Tennessee Nurse Practitioners: How to Find an NP Preceptor in TN

To find a nurse practitioner preceptor in Tennessee, students typically need to take the lead by researching clinical sites, networking with healthcare professionals, and reaching out to clinics directly. While some universities offer limited support, most NP students secure preceptors by combining school resources, community outreach, and—when needed—professional preceptor matching services like NPHub.

TL;DR – Tennessee Nurse Practitioners: How to Find an NP Preceptor in TN

• Tennessee employs nurse practitioners at twice the national average, but limited practice authority and high demand make finding preceptors tough—especially for core clinical rotations in primary care, psych, and women’s health.
• Some institutions like Vanderbilt, Erlanger Health, and UT Knoxville offer solid clinical education support, but many students are still expected to participate heavily in the placement process and secure preceptors independently.
• Top-paying cities for Tennessee nurse practitioners include Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Memphis, offering competitive salaries in a state with a low cost of living and strong demand for healthcare professionals.
• Preceptor matching services can help students save time, reduce stress, and stay on track with program deadlines, especially for those struggling to secure approved clinical sites and meet documentation requirements.
• NPHub stands out with a large network of Tennessee-approved preceptors, paperwork handling, and a Perfect Preceptor Promise, making it a reliable, student-focused option to complete your NP clinical journey stress-free.

Tennessee Nurse Practitioners: Filling Gaps in a Strained Healthcare System

If you’re completing clinical rotations in Tennessee or preparing to apply for your nurse practitioner licensure, it’s important to understand what kind of healthcare system you’re stepping into.

The state doesn’t just need NPs, it runs on them. Based on the Tennessee Health Workforce Projections report, the demand for nurse practitioners in Tennessee is happening now, at a pace that far outstrips national averages.

A Surge of Supply, and a Real Reason Behind It

Tennessee is currently home to an estimated 13,260 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurse practitioners, which is remarkable given its size. While the state only makes up 2.1% of the U.S. population, it accounts for a staggering 4.8% of the nation’s NPs. That means Tennessee employs nurse practitioners at over twice the national rate, especially in essential services like:

• Internal medicine clinics
• Office-based practices
• Outpatient care settings
• Hospital departments and emergency rooms
• School health programs and residential care facilities

In fact, more than half of all NPs working in U.S. nursing homes are based in Tennessee, making this one of the most concentrated states for long-term care nurse practitioners in the country.

What’s Fueling the Growth?

The state's reliance on advanced practice providers isn’t by accident. It’s a strategic response to a physician shortage that continues to widen every year. And the numbers show no signs of slowing.

Between 2021 and 2035, the NP workforce in Tennessee is projected to grow by 59%, adding 7,820 new FTEs, a trend that mirrors what’s happening nationwide but at an even faster pace.

Why? Because as the physician supply struggles to keep up, Tennessee continues to shift more care responsibility to nurse practitioners. That includes everything from completing physical examinations and leading chronic disease management, to overseeing care coordination and treating patients independently (within collaborative practice limits).

If you're an NP student in Tennessee, that growth translates into more job opportunities, more urgent needs across diverse practice areas, and yes—more competition for clinical placements.

But Here’s the Barrier: Limited Practice Authority

Despite the boom, Tennessee still restricts the ability of nurse practitioners to practice independently. Unlike states that grant Full Practice Authority (FPA), Tennessee requires NPs to maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician to diagnose, treat, and prescribe.

Many nurse practitioners, especially those who’ve completed their NP certification, fulfilled documentation requirements, and put in the clinical hours, find these restrictions frustrating. It’s especially confusing in a state that so clearly depends on its NP workforce to keep hospitals, outpatient departments, and underserved clinics afloat.

If you're completing clinical hours or preparing your application for licensure in Tennessee, this gap between your professional training and your legal authority to practice is something to be aware of. And for many students and new graduates, it’s the root cause behind limited preceptor access, bottlenecks in clinical site approvals, and delayed graduation timelines.

When navigating the maze of Tennessee’s practice regulations, school policies, and preceptor shortages, having a team that handles the logistics, verifies site compliance, and ensures timely paperwork can be the difference between delay and degree.

NPHub supports nurse practitioner students by connecting them with preceptors who are already approved and experienced in working within Tennessee’s collaborative model, so you can stay focused on care, not red tape. Discover how their tailored matching system removes unnecessary roadblocks, speeds up your placement process, and keeps your clinical education moving forward, without the paperwork headaches.

Schools and Institutions That Actually Help You Secure Clinical Placements in Tennessee

Let’s get into the thick of it, because if you’re like most Tennessee nurse practitioner students, you’ve probably realized that finding a preceptor is practically a second job.

And unless your clinical education program gives you real guidance, it’s easy to feel lost in a spreadsheet jungle of unanswered emails and unclear deadlines.

But the good news? Some clinical rotation programs in Tennessee do offer legitimate, structured support for NP students, medical students, and those completing core clinical rotations.

Here’s a breakdown of universities and healthcare institutions that are actually doing the work, either by securing approved preceptors, managing documentation, or making sure you’re meeting program requirements without losing your sanity.

Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga, TN): One of the Most Preceptor-Ready Hospitals in Tennessee

Erlanger Health System doesn’t just say “you’re on your own.” They offer a full-blown, professionally managed clinical placement system that covers everything from undergraduate nursing to graduate-level nurse practitioner rotations.

For those pursuing clinical experience in primary care, rehab, or acute specialties, Erlanger offers structure, clarity, and accountability.

Why it’s a standout:

• Clearly defined quarterly application windows for NP students
• Uses the Total Clinical Placement System (TCPS) for tracking orientation, paperwork, and compliance
• Requires affiliation agreements and up-to-date student documentation before any clinical rotations begin
• Offers EPIC EHR access (a big win for students focused on treatment planning and continuity of care)
• Professionalism enforced: from daily check-ins to badge requirements and proper use of dining areas

This is a great option for students focused on compassion, communication, and real-world professionalism in a hospital setting that values quality preceptorship and adult care specialties.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (Nashville, TN): Where Preceptors and Paperwork Are Handled For You

Vanderbilt’s Clinical Placement Office is a breath of fresh air in a system where most students are left to figure it out solo. They don’t just assist, they administratively coordinate every student’s clinical rotations, making sure your clinical experience aligns with certification, coursework, and the university’s mission.

What’s included:

• Coverage for Master’s and DNP-level clinical education
• Placement within 150 miles of Nashville (Greater Middle Tennessee Area), with options for remote rotations
• Every preceptor and site is vetted and approved by faculty
• Uses the EXXAT platform to manage logistics and compliance
• Allows for placement in various specialties like nurse-midwifery, mental health, and family practice

If your practice focus includes advanced nursing education, telehealth, or underserved communities, Vanderbilt supports your journey with structure and built-in support systems.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Some Help—If You're Local

UTK’s College of Nursing takes a hybrid approach. For students based in Tennessee, especially in graduate certificate programs like FNP, PMHNP, and Pediatric NP tracks, they offer assistance in placing you with verified preceptors across the state.

They also guide out-of-state students through the licensing and placement maze, although actual support is limited by state regulations.

What to expect:

• Clinical placements restricted to your state of residence
• Must keep your address updated and licensure current via the Tennessee Board of Nursing
• Collaboration between students, graduate coordinators, and concentration leads
• Clinical sites are evaluated for both educational standards and licensure requirements
• Regulatory warning: No guarantee that your placement will satisfy every state board requirement

If You're Running Out Of Time, Consider Using a Preceptor Matching Service

Finding a clinical rotation in Tennessee often feels like playing a game where the rules keep changing and nobody hands you the manual and emails go unanswered, documentation piles up, and some programs leave you entirely on your own.

That’s why more and more students are turning to preceptor matching services, professional services that do more than just hand you a name; they give you a streamlined path to completing your clinical education with clarity and confidence.

But what exactly are these services? How do they work, and when does it make sense to use one We’re breaking it all down:

What Are Preceptor Matching Services?

Preceptor matching services connect students with approved healthcare professionals who are qualified and willing to serve as preceptors for required clinical rotations. These services are tailored for nurse practitioner, PA, and medical school students looking to complete core clinical rotations in specialties like primary care, psychiatry, or women’s health.

They handle everything from identifying preceptors, confirming licensure, to submitting hospital requirements, preceptor letters of recommendation, and rotation documentation—basically, they do the legwork while you stay focused on learning, patients, and treatment planning.

Who Uses These Services?

Preceptor matching services are built for:

• Tennessee nurse practitioner students whose programs offer limited or no clinical site assistance
• Out-of-state or international medical students completing rotations in Tennessee
• Medical students from non-affiliated schools trying to secure approved preceptorships
• Working professionals (like RNs or LPNs) with limited time to cold-call clinics
• Students who’ve had a preceptor cancel or move mid-semester

In short, they’re for students committed to finishing their clinical education without derailing their graduation date.

Where Do They Work?

These services cover Tennessee statewide, with access to preceptors in cities like Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, including in rural communities often underserved by university networks. Depending on the service, you can filter for location, specialty, or preferred setting (like family medicine, internal medicine, or psychiatric care).

For students navigating clinical rotations in Tennessee, especially those seeking experience in primary care, this kind of resource opens up previously inaccessible opportunities.

When Should You Use One?

You should strongly consider a preceptor matching service if:

• You’re within 6–12 weeks of your clinical rotation date
• You’ve exhausted all your program’s resources
• Your chosen specialty (like psych) has limited availability in your area
• Your education program doesn’t assist with preceptor matching
• You’re juggling a full-time job and can’t spend hours emailing clinics

Don’t wait until you’re desperate, services work best when you give them a reasonable window to match you effectively.

Why Use Them?

Because stress doesn’t count toward your clinical hours.

These services eliminate the guesswork. Instead of spending months reaching out to clinics or waiting for approval, you get matched with a qualified preceptor who aligns with your program’s requirements. That means fewer delays, no failed placements, and more time to focus on building professionalism, communication, and hands-on clinical skills.

They also help ensure your clinical education is consistent and of high quality—especially important for specialties like psychiatric mental health, family practice, or internal medicine, where supervision and continuity of care are essential.

How Do They Work?

Let’s break down three of the best-known preceptor matching services:

NPHub

• Specializes in preceptor matching for nurse practitioners in all 50 states, with a strong network in Tennessee
• Lets you browse available preceptors by specialty, city, and start date
• Handles contracts, documentation, and all communication with clinics and preceptors
• Includes the Perfect Preceptor Promise: if we can’t match you, you get a refund
• Trusted by thousands of NP students who need efficient, transparent, and high-quality placements

PreceptorLink

• Offers more of a hands-on, concierge-style matching service
• Especially useful for unique requests or smaller specialties
• Often a good fit for older students or those unfamiliar with digital platforms

MatchNP

• Platform-based tool with mixed coverage in Tennessee
• Works best if you have time, flexibility, and are just starting your search
• Offers fewer guaranteed matches but is easy to explore

In a system that demands intense commitment from students but offers little institutional help, Preceptor matching services provide the guidance, support, and connections necessary to finish your clinical education without delays.

If you're feeling stuck, behind, or overwhelmed, don’t waste another week. Start with NPHub, we've helped thousands of NP students in Tennessee and across the U.S. secure their rotations, complete their education, and step confidently into their next chapter as licensed healthcare professionals.

While preceptor matching services come with a cost, the long-term payoff can be significant, especially when you consider what Tennessee nurse practitioners are earning.

Once your clinical education is complete and your certification is in hand, you step into one of the most in-demand roles in the Tennessee healthcare system.

Whether you plan to practice in primary care, specialties, or rural community settings, your preceptorship investment quickly makes sense when compared to the monthly income you could be making post-licensure.

Let’s take a closer look at what NPs are earning across the state, and how it varies by city.

Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Salary: What You Can Expect to Earn in 2025

If you’re knee-deep in clinical rotations in TN, balancing patient charts, preceptor emails, and looming documentation deadlines, one thing may keep crossing your mind: Is all this stress even worth it financially? You’re not just chasing hours — you’re building a career as a healthcare professional. So let’s talk about what Tennessee nurse practitioners actually take home in 2025, and whether the paycheck matches the workload.

Spoiler: It’s not bad at all. In fact, Tennessee nurses are doing pretty well — especially if you play your cards right when it comes to specialty, practice setting, and location.

Where TN Nurse Practitioners Earn the Most: By Industry

Not all clinical settings pay the same, and that’s something students rarely hear during orientation. Whether you're logging your clinical education in outpatient centers, shadowing in hospitals, or even observing treatment planning in a university setting, your future salary will likely reflect where you completed those core clinical rotations.

Here’s how average annual and monthly pay breaks down by setting, based on the latest 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics data:

• Outpatient Care Centers – $111,615/year (~$9,301/month)
• Medical and Surgical Hospitals – $110,304/year (~$9,192/month)
• Physician Offices – $102,197/year (~$8,516/month)
• Colleges and Universities – $100,301/year (~$8,358/month)

If you're rotating in outpatient primary care, urgent care, or internal medicine, you're preparing for high-demand specialties that offer stability and growth. These settings emphasize continuity of care, strong communication, and professionalism, traits that every future NP should prioritize.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee

Thinking about where to build your life after graduation? The city you choose can affect your salary more than your clinical focus sometimes, especially in Tennessee. While the average Tennessee nurse practitioner salary is about $118K/year, some cities are well above that mark.

Here’s a look at where Tennessee NPs are earning the most in 2025, plus what that breaks down to monthly:

• Franklin, TN – $148,375/year ($12,365/month)
• Murfreesboro, TN – $140,812/year ($11,734/month)
• Memphis, TN – $133,885/year ($11,157/month)
• Clarksville, TN – $132,933/year ($11,078/month)
• Nashville, TN – $122,356/year ($10,196/month)
• Knoxville, TN – $118,371/year ($9,864/month)
• Chattanooga, TN – $116,507/year ($9,709/month)
• Jackson, TN – $114,372/year ($9,531/month)
• Cookeville, TN – $110,268/year ($9,189/month)

What’s the takeaway? If you're participating in clinical education in these areas and building strong preceptor relationships, you’re setting yourself up for a well-paid future. These cities offer students the opportunity to gain high-quality practice experience while preparing for long-term success.

Want to Boost Your NP Salary in TN? Here’s How:

Let’s say you're not quite hitting the income goals you want right out of school, or you're mid-rotation in a specialty that's meaningful but pays modestly. Don’t worry, there are ways to supplement or even boost your NP salary without changing your entire education program.

Here are a few smart strategies Tennessee nurse practitioners are already using:

Telehealth via the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC):

Tennessee is part of the eNLC, which means you can offer telehealth services to patients across most of the U.S. without needing extra licenses. This allows you to extend your practice beyond state borders — offering care and support remotely.

Strategic Relocation:

If you’re flexible, consider cities like Franklin or Memphis, where the cost of living is still reasonable and salaries are 10–20% higher than the state average. These areas provide better access to resources, quality care, and professional growth.

Use What the State Already Offers:

The Tennessee Board of Nursing is more than just a licensure checkpoint. It’s a critical source of guidance, regulatory updates, and continuing education for both current and aspiring nurse practitioners.

Advocate for the Profession:

Tennessee still restricts independent practice, but groups like the Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association are pushing for Full Practice Authority (FPA). Achieving FPA would increase your ability to bill, prescribe, and lead — boosting salaries for the next generation of providers.

And if you're still in the thick of your preceptor search, not sure how to even begin the placement process, start where others have found success. At NPHub, we help students connect with vetted Tennessee preceptors, manage the documentation and contact with sites, and make sure your hours are submitted, approved, and counted toward graduation. It’s time to shift your energy from stress to strategy. Start your preceptor journey by creating your free account today and seeing for yourself how we can help.

You’re Building the Next Chapter of Your Practice

Let’s be real: no one dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner just to get stuck in the limbo of unanswered emails, outdated directories, or rotating Excel sheets full of “maybe” preceptors. You didn’t get into this field to chase paperwork, you got into it to care, to heal, to bring next-generation, evidence-based care into your community.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably juggling classes, maybe a job, maybe a family, and now trying to figure out how to secure your Tennessee clinical rotations before your deadline swallows your semester. And despite being asked to act like a healthcare professional, you're still not given the tools or time to build that clinical bridge on your own. That’s where the shift happens.

And whether you’re carving your path through a university that offers structured support, navigating a health system’s application cycle, or choosing to invest in a preceptor matching service like NPHub to remove the guesswork, every step you take is preparing you for the real work of care: showing up, problem-solving, and pushing forward even when the system gets messy.

So take the support. Use the resources. Reach out to your program coordinator. If you need it, invest in the help that ensures your clinical education doesn’t fall apart last-minute. This is not just about passing rotations. It’s about stepping into your role as a nurse practitioner with clarity, continuity, and purpose. And if you're still unsure where to begin?

When the clock is ticking and your school can’t help, or won’t, that’s when it’s time to turn to people who’ve built their careers on helping Tennessee nurse practitioner students like you succeed.

NPHub has helped over 10,000 NP students complete core clinical rotations, find specialty preceptors, and secure meaningful clinical education opportunities across primary care, mental health, pediatrics, and more.

We don’t just match you with a name, we guide you through every step of the process, from paperwork to placement, with transparency, speed, and compassion.

With a network of 2,000+ vetted healthcare professionals, flexible payment plans, and a no-questions-asked refund or replacement guarantee, NPHub is the only preceptor matching service built with your education, career, and peace of mind in focus.

Ready to get your clinical placements secured, without the stress? Start your journey with NPHub today. Create your free account and explore vetted, available preceptors across Tennessee who are ready to help you complete your hours, meet your program’s requirements, and keep your graduation on track.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clinical Rotations for Tennessee Nurse Practitioners

How do Tennessee NP students find clinical rotations?

Tennessee nurse practitioner students are often responsible for locating their own core clinical rotations by connecting with approved preceptors in their community. While some education programs offer minimal clinical education support, many students must contact providers, secure agreements, and manage required documentation independently.

How does using a preceptor matching service compare to finding a placement on your own?

Preceptor matching services offer guidance, vetted healthcare professionals, and handle clinical rotationpaperwork, saving students time and reducing the stress of coordinating practice opportunities solo. Unlike DIY searching, these services ensure your rotation meets both school and Tennessee nurse licensing requirements.

Is NPHub a good option for Tennessee nurse practitioner students?

Yes. NPHub is widely trusted by Tennessee nurse practitioner students for matching them with vetted preceptors who are familiar with the state’s collaborative practice regulations. They also offer complete documentation support and a flexible payment structure, helping students stay on track with their education and clinical hours.

When should I start looking for a preceptor in Tennessee?

Begin your search at least 2–4 months before your scheduled clinical education. Most programs require early documentation submission, and strong preceptors, especially in high-demand specialties, fill up fast. Early planning also gives you more flexibility to participate in your preferred treatment planning or patient care settings.

Can international or out-of-state medical students complete rotations in Tennessee?

Yes, but additional practice requirements and state regulations may apply. Many preceptor matching services support international medical students, ensuring all forms are completed, licensure status is clear, and program alignment is met—especially important for those in family practice or internal medicine.

What documents are required for a clinical rotation in Tennessee?

Typical requirements include proof of RN license, immunization records, background checks, clinical affiliation agreements, and school-specific preceptor approval. Some institutions may also require HIPAA training, EHR access forms, and a formal preceptorship plan.

Does NPHub guarantee that I’ll get a clinical placement?

Yes. NPHub’s “Perfect Preceptor Promise” offers either a confirmed preceptor or a full refund if placement isn’t secured. This gives students peace of mind and ensures that your time, tuition, and clinical progress are protected during your clinical education journey.

What happens if my preceptor cancels or can’t supervise me anymore?

Top-rated services offer replacement guarantees, ensuring that your clinical education and graduation timeline stay intact. If your preceptorship falls through, they’ll find a new preceptor or offer compensation—so you can stay focused on patients, not paperwork.

Are there any myths about clinical rotations that trip up students?

Absolutely. Many students believe education programs will find their preceptors or that any licensed healthcare professional will be accepted. In reality, each rotation must align with specific program, state board, preceptor qualifications or specialty tracks.

How do Tennessee’s practice regulations affect NP clinical training?

Because Tennessee requires collaborative agreements with physicians, NP students must often find preceptors familiar with this practice model. Services like NPHub specialize in matching students with preceptors who meet these regulatory standards, ensuring your hours are completed without compliance issues.

Key Definitions: Clinical Rotations for Tennessee Nurse Practitioners

• Preceptor
  A licensed healthcare professional (often a nurse practitioner or physician) who supervises and mentors NP students during clinical rotations, guiding them through real-world patient care.
• Clinical Rotation
  A supervised experience in a medical setting (hospital, clinic, or private practice) where NP students apply classroom knowledge to patient care under the guidance of a preceptor.
• Core Clinical Rotations
  Mandatory rotations required by most NP programs that cover primary care areas like family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health.
• Clinical Education
  The structured process of learning in clinical settings to develop hands-on skills, decision-making ability, and communication competence in direct patient care.
• Clinical Affiliation Agreement (CAA)
  A formal agreement between a university and a healthcare facility allowing NP students to complete clinical hours at that site, outlining liability, scope, and responsibilities.
• Collaborative Agreement
  In Tennessee, this refers to the legally required relationship between an NP and a supervising physician, needed to practice and prescribe independently.
• Preceptorship
  The full experience of being mentored by a preceptor, including observing, participating in patient care, and progressively gaining autonomy in treatment planning.
• Total Clinical Placement System (TCPS)
  A widely used clinical documentation and orientation system used by facilities like Erlanger Health System in Tennessee to streamline the onboarding of NP students.
• Exxat
  A clinical placement management platform used by universities like Vanderbilt to match NP students with preceptors and ensure documentation, compliance, and feedback loops.
• Perfect Preceptor Promise
  NPHub’s guarantee to students that if a placement falls through, they’ll either secure a replacement or provide a full refund—offering peace of mind during the process.

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
  Aug 1st, 2025
• Fact-checked by
  NPHub Clinical Placement Experts & Student Support Team
• Sources and references
  
  • https://tha.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tennessee-Health-Workforce-Projections-report-FINAL.pdf
  • https://www.nphub.com
  • https://www.nphub.com/perfect-preceptor-promise
  • https://www.erlanger.org/for-healthcare-professionals/student-clinical-placement
  • https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/current-students/clinical-placement/
  • https://catalog.utk.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=55&poid=35129
  • https://www.nphub.com/testimonials
  • https://www.nursepractitionerlicense.com/nurse-practitioner-salary/tennessee-nurse-practitioner-salary/
  • https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Nurse-Practitioner-Salary--in-Tennessee
  • https://www.indeed.com/career/nurse-practitioner/salaries/TN
  • https://www.nphub.com/pricing

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