Preceptor Frequently Asked Questions

We request preceptors mentor students one to two days each week with some flexibility in scheduling. We also require you to complete an electronic evaluation of your student and verify their hours.

Please complete the preceptor application at the top of this page.

Yes, if you prefer this arrangement. Prior to sharing preceptor responsibilities, contact the Clinical Coordinator office and your designated clinical faculty member, as we have the same requirements of all preceptors. For continuity purposes, we ask that students are with their primary preceptor for a minimum of 60 hours. If this is not possible, there are times where an exception can be made. In addition, students can be placed in more than one clinical setting. You can discuss the hours that you are available for precepting prior to agreeing to mentor a student.

We require all graduate nursing students to be involved with all aspects of patient care; while observation is important, we have found clinical skills and abilities are best learned in environments that allow students these opportunities. Level of involvement should occur with the preceptor's input and guidance. By the time the student has completed all clinical hours for the clinical program, he or she should be able to conduct appropriate, clinically sound patient care consistent with a novice in practice.

Precepting a student is similar to training a new employee; however, because students are still learning, they will not have the competencies and self-assurance of a new provider. Students will need guidance, direction, mentorship and support. For more about what to expect when precepting a student, view the Getting Started as a Preceptor page.

While the college does not currently offer financial compensation, webinars for continuing education are offered throughout the academic year.

For information on the college's accreditations, view the Accreditation page in our general About Us section.

Students will be covered under the University of Cincinnati's comprehensive program of self-insurance and commercially purchased insurance. This malpractice insurance is in effect during the enrollment of a clinical course. If needed, clinical site coordinators can provide a copy of this information, or you can request it through UC's Enterprise Risk Management Office.

During the clinical experience, the student will have a primary UC faculty member for the course in which he or she is enrolled. Faculty will be available as needed and will initiate communication with the student and preceptor. Preceptors and students also may initiate communication with the course faculty as necessary.  If the student is having an issue that is not moving toward resolution, all parties concerned should contact the course faculty. Course faculty will consult with the program director as needed.

Acceptable preceptors and clinical sites cannot be perceived to have a conflict of interest as it relates to evaluation of the student. For example, an acceptable preceptor cannot be related to the student or work in the same department as the student. (Some Pediatric Acute Care students are permitted complete clinical hours in the same unit as they work). Program faculty determine whether practicum sites and preceptors are appropriate for clinical courses.