Excellence in Precepting: From Foundations to Competency Based Education
Excellence in Precepting: From Foundations to Competency Based Education
Preceptors are the bridge between classroom learning and application of knowledge to clinical competency.
Having competent preceptors is critical to educating healthcare professional students, onboarding new graduates to their professional roles and transitioning experienced healthcare professionals to new specialties.
The Excellence in Precepting: From Foundations to Competency Based Education, an online course from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, prepares potential clinical preceptors and faculty to effectively support the development of students and new healthcare professionals including registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and other healthcare clinicians. The course offers nine modules of high-quality, highly interactive, user-friendly training to refresh and boost clinical skills and confidence. These modules are designed to develop and improve teaching and mentoring skills of clinical faculty and preceptors and include topics such as Foundations of Precepting, Competency Based Education, Clinical Reasoning Skills and Creating a Culture of Caring.
Learning Objectives:
After completion of this program, the learner will:
- Differentiate between the roles and responsibilities of students, preceptors, and faculty.
- Apply evidence-based and competency-based educational principles to clinical teaching, supervision, and evaluation.
- Clearly communicate expectations, model effective professional communication, and foster students’ clinical reasoning and readiness for practice.
- Deliver timely, constructive, competency-based feedback that supports student growth, performance, and transition to professional roles.
- Promote resilience and professional well-being for both educators and students within the clinical learning environment.
Program Format
9 Asynchronous Modules; Each modules takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete with a knowledge check at the end of each module.
Registration
Tuition & Fees
$450
Contact us at [email protected] to get information about our pricing for your organization.
Contact Information
Susan Renda, DNP, ANP-BC, CDCES, FNAP, FAAN
Email: [email protected]
Kimberly McIltrot, DNP, CPNP, CWOCN, CNE, FAANP, FAAN
Director of Strategic Partnerships | Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Registration Question
Contact the Office of Executive Education & Lifelong Learning at [email protected]
Program Format: 9 asynchronous modules; Each modules takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete with a knowledge check at the end of each module.
Primary Focus: Preceptor excellence with emphasis on competency-based education (CBE) and competency-based evaluation in clinical learning environments.
Target Audience: Broad preceptor audience (pre-licensure and advanced practice preceptors for students and new healthcare professionals)
About the Modules
Learn what effective precepting looks like and why it matters. This module covers the roles and responsibilities of preceptors, students, and faculty, and shows how to start the precepting relationship well — setting expectations, onboarding learners, and building a foundation for successful clinical teaching.
Understand the principles of competency-based education and how to apply them in clinical settings. Learn practical approaches to teaching, supervision, and assessment that align expectations, support competency development, and track learner progress.
Build core precepting skills. Explore teaching and learning styles, develop your personal precepting approach, and learn strategies to create a safe, supportive clinical learning environment while balancing patient care and teaching responsibilities.
Focus on developing clinical reasoning and critical thinking in learners. This module examines different ways of thinking, scenario-based application, and techniques preceptors can use to strengthen decision-making and prepare learners for real-world practice.
Promote a caring, professional learning environment. Topics include professional behavior, reflective practice, supportive relationships, resilience-building, and strategies to reduce burnout for both preceptors and learners as they integrate into practice.
Master essential communication techniques for clinical teaching. Learn active listening, delivering constructive feedback, and conflict management strategies that support learner growth and maintain positive professional relationships.
Practical solutions for common preceptor difficulties. This module addresses time management, overcoming barriers in the preceptor–preceptee relationship, supporting struggling learners, and knowing when to engage faculty support — all while managing clinical workload.
Learn effective evaluation practices for clinical education. Topics include providing timely, meaningful feedback, documenting performance, supporting competency development, and aligning evaluation with CBE principles to encourage continuous learner improvement.
Support learners as they move from student to practitioner. Explore assessing readiness for practice, building confidence and competence, recognizing transition challenges, and fostering resilience and successful integration into professional roles.
Modules are designed to prepare preceptors and clinical faculty for mentorship and training. Access the modules 24/7.
This training is pending approval for continuing education credit.
Refunds, less a $50 processing fee per person, are provided to participants within 24 hours of registration and prior to starting the modules. Only written requests to cancel will be processed.
Accessibility Statement
JHU SON is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their learning endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to the SON Student Disability Services office at [email protected]. Please do not include any personal identifiable information such as social security number in any messages.