How to Navigate South University Clinical Placements and Preceptor Search?

South University clinical placements are supervised, hands-on learning experiences required in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, where students apply classroom knowledge in real primary care settings under qualified nurse practitioner (NP), physician (MD/DO), or physician assistant (PA) supervision. FNP students complete at least 650 hours and AGPCNP students complete a minimum of 500 hours, making these rotations essential for graduation, licensure, and professional readiness as an advanced practice nurse.

TL;DR – South University Clinical Placements for MSN Students

• South University clinical placements are required, supervised experiences where MSN students practice real-world patient care under approved preceptors in primary care settings.
• FNP students complete 650 clinical hours, while AGPCNP students complete 500 hours as part of their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
• The university follows a self-placement model, meaning students must find and secure their own preceptors and clinical sites for rotations.
• National preceptor shortages, lack of incentives, and institutional gatekeeping make the process stressful for many South University nursing students.
• NPHub helps students save time and prevent delays by connecting them with vetted, board-approved preceptors who meet South University’s CCNE-accredited requirements.

The Real Challenge Behind South University Clinical Placements and What You Can Do About It

If you’re a South University MSN student working toward your Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) degree, chances are the words “clinical placements”instantly spark a mix of stress and urgency. You’re not alone, thousands of NP students across the country are in the same boat.

At South University, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is rigorous, blending advanced theory with hands-on clinical practice to prepare you for your role as an advanced practice nurse. The MSN–FNP degree comprises 62 credit hours and includes at least 650 clinical hours, while the MSN–AGPCNP degree comprises 56 credit hours with a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Both specialties follow a curriculum grounded in science, leadership, and compassionate patient care

The challenge? At South University students are responsible for finding and securing their own preceptors and clinical sites. For busy registered nurses juggling online programs, long shifts, and family life, this process can quickly become overwhelming.

Add in a nationwide nurse practitioner preceptor shortage, limited site availability, and compliance paperwork, and it’s easy to see why many students feel stuck before their first rotation even begins.

If this hits close to home, take the first step and create your free NPHub account to explore vetted preceptors near you and streamline your clinical placement process.

Keep reading to discover why finding a preceptor has become such a challenge for South University NP students aand how to navigate the process with less stress, more support, and a clear path to graduation.

Why South University Nurse Practitioner Students Struggle to Find NP Preceptors

Every semester, registered nurses and online MSN students across the country compete for a shrinking pool of preceptors.

According to recent research finding preceptors for clinical courses is one of the biggest hindrances to nurse practitioner education, this reality hits home for South University MSN students, especially those in online programs who are responsible for arranging their own clinical sites.

Below are the three most critical barriers standing in your way and why they make the clinical placement process feel so overwhelming.

1. Competition for Preceptorships: Everyone’s Fighting for the Same Clinical Sites

The first and biggest barrier is simple: there aren’t enough preceptors to go around. NP students are now competing directly with medical residents, physician assistants, and other nursing programs for the same limited primary care clinics and community health centers.

After the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many traditional medical training sites shifted toward community-based settings, exactly where nurse practitioners used to complete their clinical rotations.

That means nursing students are often at a disadvantage because medical schools have formal contracts and funding, while MSN programs like South’s rely on student outreach and faculty connections.

For online classroom students especially, this competition is fierce. With thousands of new advanced practice nurses entering online programs each year, local clinics are flooded with requests. Students end up emailing dozens of sites, sometimes contacting 50–80 providers, with no guarantee of placement.

The result? Delayed graduation, missed national certification exam windows, and growing frustration among even the most dedicated professional nursing students.

2. Lack of Incentives for Preceptors: Too Much Work, Too Little Reward

Even when you find a willing provider, another barrier appears: most preceptors aren’t compensated or recognized for teaching. The lack of incentives is always in the top five reasons why people choose not to precept or quit precepting.

Think about it: preceptors in primary care settings are managing heavy caseloads, treating acute and chronic illnesses, reviewing charts, and documenting everything electronically often while balancing their own staff, patients, and productivity goals. Adding a student can tack on 30–60 extra minutes to every shift.

Without incentives, whether financial, time-based, or professional recognition from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), many clinicians simply opt out. This creates a ripple effect: fewer available sites, overworked preceptors, and students scrambling at the last minute to meet their credit hour and clinical practice requirements.

This scenario is the reason why South University nursing students turn to NPHub. When you create your free NPHub account, our placement team helps you connect with vetted, board-approved preceptors. You’ll skip the endless outreach and finally secure a clinical site you can count on before your next deadline.

3. Gatekeepers and System Restrictions: Bureaucracy That Blocks Access

Even qualified, motivated students face another roadblock: gatekeepers. Large healthcare systems and hospitals often require students to go through administrators, education coordinators, or “student placement portals” before they can even contact a preceptor.

In theory, this ensures consistency. In practice, it’s a nightmare. These systems frequently prioritize medical residents or affiliated schools, leaving NP students, especially those from online courses, waiting indefinitely and in some cases leaving one NP student having to contact up to 80 providers before finding one willing to precept.

For students working toward a master’s degree or nursing practice program through online programs, this bureaucracy means more paperwork, slower responses, and limited transparency.

It’s disheartening, especially when your admissions representative and academic counselor remind you that missing your clinical start date could mean delaying your professional licensure.

The Result: Delays, Burnout, and Lost Momentum

Between competing for sites, navigating system gatekeepers, and facing under-supported preceptors, it’s no wonder South University nursing students feel stuck.

Many grad alumni share stories of calling dozens of clinics, revising official transcripts, and even driving across counties just to shadow one provider.

These challenges don’t just delay your nursing degree, they disrupt your confidence. NP Students who should be mastering health promotion, preventive care, and public health often end up feeling like full-time recruiters instead of future advanced practice nurses.

If this sounds like your story, it doesn’t have to end in burnout or delay. Create your free NPHub account or search within our over 2.000 preceptor network your perfect math and focus on keeping your graduation timeline moving.

Next, let’s explore how to secure a clinical site and preceptor strategically, and how small shifts in your approach can save weeks of searching.

Quick Mini-Guide To Secure South University Preceptors

By now, you know that finding a preceptor is about strategy. You don’t have to spin your wheels for months to land a great clinical site. Here’s a 5-step roadmap designed specifically for South University MSN students in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP) programs.

Each step will help you move with clarity, purpose, and confidence, without wasting time or energy.

Step 1: Know Exactly What South University Requires

Before reaching out to a single provider, know your numbers and your non-negotiables.

• FNP track: 62 total credit hours, including 650 clinical hours.
• AGPCNP track: 56 total credit hours, including 500 clinical hours.
• Preceptors must be licensed NPs, MDs, or PAs actively practicing in primary care settings aligned with your specialty.

You’ll also complete Pre-Clinical Evaluation and Pre-Specialty Evaluation before starting your rotations. Knowing this in advance saves you from wasted outreach and ensures every site you contact actually qualifies.

Step 2: Build a Clinical Packet That Stands Out

You’re not just asking for a favor, you’re offering a professional learning partnership. So treat it like one.
Your clinical packet should include:

• A short, polished introduction letter that explains who you are and why you’d be a great learner.
• Your resume, official transcripts, and course list (especially Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology).
• South University’s preceptor guidelines or evaluation forms.

Remember: preceptors are busy. The easier you make it to say yes, the faster you’ll secure your site.

Step 3: Be Strategic With Outreach

Randomly emailing 50 clinics rarely works. Instead, focus your energy on primary care clinics, community health centers, and internal medicine practices that already train students.

Start with your own network:

• Ask coworkers, faculty, and grad alumni for warm introductions.
• Tap into South University’s online classroom communities or LinkedIn alumni groups.
• Use the AANP or state NP association directories to locate active preceptors in your area.

Pro tip: When you reach out, mention specific interests like health promotion, disease prevention, or chronic illness management, these align with your coursework and show genuine focus.

Step 4: Follow Up Like a Professional, Not a Pest

No answer after your first email? That’s normal. Providers are busy. Wait 5–7 days, then send a brief, polite follow-up, something like:

“Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my clinical placement request. I’m completing my Master of Science in Nursing at South University and would love the opportunity to learn from your team in a primary care setting. Please let me know if you’d like me to resend my materials or provide more details.”

Consistency and professionalism are what make you memorable.

Step 5: Start Early and Track Everything

The earlier you start, the less stressful the process becomes. Most South University nursing students who secure placements quickly begin outreach at least one full term before their rotation.

Keep a spreadsheet of:

• Providers you’ve contacted
• Response dates
• Follow-up reminders
• Site qualifications and notes

It may sound simple, but organization turns a frustrating process into a predictable one.

Bonus: Save Weeks of Searching with NPHub

If you’ve made it through Steps 1–5 and still haven’t found the right preceptor, it’s not because you’re unprepared, it's because the system isn’t built for NP students to succeed alone. That’s exactly where NPHub comes in.

NPHub is America’s #1 preceptor matching service, trusted by over 8,000 NP Students who want to complete their clinical placements on time and without the stress. Here’s how it really works:

• Browse available clinical rotations by specialty and location using NPHub’s interactive map. Filter by Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP) to find what fits your track.
• View detailed preceptor profiles, including credentials, experience, and site information, and confirm that each preceptor meets South University’s MSN program and CCNE-accredited requirements.
• Choose your preferred rotation dates and number of clinical hours. When you’re ready to move forward, create your free NPHub account to see full pricing details and available schedule options.
• Reserve your placement with a small deposit, which is fully refundable if your rotation isn’t approved by your school.

From there, NPHub’s placement team handles everything else, from school coordination, paperwork to compliance, so you can get back to focusing on what really matters: mastering your advanced practice nursing skills and building confidence as a future nurse practitioner.

Create your free NPHub account today to boost your chances of securing a South University clinical placement fast. You’ll get matched with vetted preceptors, reduce your stress, and stay on track for graduation, all with one simple step.

What to Expect from South University Clinical Rotations

Once you’ve secured your South University clinical placement, that’s when the real transformation begins.

This is where your hard-earned coursework meets real-world nursing practice and you begin the transition from student to confident advanced practice nurse.

Clinical rotations are structured, supervised learning experiences that take everything you’ve learned in the classroom, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health and Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Health Policy and Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice, and put it into action in real primary care settings.

Clinical Hour Requirements by Specialization

Your exact rotation requirements depend on your MSN track:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students complete 650 clinical hours over the course of their program. These hours cover care across the lifespan, from pediatrics and women’s health to adult and geriatric patients.
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) students complete 500 clinical hours, focusing on adult health, gerontology, and management of chronic illnesses in older adults.

Each practicum course earns between 4.0 and 6.0 credit hours, depending on the rotation. All clinical sites must align with CCNE-accredited standards and be approved by South University’s School of Nursing.

Where You’ll Practice and Who You’ll Learn From

Most South University MSN students complete their rotations in primary care clinics, internal medicine practices, or community health centers. These diverse settings allow you to refine your ability to:

• Deliver preventive care and manage acute and chronic health conditions.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to real patient cases.
• Educate patients on disease prevention, lifestyle modification, and health promotion strategies.

You’ll be supervised by a licensed nurse practitioner (NP), physician (MD), or physician assistant (PA) who acts as your preceptor, mentoring you, evaluating your performance, and providing real-time feedback to help you grow in both skill and confidence.

How You’ll Be Evaluated

Throughout your rotations, your preceptor and South University faculty will assess your progress in key areas of professional nursing and advanced practice, including:

• Patient interviewing and clinical documentation
• Diagnostic reasoning and decision-making
• Safe and effective prescribing practices
• Collaboration and communication with interprofessional teams
• Patient education and counseling

Students are expected to demonstrate consistent improvement across rotations, culminating in readiness for the national certification exam through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

What If Things Don’t Go as Planned?

Clinical experiences can be unpredictable. Sometimes placements fall through due to provider changes, scheduling conflicts, or unforeseen issues. If that happens, South University may allow you to find a new site or reattempt the course later, but that can mean extra tuition, added stress, and delayed graduation.

This is why so many South University nursing students now use NPHub as a safety net. When you create your free NPHub account, you’ll have access to a backup plan: a team that helps you quickly find new preceptors if your placement changes unexpectedly.

That peace of mind can make all the difference when you’re balancing a demanding nursing master’s degree, work, and family.

The Real Takeaway

Your South University clinical placements are where you’ll grow the most, not just as a nurse, but as a leader in healthcare. You’ll learn to think independently, manage patient care with confidence, and provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals and families across the lifespan.

And while the process to get there can be stressful, once you step into that exam room wearing your white coat and stethoscope, all the effort pays off.

When You’ve Tried Everything Else… This Is Your Next Step

Let’s be real, this part of your journey isn’t fair. You’ve worked hard to earn your MSN, aced Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Pharmacology, and juggled a full-time registered nurse job, family, and classes. You’ve done everything right. And yet… you’re still waiting for a “yes.”

You shouldn’t have to fight this hard just to learn. You shouldn’t have to chase clinics, beg for replies, or watch your graduation date slip away because the system is broken.

At some point, it stops being about motivation and starts being about time. That’s where NPHub changes everything.

We built this service for students exactly like you: the ones who refuse to give up, who’ve sent the emails, made the calls, and just need someone to finally say, “Yes, I’ll take you.”

When you create your free NPHub account, you’ll get access to verified preceptors who are already approved for South University’s MSN program. Our team handles all the so you can get matched and start your clinicals, without missing another deadline or losing another night of sleep.

Because you’ve already proven you can handle the hard part. Let NPHub take care of the rest. Your future as a nurse practitioner is waiting and it doesn’t have to wait any longer.

Frequently Asked Questions: South University Clinical Placements and Preceptors

1. How many clinical hours do South University MSN students need to complete?

Students in the South University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program complete supervised clinical placements as part of their degree requirements: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students complete at least 650 clinical hours, totaling about 62 credit hours. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) students complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours across 56 credit hours. These rotations are essential for graduation, licensure, and success on the national certification exam.

2. Does South University find preceptors for students?

No. South University follows a self-placement model. MSN students are responsible for finding and securing their own preceptors and primary care clinics for rotations. The university provides guidance and approval through its School of Nursing, which is a CCNE-accredited institution recognized for quality collegiate nursing education.

3. Who qualifies to be a preceptor for South University nursing students?

Approved preceptors include licensed nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians (MD/DO), or physician assistants (PAs)actively practicing in primary care settings related to the student’s specialization in family nurse practice or adult-gerontology primary care. All preceptors must meet South University’s MSN program and accreditation standards to ensure a consistent learning experience in professional nursing practice.

4. When should South University nursing students start searching for clinical placements?

Begin your clinical site search at least one academic term before your rotation starts. Early planning gives you time to prepare documentation such as official transcripts, preceptor agreements, and site compliance forms. Your academic counselor or admissions representative can confirm upcoming deadlines within the online classroom portal.

5. Why is finding a nurse practitioner preceptor so difficult?

The nursing profession faces a national shortage of qualified preceptors. Factors include increased enrollment in online MSN programs, provider burnout, and limited availability in primary care and public health sites. Competition from medical residents and PAs for the same primary care clinics also makes South University clinical placements highly competitive.

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

If you’re unable to secure a site before your rotation start date, you may need to delay your clinical course, potentially affecting your cumulative GPA, financial aid, or graduation timeline. In some cases, students who receive a failing grade in Pre-Clinical Evaluation must complete the 4.0-credit Nurse Practitioner Enhancement course before continuing in the program.

7. Can I complete my South University clinical rotation where I currently work as a registered nurse?

Sometimes. If your workplace offers an approved primary care or adult health setting, and your precepted role is different from your paid registered nurse duties, you may be eligible to complete your hours there. Always confirm with your academic counselor and submit the required documentation through South University’s nursing practice program.

8. How does NPHub help South University nursing students find preceptors?

NPHub partners with South University MSN students to match them with vetted, board-approved preceptors who already meet the school’s CCNE-accredited and nursing program standards. Through NPHub, you can browse available rotations, review preceptor profiles, choose dates, and reserve your placement—streamlining the entire clinical placement process for both FNP and AGPCNP students.

9. How quickly can NPHub find a clinical site for me?

Many South University nursing students are matched with preceptors in one to two weeks, depending on specialty and location. NPHub’s placement advisors manage all paperwork, compliance, and coordination with South University’s School of Nursing, ensuring your clinical hours align with program and licensure requirements.

10. Is using NPHub worth it for South University MSN or online programs?

Yes—especially if you’re juggling work, family, and an online MSN degree. NPHub helps eliminate the stress of cold-calling clinics by giving you direct access to approved preceptors and primary care settings. It’s the fastest way to secure your rotation, complete your credit hours, and stay focused on patient care, health promotion, and preventive care—instead of endless outreach.

Key Definitions: South University Clinical Placements

• Clinical Placement
  A supervised learning experience where South University nursing students apply theoretical coursework from their MSN program in real-world primary care or adult health settings under the guidance of an approved preceptor.
• Preceptor
  A licensed nurse practitioner (NP), physician (MD/DO), or physician assistant (PA) who mentors and evaluates students during their clinical rotations in compliance with South University and CCNE standards.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  A graduate nursing degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles such as Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Advanced Pathophysiology / Advanced Pharmacology / Advanced Health Assessment
  Core graduate-level science in nursing courses that develop diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making, and patient-care skills for nurse practitioners.
• Primary Care Settings
  Outpatient clinics, community health centers, or internal medicine offices where MSN students deliver preventive care, manage chronic illnesses, and promote health education under supervision.
• National Certification Exam
  The exam graduates take through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to obtain professional licensure as an advanced practice nurse.
• CCNE Accreditation
  Recognition by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ensuring that South University’s School of Nursing meets national standards for quality and safety in collegiate nursing education.
• Health Promotion & Preventive Care
  Core components of the nursing profession that focus on disease prevention, lifestyle modification, and community health across the lifespan.
• Professional Nursing Practice
  The integration of critical thinking, evidence-based care, and leadership in clinical settings to support safe and effective patient outcomes.

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 8, 2025
• Fact-checked by
  NPHub Clinical Placement Experts & Student Support Team
• Sources and references
  
  • https://journals.lww.com/journalofchristiannursing/abstract/2019/01000/barriers_to_preceptor_placement_for_nurse.15.aspx
  • https://www.southuniversity.edu/degree-programs/nursing?degreeLevel=6
  • https://www.npschools.com/profiles/south-university
  • https://www.southuniversity.edu/online/degrees-programs/nursing/adult-gerontology-nurse-practitioner-msn
  • https://www.nphub.com/preceptor-matching-specialists
  • https://www.nphub.com/how-it-works
  • https://www.nphub.com/blog/best-preceptor-matching-service

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