Preceptor Reponsibilities

All assignments and preceptor responsibilities SHOULD be monitored by the preceptor. These responsibilities may not normally be delegated or assigned to other individuals except with the specific pre-approval of the instructor. Preceptors are encouraged to obtain feedback from all practice personnel as to the student's progress and performance during the course, but only preceptors should directly evaluate students, administer practical exams, and sign the weekly preceptor task list.

• In most clinical assignments, both the preceptor and the student must sign on the assignment form to indicate that the assignment has been monitored by the preceptor and that the student and the preceptor have shared in the evaluation of the assignment. Assignments must be signed by both the preceptor and the student for the student to receive credit for that portion of the class.
• Preceptors should never submit evaluations of assignments without first discussing the evaluation with the student and allowing them to comment on the evaluation.

 The preceptor should periodically monitor the student to insure that the student is on schedule and completing assignments and exams at the required time intervals.

• Assignments will start as soon as the course begins and the student should make every effort stay on schedule to receive credit for the course.
• Preceptors should familiarize themselves with the syllabus and course requirements as rapidly as possible to prevent any delay in the progress of the student through the course assignments. A course syllabus will always be included with the course workbook, with program contact numbers and e-mail addresses, should questions or concerns arise.

 Preceptors are responsible for maintaining the strictest standards of academic honesty and integrity.

• Any practical exams and clinical assignments must be personally monitored by preceptors. Many of these assignments will require immediate personal supervision of the student, while others will only require direct or general supervision.
• Many assignments are based on video or text reading assignments. Preceptors should feel free to assist students in these activities. Preceptors can help clarify the material, answer specific questions, or offer personal insights into the functions of a veterinary practice.
• Preceptors should not do the assignment for the student.
• Any incidence of student academic dishonesty will result in the loss of grade by the student, and perhaps the loss of credit for the course.

Preceptors will supervise the clinical assignments that are required for credit in the course.

• Preceptors should take their clinical supervision responsibilities seriously. In most courses, the clinical assignments are integral to the completion of the course. It is through these assignments, with the help and tutelage of the preceptor, that the student learns and improves in their clinical and technical abilities. In these assignments, the preceptor should think of themselves as an adjunct faculty member in the course. The level of supervision required by individual students will vary. Because of this, preceptors are expected to exercise sound judgment on the level of supervision required for a given student after consulting the course schedule for the required level of supervision.
• The schedule will explain the degree of supervision required by the preceptor for each assignment. Immediate supervision requires the preceptor to be in constant and complete proximity to the student, paying total attention to the task or assignment.
  • Direct supervision requires the preceptor to be in immediate vocal proximity to the student.
  • General supervision requires the preceptor to be on the premises and available to answer questions or provide assistance. Even during general supervision of activities, the preceptor will be responsible for the evaluation of the assignment, so periodically the preceptor should take time to monitor the student's progress and abilities during that period.

 Preceptors must be willing to dedicate the time required to accomplish their responsibilities to help insure the success of the student.

• The time each week that a preceptor should dedicate to the student varies from clinic to clinic and student to student.  Some preceptors have more than one student and actually set aside a time for questions, etc.  Preceptors can spend on average 2-7 hours a week helping students with various assignments and answering questions. This time will vary depending on several factors including:  preceptor, student comprehension, clinic, number of students at the clinic, etc.
• Evaluations and assessments of students should be informative, positive and constructive. Words of praise should be given more often than criticism. If conflicts arise between the student and preceptor(s), the parties involved should first try to resolve the situation in a positive and constructive manner. If the problem persists or cannot be resolved the instructor should be contacted to assist in the matter and bring about a successful resolution.
• The preceptor, like the instructor, is there to facilitate learning, answer questions, encourage, constructively evaluate, and make the class a worthwhile learning experience for all parties.

Preceptors are encouraged to contact the instructor if they have any questions or concerns, and to facilitate good communication.

• During the course the instructor may contact the preceptor to monitor the progress of the student and the course.
• The preceptor may also be contacted at the end of the course, in addition to the course evaluation, to determine the student's success in the class.
• Preceptors are encouraged to contact the instructor anytime there is a problem, concern, or question.

It is extremely important that preceptors make clear to students what is, and what is not, class time.

• Most students will be working many hours in the practice that is their training site. These hours will usually far exceed the time for clinical assignments.  For actual assignments, it should be made very clear to the student that regular employment hours are over, and that class is in session.
• Preceptors may certainly observe and evaluate on a continuous basis, but for the clinical assignments to have the maximum value and learning potential, time must be scheduled, and specifically designated, as "course time".
• If course time is interrupted by an emergency, or by another unavoidable circumstance, the class time must be rescheduled and the assignment completed.