WHAT IS A PRECEPTOR?
Preceptors support, evaluate, and provide vital feedback that can help students improve their critical problem solving skills and their professional approach with patients and colleagues. Primarily, preceptors provide students an opportunity to apply concepts, techniques, and to develop attitudes, values, and an individual approach to patient care. Additionally, preceptors assign students responsibilities that correspond to their capabilities and their schools’ learning program objectives.
Preceptors can increase the students’ confidence and focus on attaining clinical skills, enhance their communication abilities, and expand their decision-making processes. An effective preceptor can make all the difference in the professional life of students and the care that their potential patients receive.
KEY ROLES:
- Assist and support learning experiences for the student
- Facilitate the development of knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes
- Supervise, guide and act as a role model
- Help to orient the student to the work environment
- Provide ‘hands-on’ skills and experience
HOW TO BECOME A PRECEPTOR
Determine which osteopathic schools are in close proximity to you and select the schools that you are interested in serving as a preceptor. Each osteopathic school has its set of requirements and its own application process. Some schools have regional coordinators assigned to the area to review the proposed rotation information and current rotation needs. Contact the appropriate staff at your schools of interest to gather the preceptor information and details.