Become a Preceptor
Preceptors are vital members of our clinical education team.
We are grateful for the clinical preceptors who donate their time to help provide quality educational experiences for DNP students enrolled in the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. The clinical experience affords an opportunity for the DNP student to put theory and knowledge into practice and to develop their assessment and patient management skills. Students benefit from expert clinical instruction by experienced clinicians.
We are looking for preceptors with the following qualifications:
- Current clinical practice as a nurse practitioner, physician, or other advanced clinical care provider.
- At least one year of experience as a health care provider.
- A passion for helping to educate future UMass nurses.
Expectations for Preceptors:
- Preceptors provide students with the opportunity to experience day-to-day clinical practice, including patient care and professional collaboration.
- Preceptors offer a critical bridge between conceptual and practical nursing care.
Our preceptors receive clear expectations of the program and regular communication with faculty.
NOTE: Preceptors receive course credit and credit for APRN recertification in recognition of their valued role in the clinical education of our students.
Resources for Preceptors:
- Information for preceptors working with UMass Amherst students.
- The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) : Offers resources such as videos, helpful tips, handbooks and other materials to preceptors and others actively engaged in the clinical education of nurse practitioner (NP) students. Most offerings on this site are free to faculty and preceptors.
Linda Gourlay, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. She was awarded the the
Excellence in Teaching Award by Baystate Health Systems in 2022 for her dedication and impact as a preceptor.
Linda shared her thoughts about precepting:
"My role as a preceptor is a means of giving back to the nursing profession by upholding the standard of clinical excellence in students who will become future health care leaders. I view precepting as a cornerstone opportunity where the classroom learning comes together with direct patient care to challenge critical thinking beyond textbook scenarios. This is the same process we all went through with our own preceptors who instilled real-life lessons that left lasting imprints in shaping our current clinical practice. I consider it an honor to be a preceptor. In fact, I take great pride in watching my students excel from beginning learners to accomplished nurse practitioners working alongside me in the community."