Clinical Preceptor vs. Clinical Instructor

Clinical preceptors and clinical instructors are critical to the training of nursing students, serving as mentors, educators, and role models in real-world health care settings. Their guidance helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, shaping the skills, confidence, and professionalism of future nurses. 

Clinical Preceptor 

A clinical preceptor is a practicing professional (such as a nurse practitioner) who supervises and mentors students in a clinical setting. 

• Usually employed by the clinical site, not the University 

• Provides hands-on supervision, teaching, and role-modeling in their practice area 

• Guides students in applying classroom knowledge to clinical practice 

• Offers ongoing feedback that helps students develop confidence and clinical judgment 

• Evaluates student performance and provides feedback to the clinical instructor  

• Typically works one-on-one or with a small number of students 

Clinical Instructor 

A clinical instructor is a part-time faculty member or educator employed by the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies who is responsible for overseeing students’ clinical education and ensuring learning outcomes are met. 

• Employed by the University (part-time faculty) 

• Ensures students meet curricular objectives and program competencies 

• Evaluates student performance and provides feedback to the course coordinator  

• Approves students’ clinical notes in the clinical tracking system 

• Acts as a liaison between the course coordinator and the clinical site 

• May supervise multiple students at one or more clinical sites 

How to Become a Preceptor  

Once you have confirmed your eligibility to precept, please submit the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies Clinical Preceptor Interest Form, and one of our team members will reach out to you. If you have questions, please email Shannon Farrell, Senior Program Coordinator, at slf176@med.miami.edu.