Preceptor Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preceptor?
A preceptor is a teacher or instructor who gives practical experience and training to a student. For Texas AHEC East - Capital Region, preceptors are healthcare professionals who volunteer their time to teach health profession students in a one-on-one relationship. Students are required to complete this type of real-world training during their clinical rotations.
What makes an effective preceptor?
Effective preceptors should be able to create an atmosphere that allows the student appropriate learning opportunities. It’s also important for preceptors to develop trusting relationships with their students and provide them with honest and regular feedback about their progress, as this will help them grow into successful healthcare professionals.
How much time does it take to teach a student?
The time commitment needed to teach a student varies depending on the type of student (medical, nursing, physician assistant) and their clinical rotation. Where a nursing student might spend one day a week for several months with a preceptor, a medical student might spend three weeks with a preceptor. We realize healthcare professionals have busy schedules, and we will never place more than one student with a preceptor at a time. For more information on time commitments, please refer to our preceptors opportunities page.
How will I know what to focus on with students?
In general, the role of Texas AHEC East - Capital Region preceptors is to orient students to how the clinical environment functions while allowing them opportunities to apply their knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Each student will have different rotation objectives. It is the student’s responsibility to share these objectives with their preceptor at the beginning of the clinical rotation. Additional information can be found on the preceptors opportunities page by clicking on a course name.
You are eligible to serve as a preceptor if you meet the following criteria.
- Licensed and in good standing with the Texas state board
- Must have practiced in discipline for one year full-time prior to teaching students
- Currently be in full-time practice
- Willingness to assist students in achieving objectives of rotation
A variety of opportunities exist through which you can serve as a preceptor to health profession students. For detailed information on how to become a preceptor, visit the preceptor opportunities page.
What are the benefits of volunteering as a preceptor?
Some of the benefits of volunteering as a preceptor include the opportunity to help shape the next generation of professionals, give back to and promote the medical profession, and achieve personal gratification. Preceptors often state that working with students is a rewarding experience for both staff and patients. Visit the preceptor benefits page for more information.
Do I give the student a grade at the end of their rotation?
Upon completion of the clinical rotation, students are required to provide their preceptor with an evaluation form that is to be returned to the student’s school. Feedback included on the evaluation form will influence the student’s overall grade.
