Texas Preceptors & Clinical Rotations: Finding NP Clinical Placements

Ah, clinical placements in Texas, where the opportunities are vast, but so are the hoops you have to jump through.

With Texas facing a major healthcare provider shortage and over 60 percent of counties officially designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), the demand for skilled NPs and advanced practice nurses is higher than ever. But here’s the challenge—securing a solid clinical rotation in this state can feel like chasing a preceptor who “definitely takes students” but somehow disappears when it’s time to commit.

Here’s the reality of the Texas nurse practitioners landscape:

• Texas is projected to see a 100.4 percent increase in nurse practitioners supply from 2022 to 2036, meaning more competition for placements
• Over 60 percent of Texas counties are designated as HPSAs, highlighting the urgent need for providers
• The demand for healthcare services is growing across both urban and rural settings
• Texas remains a restricted practice state, requiring physician supervision for NPs

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Whether you’re aiming for a clinical spot in a major medical hub like Houston or Dallas, or considering serving a rural community that needs NPs more than ever, lets help you navigate the process and land the right placement.

Geographic considerations: Where to find your next Clinical Placements in Texas

Texas is big—like really big—and so are your options for clinical placements. Central Texas offers unique opportunities for clinical placements, providing a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re eyeing a major hospital in Houston, a rural clinic in West Texas, or a unique opportunity near the border, there’s a lot to consider. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies has some fresh data that just might change the way you think about your clinical rotation choices.

Rural Texas or the underrated goldmine

Think rural placements are a backup plan? Think again. Rural Texas is undergoing a healthcare transformation that most NP students sleep on. The numbers speak for themselves—by 2036, NP positions in Texas will double from 28,540 to over 57,000 full-time roles. With over 60 percent of counties officially designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs),rural facilities aren’t just accepting students; they’re practically begging for them.

Continuing education is crucial for NPs in rural Texas to maintain their skills and expand their scope of practice, ensuring they can meet the diverse healthcare needs of these communities effectively.

Why consider a rural placement?

• Less competition for clinical spots compared to oversaturated urban centers
• Rural nursing facilities are growing at 70.4 percent, compared to 25.6 percent in hospitals
• More direct patient care experience, fewer shadowing-only rotations
• Higher chance of landing a job offer post-graduation
• Exposure to a wider variety of conditions due to limited specialist access

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If you’re looking for hands-on experience with real impact, rural placements will give you exactly that—and then some.

Major medical hubs: Big cities, big opportunities

If you’re drawn to the high-paced world of large hospital systems, Texas has no shortage of options where you can work as part of a collaborative healthcare team. 

The Texas Medical Center in Houston is literally the largest medical complex in the world. Dallas-Fort Worth is packed with top-tier health systems. Meanwhile, Austin and San Antonio are rapidly expanding, with hospitals and outpatient settings projected to grow by 19 percent through 2036.

What’s in it for you?

• Large hospital systems with diverse specialties and complex cases
• Outpatient settings growing by 19 percent
• Office-based practices expanding by 22.4 percent
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge medical technologies and procedures
• Exposure to multiple healthcare delivery models, all in one location

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If you want the big city clinical experience, Texas has more than enough options to keep you busy—and set you up for competitive job opportunities down the line.

Border Region is the hidden gem of Clinical Rotations

Border placements don’t always get the attention they deserve, but they should. With home health services projected to skyrocket by 39.5 percent, and a growing need for bilingual providers, this region offers an unmatched opportunity to develop skills that will set you apart. 

Plus, you’ll gain firsthand experience with public health challenges and cross-cultural care—something that will serve you well no matter where you practice. Additionally, primary care in the border region plays a crucial role in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the community.

Why a border region placement might be your best move:

• Hands-on opportunity to develop bilingual clinical skills
• Experience with unique public health challenges
• Direct exposure to cross-cultural healthcare delivery
• Strong demand for community-based care providers

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Texas is full of opportunities you just got to know where to look. Whether you’re aiming for the high-tech hospital setting, a hands-on rural experience, or a unique community-based placement, your options are wide open.

Texas Universities with clinical placement support

Several major Texas universities offer robust support systems for their NP students. Professional organizations, such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, also play a crucial role in helping NP students secure clinical placements. Let’s talk about bit about three leading institutions that go above and beyond in helping secure clinical rotations.

UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing

At UT Health San Antonio, students don’t have to beg, borrow, and cold-email their way into clinical rotations. The school has a solid system in place to ensure NP students get the experience they need—without the last-minute panic.

What makes UT Health San Antonio stand out?

• School-arranged precepted experiences (so you’re not left searching solo)
• Strong partnerships with hospital and community preceptors—real connections, not just a list of names
• Track-specific clinical experiences tailored to your specialty, including family nurse practitioner roles in various settings
• Individualized placement matching through the Office for Academic Affairs
• Customized learning opportunities based on student needs

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UT Health Houston Cizik School of Nursing

When it comes to clinical placements, bigger networks mean better options and Cizik School of Nursing delivers. With over 2,000 contracted clinical sites across Texas, their NP students have access to a range of clinical settings without being locked into just one region.

National certification is essential for NP students at Cizik School of Nursing, as it ensures they meet the competency requirements for advanced practice registered nurse licensure in Texas.

Here’s what sets Cizik apart:

• A dedicated graduate clinical coordinator who actually helps find your placements
• Over 2,000 contracted clinical sites across Texas (not just in Houston)
• Diverse clinical settings, including:
• World-renowned Texas Medical Center institutions
• Outpatient clinics
• Public health settings
• Hospitals across the state

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If you want flexibility and variety in your clinical training, Cizik offers the kind of access that can set you up for a strong, well-rounded NP career.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU)

TWU isn’t here to make you jump through unnecessary hoops. Their “Clinical Placement Made Simple” approach is exactly what it sounds like—less stress, more structure, and guaranteed placement support.

A registered nurse plays a crucial role in the clinical placement process at TWU, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and practical training.

What makes TWU a standout?

• They handle clinical site and preceptor placement for you (yes, really)
• Early placement planning starts with an intake form to match you with the right site
• Built-in networking opportunities with clinical sites that can turn into future job offers
• Structured preparation process

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UT Health San Antonio, UT Health Houston, and TWU have built-in systems that take the headache out of securing rotations. Translation? Less cold-calling and more hands-on learning. Because let’s face it, becoming an NP is challenging enough. The last thing you need is one more barrier standing between you and the clinical experience you need.

Free strategies for finding preceptors

Even if you’re not in a program that provides clinical placements, there are effective ways to secure quality preceptors across Texas. Let’s explore proven strategies that won’t cost you a dime.

Professional organizations, such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, play a crucial role in supporting NP students by promoting standards and accreditation.

These methods require some effort, but with the right approach, they can open doors to valuable training opportunities.

1. Making the first move with direct outreach: 

If you’re waiting for the perfect preceptor to magically appear, you might be waiting a long time. One of the most effective ways to land a clinical site is through direct outreach—building connections, putting yourself out there, and following up with potential leads.

Networking with Texas NPs can be crucial for securing clinical placements, as they often have valuable insights and connections within the community.

1. Building your professional network

Texas is home to a massive healthcare community, and networking is often the difference between landing a great preceptor and getting ghosted. Start here:

• Attend NP networking events—both in person and virtual
• Join NP-focused organizations (more on this below)
• Engage with local healthcare professionals at conferences, meetups, and CEU events
• Stay in touch with former professors and clinical instructors—they often have connections
• Highlight your professional qualifications like 'FNP-BC' to build credibility and expand your professional network

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The goal? Make sure people know your name before you ever reach out asking for a preceptorship.

2. Leveraging LinkedIn and professional associations

Think LinkedIn is just for corporate jobs? Think again. Many Texas preceptors are active on LinkedIn, and a well-crafted message can go a long way.

Tips for using LinkedIn effectively:

• Optimize your profile—make it clear that you’re an NP student actively seeking preceptors
• Follow and engage with Texas-based NPs, clinics, and healthcare leaders
• Join Texas-based NP groups where preceptors sometimes post openings
• Send personalized connection requests (not just generic ones) before asking for help

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In addition to LinkedIn, professional associations can be a goldmine for networking. Groups like Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP) often have directories, mentorship programs, and networking events that can lead you to available preceptors.

3. Cold calling and emailing

Yes, it’s intimidating. But cold outreach works—especially if you do it right.

Specialized roles like emergency nurse practitioner can significantly enhance your qualifications and help secure clinical placements. Cold outreach isn’t always easy, but persistence pays off. Many NP students land preceptors this way—so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Cold Emailing and calling Tips: 

• Keep it short and professional—no one wants to read a novel 
• Clearly state who you are and what you need 
• Highlight why you’re a great fit for their practice 
• Offer flexibility with scheduling 
• Follow up (because one email is rarely enough)
• Be confident and direct—introduce yourself, your program, and your request quickly
• Have a script ready but don’t sound robotic
• Be prepared to follow up via email if they ask for details
• Call at non-peak hours (avoid first thing in the morning or during lunchtime rush)

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Cold emailing example:

Subject: NP Student Seeking Clinical Preceptor – Flexible Availability

Hello [Provider’s Name],My name is [Your Name], and I’m a nurse practitioner student at [Your University]. I’m reaching out to see if you or a provider at your practice would be open to precepting me for my [specific rotation] between [start date] and [end date].

I’m particularly interested in [specific area of care they provide], and I’d love the opportunity to learn from your team. I’m flexible with scheduling and would be happy to discuss any requirements you may have.

Please let me know if this is something you’d be open to, or if you can recommend another provider who might be available. I truly appreciate your time and consideration.Best, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] Cold Calling Tips:

2. Finding support in your own backyard with local resources 

Sometimes, the best preceptor leads are closer than you think. Instead of reaching out to random clinics, start with local resources that already have connections to available preceptors.

Registered nurses play a crucial role in the local healthcare system, often serving as preceptors due to their extensive education, qualifications, and competencies in diagnostics, treatment, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

1. Texas Nurse Practitioners Association Connections

Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP) is one of the best resources for NP students in the state. They offer:

• A Preceptor Directory—a go-to list of NPs who are actively accepting students
• Mentorship programs that connect NP students with experienced providers
• Networking events and conferences where you can meet preceptors face-to-face
• Local NP chapter meetings where students can find leads in their own region

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Becoming a TNP member is worth it if you’re serious about securing a preceptor—it’s one of the best insider networks for NP students in Texas.

2. Regional Healthcare Consortiums

Texas has several regional healthcare organizations that focus on workforce development. Many of these groups actively help match NP students with clinical sites.

Some key consortiums to check out:

• Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) – great for rural placements
• Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) – connects students with FQHCs
• Texas Medical Association (TMA) local chapters – while physician-focused, some chapters assist NPs

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These organizations often have job boards, directories, or mentorship programs that can help you find available preceptors.

3. Alumni Networks from Texas NP Programs

Never underestimate the power of alumni connections. Many former students are now practicing NPs—and they knowhow tough it is to find preceptors.

How to tap into alumni networks:

• Reach out to your university’s career services or alumni association for NP-specific contacts
• Check if your school has a clinical placement coordinator—they often have alumni leads
• Join alumni Facebook or LinkedIn groups for your NP program (or Texas-based NP programs in general)
• Ask former students about preceptors they used—many are happy to refer current students

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Alumni are often more willing to help than you’d think—especially if they remember the struggle of finding a preceptor themselves.

Finding a Texas preceptor isn’t always easy, but it’s 100 percent doable, especially if you take advantage of free resources and get strategic with your outreach. Whether you’re networking, cold-calling, or tapping into local associations, the key is to stay persistent and professional.

3. Paid placement services

Finding a clinical placement in Texas (or anywhere, really) can feel like a second job—except you’re not getting paid for it. 

Between coursework, exams, and maybe even working on the side, the last thing you need is to spend months cold-calling clinics just to hear “Sorry, we’re full.” That’s where paid placement services like NPHub come in. But are they worth the investment? Let’s break it down.

Not all placement services are created equal. Some will take your money and leave you scrambling, while others actually come through with solid preceptors who fit your needs. The key is knowing which ones are legit and which ones are just cashing in on desperate NP students.

We are the most reputable option because we actually specializes in NP clinical placements. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Focus only on NPs (not a mix of healthcare disciplines)
• Fast matching process, many students get placed in days, not months
• Transparent pricing with no bait-and-switch fees
• A huge network of preceptors across the country
• Personalized support were we match you with preceptors based on your specialty, location, and rotation needs

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There are other services out there, but at NPHub we have a strong track record of actually getting students placed, which is exactly what matters when time is running out.

Is paying for a placement worth it? 

Paying for a preceptor might feel unnecessary—after all, placements should be included in your program, right? But if you’re staring down a looming deadline and still don’t have a preceptor, delaying graduation is a much bigger problem:

• You’ve tried everything—networking, cold-calling, emailing—and still have no preceptor
• Your deadline is approaching and you risk delaying graduation
• You need a specific type of preceptor (like a psych NP or a specialized clinic)
• You don’t have time to chase leads and deal with constant rejection

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If any of this sounds familiar, paying for a placement might be the difference between graduating on time and falling behind.

How to choose the right placement service

Not every placement service is worth your money. Some are well-connected and get you placed fast. Others overpromise and underdeliver. Here’s what to look for:

• NP-focused placements, Some services work with multiple healthcare fields, but you want one that knows the NP world inside and out
• A solid network of preceptors, More connections mean better chances of getting placed where you actually want
• Clear pricing and refund policies, If they’re dodgy about costs or won’t explain their policies, that’s a red flag
• Good reviews from other NP students, If no one’s talking about them (or worse, everyone’s complaining), steer clear
• Real customer support, If you can’t reach them when you need help, that’s a problem

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NPHub checks all these boxes, which is why so many NP students trust them when they need a preceptor now.

4. Red Flags to avoid

If you’re considering a placement service, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• No clear pricing, if they can’t tell you how much it costs upfront, expect hidden fees
• Vague placement guarantees, “We’ll do our best” isn’t the same as “We have a preceptor ready for you”
• Poor communication, if it takes days to get a response before you pay, it’ll be even worse after
• No real reviews, if you can’t find any feedback from other NP students, that’s a red flag

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If you have plenty of time and strong networking skills, you might be able to find a preceptor on your own. But if you’re running out of options—or just don’t have the bandwidth to keep chasing clinics—a service like NPHub can save you time, stress, and potentially your graduation date.

At the end of the day, you need a preceptor. Whether you secure one for free through your own outreach or invest in a paid service, the goal is the same: get the clinical hours, graduate, and start practicing as an NP. If paying for a placement gets you across the finish line faster, it might be one of the smartest moves you make.

How to make the most of your Clinical Experience

1. Show up like you belong there

Clinicals are basically an extended job interview—whether you realize it or not. You want your preceptor and their team to see you as a future colleague, not just a student taking up space.

How to make a strong first impression:

• You don’t need to be a walking textbook, but at least review common conditions and meds before each shift
• Show up on time, have a notebook, and bring your A-game
• Not the kind you could Google, but things that show you’re thinking critically about patient care
• Even if you’re on hour 10 of shadowing and just want coffee and silence, stay engaged

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You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to show you’re here to learn.

2. Build a solid relationship with your preceptor

Your preceptor can either be your biggest advocate or just someone you cross paths with for a few months. The choice is yours.

How to get on their good side:

• Respect their time: They’re juggling patients and teaching you, so be efficient and prepared
• Take initiative: Offer to help, anticipate what they might need, and don’t wait to be told what to do
• Own your mistakes: You’re going to mess up. That’s fine. Just learn from it and don’t make the same mistake twice
• Show appreciation: A simple “Thanks for taking the time to explain that” can go a long way

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Preceptors remember the students who made their job easier, not harder. Be that student.

3. Don’t just rotate... Network!

Your clinical site is packed with people who could help you land a job after graduation—if you play your cards right.

How to network without being awkward about it:

• Introduce yourself to everyone, not just your preceptor. The nurses, office staff, and other providers all matter
• Be present and engaged. People notice when you’re genuinely interested in learning versus just checking off hours
• Stay in touch, connect with your preceptor and colleagues on LinkedIn or send a quick email after your rotation ends
• Make it known you’re looking, if you’re interested in working there, say something before your last day

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Many NPs land their first job because of a connection they made during clinicals. Be the student they want to keep around.

4. Turn your clinical rotation into a job offer

If you love your clinical site and could see yourself working there after graduation, don’t just hope they’ll offer you a job, position yourself for one.

How to make that happen:

• Show them what you bring to the table. Be dependable, proactive, and make their job easier
• Let them know you’re interested. A simple, “I’ve really enjoyed learning here. Are there any openings for NPs coming up?” can start the conversation
• Be flexible. If they’re not hiring now, ask if they anticipate openings soon or if they’d keep you in mind
• Follow up after your rotation. Shoot them a quick email a few months later to check in and keep your name fresh in their mind

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A lot of NP students miss out on job opportunities because they assume a clinic will reach out if they’re hiring. Don’t be afraid to make the first move.

Clinicals is where you start becoming the NP you’ve worked so hard to be. Show up ready, build relationships, and treat every day like an opportunity, you never know when a preceptor, colleague, or even a patient might open a door to your next job. Clinicals fly by. Make them count.

Clinical placements without the headache

Texas’s healthcare landscape is changing fast. From the cutting-edge Texas Medical Center to the growing demand in rural and outpatient settings, every clinical rotation is an opportunity to shape your future as an NP.

As we just saw, the numbers don’t lie there's opportunities everywhere, but you have to take the first step and if you’re tired of the endless search for a preceptor, NPHub is here to make the process easy. 

Lets get you connected with vetted preceptors across Texas, ensuring you find the right match quickly and without the frustration of doing it alone. With placements available in a variety of specialties and locations, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on your education and career.