Become a Preceptor
The role of a preceptor for Advanced Practice and Nurse Executive nursing students blends clinical expertise with mentorship to support the student’s transition from classroom learning to independent practice.
A Preceptor serves as a clinical mentor and educator, guiding Advanced Practice nursing students through hands-on patient care experiences. The preceptor provides direct supervision, models professional behavior, and fosters critical thinking in a real-world setting.
The responsibilities of a preceptor include:
- Clinical Instruction: Supervise and instruct students in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and documentation.
- Professional Role Modeling: Demonstrate ethical practice, effective communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Feedback & Evaluation: Offer timely, constructive feedback and participate in formal evaluations of student performance.
- Learning Environment: Create a supportive, inclusive, and safe space that encourages inquiry and growth.
- Collaboration with Faculty: Communicate regularly with academic faculty to align clinical experiences with curriculum goals.
Benefits and Expectations
Benefits
Preceptors play a vital role in shaping the next generation of advanced practice and executive nurses, passing on clinical wisdom, ethical standards, and best practices.
Guiding students sharpens your ability to communicate clearly, provide constructive feedback, and model clinical decision-making skills that translate into stronger leadership in your practice.
Students often bring the latest evidence-based practices and academic insights, which can reinvigorate your clinical approach and keep you current with evolving standards.
Preceptors often gain access to academic networks, professional development opportunities, and formal recognition from universities and professional organizations.
There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in mentoring someone through their clinical journey, especially when you see them grow in confidence and competence.
By precepting, you're directly helping to alleviate the national shortage of Advanced Practice nurses by ensuring students can complete their required clinical hours.
Expectations
- Provide direct supervision and guidance during direct patient care or clinical systems rotations.
- Offer opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
- Gradually increase student responsibility as competence grows.
- Demonstrate professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice.
- Exhibit effective communication with patients, families, and health care teams.
Feedback and Evaluation
- Deliver timely, constructive feedback to support student growth.
- Participate in formal evaluations, including midterm and final assessments.
- Identify and address areas needing improvement or remediation.
Collaboration with Faculty
- Maintain open communication with advanced practice nursing program faculty regarding student progress.
- Clarify learning objectives and ensure alignment with curriculum goals.
- Notify faculty of any concerns or issues that arise during the rotation.
- Foster a respectful, professional, and safe space for learning.
- Encourage critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice.
- Verify student documentation and clinical hours.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies and patient confidentiality standards.
How to Become a Preceptor
To become a preceptor for Advanced Practice or Nurse Executive students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, you will need to meet specific qualifications and follow a structured onboarding process.
Qualifications
- Hold an active, unencumbered license as an APRN, MD, DO, or other required license.
- Have at least one year of clinical experience in your specialty area.
- Be in good standing with your licensing board and practice site.
Steps to Become a Preceptor
- Connect with College of Nursing using the contact information below.
Contact the clinical placement coordinator or faculty liaison for the NP program. They’ll guide you through the application and matching process. - Submit Required Documentation
This typically includes: - A current CV or résumé
- Proof of licensure and board certification
- Review Preceptor Responsibilities
- Supervising and mentoring students during clinical hours
- Providing feedback and completing evaluations
- Communicating with faculty about student progress
- Orientation & Support
- The College of Nursing offers orientation materials or briefings to help you understand your role and align with curriculum goals.
- We offer a Continuing Education module designed explicitly for Preceptor Orientation. It is a one-hour continuing education course.
- Maintain Communication
Stay in touch with faculty throughout the student’s rotation to ensure a cohesive learning experience.
Contact information
Please email the Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator: Brandi Asbill, basbill@uthsc.edu, or he Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs: Dr. Bobby Bellflower, bbellflo@uthsc.edu. We are happy to help you.