How to Choose the Right Preceptor Matching Service
Clinical practice under the supervision of a qualified preceptor is a fundamental component of advanced practice nursing education, where textbook theory evolves into clinical competence.
Most nurse practitioner (NP) students eagerly await the practical experience during clinicals, where they can hone their skills and gain confidence. However, many struggle with placement logistics because finding a preceptor can be a lengthy and stressful process, it’s a significant time commitment on top of an already demanding schedule of rigorous coursework and personal responsibilities.
Many nurse practitioner students are now turning to paid placement services to find experienced preceptors. But be warned, not all placement services are created equal.
This blog walks you through how to choose the right NP preceptor matching service, red flags to be aware of, and pertinent questions you should ask before you commit to a placement partner.
Growing Demand for Placement Support
With the demand for nurse practitioners growing, NP programs are expanding and accepting more students. However, the number of qualified preceptors willing to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners is lagging. Many experienced NPs are reluctant to take on a preceptor role because of time constraints, concerns about job productivity, and a lack of financial incentive.
Higher enrollment with fewer preceptors creates challenges for students, such as:
- Competition to find preceptors
- Difficulty completing required clinical hours on time
- Graduating later than expected and additional tuition
- Career and higher salary delays
For these reasons and more, advanced practice students are turning to paid preceptor matching services to alleviate the stress of the traditional search. The time-consuming process of securing clinical placement involves countless phone calls and emails, lengthy wait times, and extensive paperwork.
Why Do I Have to Pay for Something That Used to Be (Should Be) Free?
Booming enrollment and a shrinking pool of preceptors and clinical sites have forced students to take on the burden of securing placement sites. Paying for a preceptor matching service in addition to tuition, textbooks, background checks, and insurance may seem unwarranted. But until academic institutions and healthcare partners can resolve supply and demand issues, it’s an option many NP students consider.
Remember, completing your clinical hours and graduating on time is the end goal. Paying for a placement service is usually less expensive than the loss of income due to a delay in your new career.
The preceptor shortage and the inherent stress associated with a student-led search have created a competitive industry. You must research and evaluate your options carefully for legitimate match partners.
Signs of a Legitimate Preceptor Matching Service
When doing your research, you’ll find that reputable services match you with vetted preceptors who are licensed, credentialed, and aligned with your university’s requirements.
When selecting a preceptor matching service, choose one that provides:
- Sites and preceptors that match your clinical specialty, location requirements, and timeline requirements
- Responsive communication and updates throughout the placement journey
- Troubleshooting when challenges arise during the matching process
- Professional website and social media presence
- Proven track record and solid reputation
- Transparent pricing and refund policy
Fees for preceptor matching services vary — some charge by the clinical hour, others a flat rate. Prices vary depending on the provider, the specialty, and the number of compulsory clinical hours. A deposit might be required before the match process begins, which may or may not be refundable.
Signs of Trouble — Red Flags to Avoid
Just as it’s necessary to recognize what reputable NP matching services look like, it’s equally important to identify and avoid potential red flags. Do your due diligence so that you don’t get cheated out of your hard-earned money and waste valuable time with disreputable match providers.
These are four common red flags to watch out for:
- Poor Communication – Slow-to-respond, inconsistent communication, or a lack of follow-up can indicate poor organization and unprofessional service.
- Shady Deals – Watch out for customer service representatives or websites that use vague terms, unclear timelines, or pushy sales tactics.
- Dubious Digital Presence – Legitimate preceptors and reputable matching services will have professional, well-maintained websites and social media, featuring their services and experience.
- Buyer Beware – Never pay the individual preceptor up front. Legitimate preceptor matching services charge reasonable fees. While they may require some form of payment upfront, you are protected by the contract you signed that clearly defines the refund policy.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Contract
Not every graduate nursing student will hire a preceptor matching service, but for some, it’s a lifesaver and the only way to ensure a timely graduation. You might want to consider paying for a service if you’ve contacted dozens of preceptors without response, you have an approaching deadline you can’t meet, your specialty is unique, or you simply don’t have the time to juggle everything on your plate.
When reviewing any NP preceptor matching service, ask questions before you give them your credit card. Make sure you thoroughly understand their policies and recognize any limitations. The more you know up front, the less room there is for disappointment or failure. Ask smart questions and get the answers in writing, including:
How Are Preceptors Vetted?
Reputable matching services generally vet preceptors by verifying their clinical experience and checking that their license is active and unencumbered.
Can the Service Guarantee a Placement?
Legitimate companies have their refund policies in writing, including what happens if they can't find a qualified preceptor. Always ask about timing, deadlines, refund policies, and what happens if you don’t get placed, the match falls through, or if your school rejects the preceptor or site.
What Is the Refund Policy?
Make sure the refund policy is in writing. You need to understand the policy so that if the preceptor cancels at the last minute or stops precepting students mid-semester, you receive an appropriate refund.
Do All Services Provide Ongoing Customer Service?
Some platforms are very communicative upfront, but go dark after you’ve paid. Choose a service that provides responsive customer service.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Partner
As every NP student will attest, advanced practice nursing education is rigorous. Finding a preceptor for clinicals is one more thing to do on top of an already packed schedule. Deciding to pay for an NP preceptor matching service is a fitting step for many. Choosing a suitable partner is key.
Your number one goal is to stay on track to graduate. The right matching service reduces stress and frees up your time so that you can focus on learning instead of logistics.
Other benefits of choosing the right partner include:
- Peace of mind knowing that the placement matches your requirements
- Access to a broader network of preceptors you may not have found on your own
- Assurance that preceptors have been vetted
- No delays means a better chance of graduating on time
Choosing the right preceptor matching service, such as ClickClinicals℠, can make or break the clinical experience. Signing on with a reputable service is more than just a time-saver — it ensures you get the quality preceptor and site you need to thrive as a nurse practitioner.
ClickClinicals
ClickClinicals helps aspiring nurse practitioners navigate the complex world of clinical placements. By removing barriers, reducing stress, and placing students into rotations that meet university requirements, ClickClinicals simplifies the matching process.
ClickClinicals is founded on the expertise of Keypath Education, a global leader in online program management and experiential learning solutions that has facilitated over 45,000 successful placements. Built on Keypath’s legacy of student success, every ClickClinicals’ match is guided by experience, and a focus on helping students meet their clinical requirements.
ClickClinicals brings together experience, support, and simplicity so your clinical journey feels less like a hurdle and more like a step forward.
Start your clinical journey — minus the stress. Contact ClickClinicals today and get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paid matching services save you time and stress by doing the legwork and delivering a quality placement and a vetted preceptor.
Yes. Preceptor matching services have a much broader network of established relationships with qualified preceptors and healthcare organizations.
Services are generally charged by the clinical hour or a flat rate.
Read the fine print and understand the refund policy. Look for a proven track record and solid reputation. Research their social media and website presence. Take note of their communication practices, whether they’re slow to respond or seem too salesy in their approach.
The earlier you apply for placement, the better. The sooner you start the search, the more options you’ll have. Check with your school for their requirements, but generally speaking, you should start your search at least four months before the start of clinicals.
A preceptor matching service provides greater access to a broader network of preceptors in hard-to-find specialties. You benefit from a streamlined process that reduces stress and uncertainty.