From $12.50 to $17.50+ Per Hour — Here’s What NP Students Are Really Spending
If you’re a nurse practitioner student trying to plan for your clinicals, you’re probably asking the same question thousands of others are:
How much does an NP preceptor cost?
In the past, preceptors didn’t charge anything — most placements were arranged by the school. But those days are largely gone. With more NP programs than ever and not nearly enough clinical sites to meet demand, preceptors have begun to charge for their time — and rightly so.
Here’s a clear, honest look at NP preceptor costs in 2025 so you can plan your budget, avoid last-minute surprises, and graduate on time.
💡 Why Preceptors Charge Now
Preceptors are working professionals who carve out time from their patient load to supervise, teach, and evaluate students — often with no compensation from universities. As NP programs have grown, many providers are fielding multiple student requests per month.
At the same time, students pay for every other part of their education — from books to tuition to lab fees — so why shouldn’t preceptors be compensated like any other educator?
📊 How Much Does a Preceptor Cost?
The short answer? It depends on specialty, location, and availability.
Here are the 2025 averages across major specialties:
| Specialty | Typical Rate (Per Hour) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care / Family Practice | $12.50–$15.00 | Most common and most available |
| OB-GYN / Women’s Health | $15.00–$17.00 | Higher demand, fewer willing preceptors |
| Pediatrics | $15.00–$17.00 | Slightly harder to place, especially in rural areas |
| Psychiatry / PMHNP | $17.00–$20.00+ | High demand, often telehealth-based |
| Urgent Care / Specialty Clinics | Varies widely | Some charge $18–$25/hour depending on complexity |
Most placements require 120–160 hours per rotation, meaning your total cost may range from $1,500 to $2,800 per clinical.
🏷️ What Does Preceptor Tree Charge?
At Preceptor Tree, we keep our pricing transparent and fair. Here’s our typical range:
- Primary Care: $12.50–$15.00/hour
- OB-GYN / Peds: $13.75 to 15.75/hour
- Psychiatry: $16.50 to $17.50/hour
We also ensure:
- Paperwork is completed accurately and on time
- Preceptors are vetted and licensed
- Rotations match your school’s requirements
And we work faster than most placement services — without hidden upsells or last-minute fees.
⚠️ Can You Find a Free Preceptor?
Sometimes. But here’s the reality:
- Free preceptors are rare, and demand for them is high
- You may wait months, only to get denied by your school
- A free preceptor could back out last minute, putting your rotation — and graduation — at risk
Many students try for free, then use a paid service when the deadline gets too close. It’s a gamble.
🧾 Is It Worth Paying for a Preceptor?
That’s up to you. But here’s what students tell us:
- “I paid $1,700 and graduated on time.”
- “I wasted 3 months trying to find someone for free. I should’ve just paid.”
- “It’s less than one semester’s tuition — and I needed the hours.”
In the grand scheme of your degree, preceptor cost is a small investment compared to the price of delaying graduation by 6–12 months.
Final Thoughts
Whether you find a preceptor on your own or use a placement service, the cost of clinicals is a real part of modern NP education. Plan for it early, include it in your financial aid strategy, and avoid surprises when you get to that all-important practicum phase. If you’re with Walden, you should especially start early because they only allow three spots per preceptor.
Looking for an affordable preceptor who meets your school’s requirements?
👉 Request your match now and get started with pricing as low as $12.50 per hour.
