preceptors

A preceptor is an experienced practitioner who guides the development of learners in real-world professional settings. The term is used across healthcare, education, social services, and other fields to describe someone who provides structured instruction, supervision, and feedback while a student or novice applies theory to practice.

The word derives from Latin praepceptor, from prae- 'before' and capere 'to take'.

In clinical and field settings, preceptors plan and deliver teaching, demonstrate procedures, observe performance, provide timely feedback, assess competencies, and ensure patient safety and quality of care. They tailor learning activities to the learner's level and coordinate with program directors or evaluators to document progress.

Preceptors differ from supervisors who assign tasks and from mentors who offer long-term personal or career guidance without required formal assessment; however, overlap exists when a preceptor also mentors or supervises work.

Effective preceptorship depends on formal selection, training, and ongoing professional development for preceptors. Programs may supply teaching guides, evaluation rubrics, and opportunities for feedback to help maintain teaching standards.

Common fields include medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and social work. Challenges include time constraints, variable teaching skill, balancing service and teaching, and ensuring consistent, fair evaluation.