The Preceptor Mindset

Abstract:
Clinical preceptors are essential to developing competent athletic trainers, yet many receive little formal training in how to teach in clinical settings. Most preparation emphasizes supervision and administrative tasks rather than fostering clinical reasoning, learner autonomy, and effective learning environments. This course addresses that gap by shifting the focus from supervising to developing clinicians. Participants will explore strategies to create psychological safety, support productive struggle, and apply a practical framework for balancing patient care with student learning. Emphasis is placed on real-time, efficient teaching techniques that enhance clinical reasoning and improve the overall quality of clinical education.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role of the preceptor as a clinical educator rather than solely a supervisor.
• Identify key characteristics that distinguish effective preceptors from average clinical instructors.
• Apply strategies to create psychological safety and productive learning environments in clinical settings.
• Differentiate between moments that require direct intervention and those that allow for guided student autonomy.
• Implement at least one practical teaching strategy to enhance student clinical reasoning in real time.

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords:
Clinical instruction; Professional responsibility; mentorship; Quality improvement; Reflective practice

Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.