Preceptor FAQs

Preceptors may include the following types of professionals:

• Physician Assistants who hold or have held NCCPA certification
• Physicians (MD or DO) who hold or have held board certification
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who hold or have held national board certification
  Dentists, Oral Surgeons, Chiropractors, or other doctoral-level licensed providers who hold or have held board certification in their specialty
• Licensed Behavioral Health or Social Service Professionals (e.g., MSW, Clinical Mental Health Counselors) deemed qualified by the program to precept
• Providers in good standing with state licensing boards and with at least one year of clinical experience in their current discipline and practice setting
• Providers who value teaching and are committed to supporting students in meeting their required learning objectives for the rotation

While continuing to refine their clinical reasoning, our students are ready to contribute meaningfully by developing differential diagnoses and recommending thoughtful next steps in diagnosis and treatment, providing preceptors the opportunity to guide and shape their growth. They are well prepared to perform both comprehensive and focused histories and physical exams, and they bring foundational skills in patient education, counseling, and minor procedures, enabling them to add value in the clinical setting while deepening their expertise under your mentorship.

Each student enters their clinical year with a unique mix of knowledge and experience, offering preceptors the opportunity to individualize teaching, reinforcing core concepts while introducing new skills, and to play a vital role in shaping both clinical competence and professional identity.

Preceptors and students will receive rotation-specific instructional objectives in advance. On the first day of the rotation, preceptors should meet with the student to review expectations. Ongoing informal feedback is vital to student development. Preceptors complete a mid- and end-of-rotation evaluation.

Effective preceptors foster a welcoming learning environment. The first few days should orient the student to practice operations and allow observation. After direct observation confirms readiness, students can conduct histories and exams independently, present findings, and collaborate on assessments and plans. Preceptors should regularly observe students directly throughout the rotation. Students must document only as allowed by site policy and supervision, and preceptors remain responsible for all final documentation and orders.

Students are required to learn and practice clinical procedures as opportunities arise. Minor procedural skills are taught in the first year and need to be reinforced throughout the clinical year. Students in a surgical setting are required learn and be involved in the pre and post operative management of patients, and as appropriate, assist in surgery.

Yes. The primary preceptor coordinates the experience, primarily works with the student and oversees the final evaluation. Students may rotate with other qualified practitioners in the practice.

Elon University provides professional liability insurance for PA students during their rotations with coverage limits of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate.

Yes. Students are trained in HIPAA compliance, OSHA regulations, and post-exposure protocols.

Preceptors enjoy the rewards of mentoring future clinicians and enriching their practice environments. Benefits include:

• Earn Category 1 CME credits
• Receive an honorarium
• Eligible for Clinical Affiliate Faculty title
• Access to Elon online medical library, including UpToDate
• Build professional networks within Elon University
• Create a recruitment pipeline for future hires
• Receive extra support with patient education, documentation, and intake
• Experience the personal fulfillment of mentoring future PAs

Clinical site guidelines apply. Our clinical education team will guide students and preceptors through these requirements to minimize administrative burden.

Students are expected to follow the preceptor’s schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, or after hours call. The student must complete a minimum of 32 hours per week or 204 hours over the 6-week rotation. Typically, students are on rotation 40+ hours/week. Students may not take time off from their scheduled clinical days to study.

*Clinical year student holidays typically follow practice guidelines.

Preceptor and practice preference and capacity varies. Our clinical education specialists are here to work you to ensure an optimized schedule designed for ease and minimal stress.

Dr. Veronica Marciano, vmarciano@elon.edu.