Finding a preceptor is hard enough. But once you’ve locked one in — whether through your school, a connection, or a service like Preceptor Tree — the work isn’t over.
One of the most overlooked parts of a successful clinical rotation is communication before Day One.
Too many NP students show up unprepared, unclear on what’s expected, or worse, unaware that their rotation won’t meet their program’s requirements. And by the time they realize it, it’s too late to fix.
Before you begin any rotation, there are a few critical questions you should ask your preceptor — not only to clarify expectations, but also to make sure you’re getting the experience (and the hours) you need to graduate on time.
1. How many hours can you commit to each week?
Your program may require a specific number of hours per week, but that doesn’t always line up with a preceptor’s availability. Make sure your schedules align — especially if you’re working or have other rotations to juggle.
Example: If you need 160 hours over 10 weeks, you’ll need 16 hours a week. Ask clearly: “Can you commit to at least 16 hours a week with me?”
2. What kind of patients and cases will I see here?
Different clinics focus on different things — family practice, psych, urgent care, geriatrics, women’s health. Make sure the patient population aligns with your program’s clinical objectives.
Ask if you’ll be shadowing, doing assessments, writing notes, or even participating in care plans.
3. Do you meet my school’s requirements for preceptors?
Don’t assume your preceptor qualifies just because they’re working in your desired setting.
Check:
- Are they a licensed NP, MD, DO, or PA (based on your program’s rules)?
- Do they have the right years of experience?
- Are they board-certified in your specialty?
This is where services like Preceptor Tree help, since we vet every preceptor to match school requirements.
4. What are your expectations for students during rotations?
Some preceptors want you to hit the ground running. Others prefer a “watch first, do later” approach. Clarifying this upfront saves awkwardness later.
Questions to ask:
- Can I write SOAP notes?
- Will I be expected to present patients?
- Should I wear business casual or scrubs?
- Do I need to bring my own laptop or EMR login?
5. How do you prefer to give feedback?
One of the most valuable parts of clinicals is feedback — but not all preceptors offer it the same way.
Some will correct you in the moment. Others will schedule a weekly debrief. Some may forget entirely unless you ask.
Being proactive here sets the tone for a better learning environment.
6. Do you help with school paperwork?
Most NP programs require documentation like:
- Evaluation forms
- Hour tracking logs
- Site agreement signatures
Be sure your preceptor is on board with completing these — and that they have time to do so.
Preceptor Tree handles all paperwork with the preceptor directly, but if you’re arranging it yourself, don’t overlook this step.
7. Have you taken NP students before?
Experience matters. If this is your preceptor’s first time mentoring, they may not be familiar with school requirements — or they may need more guidance from you.
That’s not a bad thing, but it helps to know what kind of support you’ll need to provide.
Be Honest, Be Professional, Be Curious
The key to a great preceptorship is communication — and it starts before the first patient.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t assume your school has handled everything. And don’t wait until something feels off to speak up.
A five-minute conversation upfront can save you weeks of stress, confusion, and (in the worst cases) delayed graduation.
Need a Preceptor You Can Trust?
At Preceptor Tree, we make sure you’re matched with board-certified, school-approved preceptors who:
- Know your specialty
- Commit to your hours
- Handle your paperwork
- Want to see you succeed
And if something doesn’t feel right, our team is here to help.
👉 Request your placement today — and walk into your clinical knowing exactly what to expect. And if you’re an IMG, contact Clerkship America.
