’t waste time contacting the wrong type of provider.

2. Update Your Clinical Packet

When you reach out to a clinic or provider, you want to look like someone they’d want to work with, not another faceless name in their inbox. Put together a polished clinical packet that includes:

A short, confident intro letter that explains who you are, what you need, and when you need it
Your resume (RN experience, current NP program, certifications)
Your unofficial transcripts (to show coursework is completed or in progress)
A sample rotation schedule with your availability
A copy of Regis’ preceptor expectations or onboarding documents

This not only shows you’re serious, but it also makes it easier for them to say yes—because they don’t have to chase you for details. Preceptors are more likely to agree when they see you’ve done the legwork.

3. Tap Into Your Existing Network

Most students underestimate this step, but your best lead is probably already in your phone, inbox, or hospital cafeteria. Start with:

Your current or past employers – If you work in a hospital, clinic, or SNF, ask your manager or provider team if there’s an NP or MD who precepts or would consider it.
Professors or clinical instructors – Many faculty have relationships with clinics in your area. If you’re a strong student, they may vouch for you or make an introduction.
Former classmates or recent Regis grads – If someone just completed a rotation in your track, they might be able to refer you to a site that’s already familiar with the school and its process.
Online NP communities – Facebook groups like “Massachusetts NP Students” or forums often have hidden gems of advice and preceptor leads.

Bottom line? Your network is bigger than you think. You just need to activate it.

4. Research NP-Friendly Clinics (Smart, Not Spammy)

Forget blasting out 50 generic emails. Instead, be precise and strategic.

Start by using the NPI Registry or Massachusetts Board of Nursing license lookup to identify licensed NPs, PAs, and MDs in your desired specialty and location. Look for:

Clinics that advertise “teaching” or “training” – They’re more likely to accept students regularly.
NP-led practices – NPs who have had to find preceptors themselves tend to be more sympathetic.
Community Health Centers – Even though they’re busy, they often have systems in place to onboard students.
Clinics that already work with Regis or other schools – Ask your clinical coordinator for a list of past partners.

Then craft a personalized outreach message that shows you’ve done your homework. Mention something about their patient population or services. Make it clear you’re not just “looking for a rotation” but that you believe their practice would be an ideal match based on your clinical learning goals.

5. Follow Up Without Being Annoying

Here’s the truth: even the best emails get ignored the first time. Not because they’re bad—just because providers are busy. Or overwhelmed. Or about to go into a 12-patient shift. So follow up. Not once. Multiple times.

Use a respectful follow-up schedule (every 5–7 days is fair) and keep it short. Something like:
“Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up on my clinical rotation request. I’m very interested in the possibility of learning from you and hope to hear back soon. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any materials from me. Thank you again!”

When You’ve Tried It All… That’s Where NPHub Comes In

Even with all the right steps, Massachusetts is tough. If your emails are going unanswered, your leads have dried up, or your clinical deadline is creeping closer, it might be time to get help. And that’s okay.

The clinical placement process, especially in a state like Massachusetts, isn’t always set up for success, even when you’re organized, proactive, and doing everything “right.” Between provider burnout, limited availability, and competition from other nursing programs, the system can feel more like a traffic jam than a clear path.

But you don’t have to let that hold you back. Whether you’re in the family nurse practitioner track, pediatrics, adult-gero, or psych, your goal is the same: finish your clinical hours, complete your program, and move one step closer to national certification. And if traditional outreach methods aren’t getting you there? It’s time to pivot to a solution that actually works.

At NPHub, we match NP students with vetted, board-approved preceptors across Massachusetts, especially in high-competition areas like Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. We coordinate directly with Regis College, manage the paperwork, and make sure everything aligns with your school’s clinical curriculum, so you can stay focused on learning, not logistics.

Create your free NPHub account today to see what’s possible and finally take the stress out of your clinical search. You've already come this far. Let us help you cross the finish line with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions: Regis College Clinical Rotations for Nurse Practitioner Students

1. How do I find a preceptor for Regis College clinical rotations?

Regis College uses a self-placement model for nurse practitioner clinical rotations. Students are responsible for finding a qualified preceptor who meets the school’s program and specialty requirements. It's recommended to begin outreach early and follow up consistently.

2. How many clinical hours are required for Regis College NP students?

Most nurse practitioner students at Regis College must complete 800 clinical hours. These hours are distributed across required population settings based on your program track, such as family, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, or psychiatric mental health.

3. Can I use my current job to complete clinical hours?

Yes, Regis College may allow students to complete clinical rotations at their place of employment—but only if the precepted role differs from your paid RN duties. All placements must still meet program requirements and receive official approval.

4. What’s the difference between self-placement and using a service like NPHub?

Self-placement means students find, coordinate, and confirm their own clinical sites. Using NPHub simplifies the process—NPHub matches you with vetted preceptors, handles paperwork, and works with your nursing program to ensure compliance and timely approval.

5. How much does NPHub cost, and is it worth it?

Many students find it worthwhile to avoid semester delays and missed graduation deadlines. The service includes site matching, full paperwork handling, and coordination with your school’s requirements.

6. Who can precept a nurse practitioner student?

practitioners (NPs), physicians (MDs), or physician assistants (PAs) with appropriate credentials and experience in your specialty area. They must meet Regis College and Board of Nursing requirements.

7. Why is it so hard to find NP preceptors in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a growing number of NP students but a limited pool of preceptors due to provider burnout, lower primary care pay, and high demand. These factors make placements especially competitive in urban and underserved areas.

8. What happens if I can’t find a preceptor before my deadline?

may face delays in your graduation or need to postpone your rotation. Many students turn to placement services like NPHub to ensure they complete their clinical hours on time and stay on track toward national certification.

9. How fast can NPHub find me a clinical preceptor?

Many NP students are matched with a preceptor through NPHub in under 1–2 weeks—sometimes in just a few days. Speed depends on specialty, location, and availability, but NPHub is built to move quickly, especially for students with urgent clinical deadlines.

10. Does NPHub work directly with Regis College?

Yes, NPHub frequently works with Regis College students and is familiar with the school’s clinical clearance and documentation requirements. We help streamline coordination with the school to ensure your placement meets academic and licensing standards.

Key Definitions

Clinical Rotation
A hands-on, supervised learning experience where NP students apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under an approved preceptor.
Preceptor
A licensed healthcare provider (NP, MD, or PA) who oversees and evaluates a student’s clinical training to ensure they meet program, board, and specialty-specific standards.
Clinical Hours
The required number of hours NP students must complete in clinical settings to graduate and qualify for national certification. Regis College requires 800 hours for most NP tracks.
Self-Placement
A model where students are responsible for finding and securing their own clinical sites and preceptors, as required by Regis College and many NP programs.
Clinical Clearance
The approval process that ensures all student documentation—immunizations, background checks, licenses, etc.—is completed before starting rotations.
National Certification
A post-graduation exam and credentialing process through organizations like ANCC or AANP that validates an NP’s readiness to practice independently..
Program Completion
The successful fulfillment of all academic, clinical, and administrative requirements in an NP program, including clinical hours and coursework.
CastleBranch
The clinical documentation and compliance platform used by Regis College to manage and track student requirements and clearances for clinical practice.
NPHub
A clinical placement service that helps NP students find, secure, and onboard with preceptors quickly—particularly when self-placement efforts fail or deadlines are approaching.