Course: Preceptor Development for Healthcare Professionals (Part I)

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DISCLAIMER: This course is intended for professional development and does not by itself confer a license or guarantee recognition by local regulatory bodies. Your institution will decide what completion certificate will be given and whether to apply for approved continuing education credits.

Course Overview
Welcome to the Preceptor Development course. This course equips healthcare professionals with the foundational knowledge, teaching strategies, communication skills, and professional accountability needed to excel as clinical preceptors. Through an integrated blend of online learning and in-person skill development, participants will gain confidence in guiding, assessing, and supporting the next generation of healthcare providers.

Learners will explore key topics such as effective communication, feedback techniques, competency validation, and handling challenging precepting scenarios. The course emphasizes real-world application, professional judgment, and documentation, ensuring preceptors are prepared to foster safe, supportive, and accountable clinical environments.

Note on Certificate of Completion and Institutional Partnership
To obtain a completion certificate for “Part I: Didactic Foundations” of this Preceptor Development course, learners must complete the program as hosted by NextGenU.org or as customized and offered on your agency’s website. The didactic portion (Part I) can be completed online, after which the practical, facilitated portion (Part II) must be conducted by the participant’s hospital or institution. Alternatively, institutions may choose to deliver the full course in-person using our curriculum and resources. Institutions interested in facilitating the course should contact us for more information and support.

Course Structure
The course consists of two core parts (with an optional third module for local adaptation):

Part I: Didactic Foundations (Online or In-person)
Learners complete self-paced lessons covering preceptorship principles, program policies, preceptor roles, communication, feedback, teaching strategies, critical thinking, and working across generational and personality differences. Each unit includes assigned readings, presentations, microlearning activities, and knowledge checks or reflection prompts. A certificate of completion is awarded to those who complete all components for the Preceptor Course Didactic Foundations, as directed on the NextGenU.org course website.

Part II: Professional Development & Assessment (In-Person, Institution-Facilitated)
This portion is delivered by the learner’s institution, focusing on hands-on skill development, documentation, competency validation, and professional accountability. Assessments include case-based group analyses, clinical coaching plan development, and use of a professional accountability statement. Your institution will decide what completion certificate will be given and whether to apply for approved continuing education credits.

Part III: Site-Specific Module (Optional, Institution-Co-Developed)
Institutions may further adapt the curriculum to address unit-specific competencies, tools, and policies, ensuring relevance to their unique clinical settings.

Course Development

The Preceptor Development for Healthcare course was developed in partnership with Nurses International (NI) and NextGenU.org (NGU). Content was created by experienced nurse educators and clinicians using evidence-informed resources from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Clinical Competency Framework model developed by Dr. Susan Boyer, and peer-reviewed open-access nursing and allied health materials.
The first part of the course is hosted on the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS), offering a flexible, interactive, and self-paced experience appropriate for learners in the nursing and healthcare workforce.
The course was written and reviewed by the Nurses International faculty in collaboration with the NextGenU.org design team.

The Nurses International course editor: Susan Boyer, DNP, RN, FAAN.

Course Outline
Each unit comprises structured lessons and activities:

Unit 1: Introduction to Preceptorship

Unit 2: Communication and Feedback

Unit 3: Teaching and Learning Strategies

Unit 4: Generational, Cultural, and Personality Differences

Unit 5: Competency Development and Validation

Unit 6: Practical Application and Reflection

Assessments

Online knowledge checks, reflection prompts, and microlearning activities

In-person case analysis and clinical coaching plan

(Optional) Professional accountability statement

Requirements for Completion

Completion of all assigned online lessons and knowledge checks

Active participation in all in-person sessions and activities

Successful completion of all final in-person assessments

Completion of both Parts I and II, in partnership with an institution, is required for certification

Information for Institutions

The course resources include a syllabus, recommended teaching strategies, interactive learning tools, and the assessment packages for Part II of the course. Institutions may contact info@nursesinternational.org with queries/permission to access educator resources for this course.

NextGenU.org is happy to provide your institution with:

A link to and a description of the course training

Your grade on the Part I exam

Your evaluations: course and self-assessments

A copy of your certificate of completion for Part I

Technical Support
For technical assistance or questions about accessing the online platform, contact support@nextgenu.org.
Part I: Didactic Foundations
Unit 1: Introduction to Preceptorship
Unit 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Healthcare Preceptorship
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Determine challenges and potential solutions for precepting in your setting
- Identify key elements that contribute to successful preceptorship
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 1 Lesson 1 Introduction to Healthcare Preceptorship URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Introduction to Healthcare Preceptorship URL
Unit 1: Lesson 2: Program Success and Policies
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Explain the tools and resources necessary for a successful preceptorship program
- Discuss the importance of policies and procedures in guiding practice
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 1 Lesson 2 Program Success and Policies URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Program Success and Policies URL
- Microlearning: Unit 1: Lesson 2: Program Success and Policies SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Course Registration is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 1: Lesson 3: Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define the role and responsibilities of a preceptor in healthcare settings.
- Discuss the essential functions, learning needs, performance, and expectations within the preceptor's role.
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours 30 minutes

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 1 Lesson 3 Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities URL
- Microlearning: Unit 1: Lesson 3: Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 1: Lesson 2: Program Success and Policies is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 2: Communication and Feedback
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Supplementary Resources
- Quiz
Unit 2: Lesson 1: Engaging Effective Communication
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- List communication factors that impact precepting
- Describe appropriate assertiveness in clinical settings
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 2 Lesson 1 Engaging Effective Communication URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Engaging Effective Communication URL
- Microlearning: Unit 2: Lesson 1: Engaging Effective Communication SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 1: Lesson 3: Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 2: Lesson 2: Feedback Skills
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Apply effective feedback techniques
- Balance positive and negative feedback in a clinical environment
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 2 Lesson 2 Feedback Skills URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Feedback Skills URL
- Microlearning: Unit 2: Lesson 2: Effective Feedback Skills SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 2: Lesson 1: Engaging Effective Communication is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 3: Teaching and Learning Strategies
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Supplementary Resources
- Quiz
Unit 3: Lesson 1: Learning Preferences and Styles
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify different learning styles and preferences
- Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 3 Lesson 1 Learning Preferences and Styles URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Learning Preferences and Styles URL
- Microlearning: Unit 3: Lesson 1: Learning Preferences and Styles SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 2: Lesson 2: Effective Feedback Skills is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 3: Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define critical thinking in healthcare practice
- Apply strategies to promote critical thinking among preceptees
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 30 minutes

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 3 Lesson 2 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving URL
- Microlearning: Unit 3: Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 3: Lesson 1: Learning Preferences and Styles is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 4: Generational, Cultural, and Personality Differences
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Supplementary Resources
- Quiz
Unit 4: Lesson 1: Generational Differences in the Workforce
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Recognize generational cohorts and their characteristics
- Implement communication tips for different generational cohorts
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 4 Lesson 1 Generational Differences in the Workforce URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Generational Differences in the Workforce URL
- Microlearning: Unit 4: Lesson 1: Generational Differences in the Workforce SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 3: Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 4: Lesson 2: Personality Styles and Conflict Management
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Analyze the impact of personality styles on communication
- Develop conflict management strategies in clinical practice
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 3 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 4 Lesson 2 Personality Styles and Conflict Management URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Personality Styles and Conflict Management URL
- Microlearning: Unit 4: Lesson 2: Personality Styles and Conflict Management SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 4: Lesson 1: Generational Differences in the Workforce is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 5: Competency Development and Validation
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Supplementary Resources
- Quiz
Unit 5: Lesson 1: Defining and Assessing Competence
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Explain core elements of 'clearly defined expectations'
- Validate clinical competency as presented in clinical case scenarios
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 3 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 5 Lesson 1 Defining and Assessing Competence URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Defining and Assessing Competence URL
- Microlearning: Unit 5: Lesson 1: Defining and Assessing Competence SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 4: Lesson 2: Personality Styles and Conflict Management is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 5: Lesson 2: Documentation and Accountability
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Explain the preceptor's role in competency validation
- Outline the elements of an accountability statement for preceptors and all professional care providers.
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 5 Lesson 2 Documentation and Accountability URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Documentation and Accountability URL
- Microlearning: Unit 5: Lesson 2: Documentation and Accountability SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 5: Lesson 1: Defining and Assessing Competence is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 6: Practical Application and Reflection
Unit 6: Lesson 1: Clinical Coaching Plans
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Select appropriate clinical coaching (teaching) plans
- Implement experiential learning activities for preceptees
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 6 Lesson 1 Clinical Coaching Plans URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Clinical Coaching Plans URL
- Microlearning: Unit 6: Lesson 1: Clinical Coaching Plans SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 5: Lesson 1: Defining and Assessing Competence is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Unit 6: Lesson 2: Addressing Challenges in Precepting
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify common challenges in precepting and propose solutions
- Reflect on personal experiences and strategies to enhance preceptorship
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours.

Click here to start this lesson
2 URLs
- Required Learning Resources and Activities
- Unit 6 Lesson 2 Addressing Challenges in Precepting URL
- Slide Deck Presentation
- Topic: Addressing Challenges in Precepting URL
- Microlearning: Unit 6: Lesson 2: Addressing Challenges in Precepting SCORM package
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 6: Lesson 1: Clinical Coaching Plans is marked complete
  To access the microlesson:
  Step 1: Click on the link to the Microlesson above.
  Step 2: Select "Enter"; the microlesson will open in a new window
  Step 3: Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to begin the microlesson.
  If you need to exit the microlesson before it is completed, either click on "Exit Course" on the top right of the screen, or simply close the window. Your progress should be saved automatically.
  Within the Microlesson, there will be a series of questions and activities throughout the lesson. These questions and activities are designed to help you learn and are not meant to be evaluations.
Part I Exam

Click here to start the examination for Part I of this course.
- Part I Exam Quiz
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Microlearning: Unit 6: Lesson 2: Addressing Challenges in Precepting is marked complete
Part II: In-Person Requirement

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Part II of the Preceptor Development course (Professional Development & Assessment) is only available through your healthcare institution or agency.
To complete the full certification, you must coordinate with your institution to participate in the required in-person sessions and assessments. If your institution is not yet participating, please contact your supervisor or reach out to us for more information on institutional enrollment.
Course and Self Evaluation & Certificate

In this section, you can provide feedback about this course to help us make NextGenU.org better. Once evaluations are completed, you will be able to download your certificate of completion.

Click here to give your feedback.
- Course Evaluation Questionnaire
  Restricted Not available unless: The activity Part I Exam is complete and passed
- Self Evaluation Questionnaire
  Restricted Not available unless any of:
  The activity Part I Exam is complete and passed
  The activity Course Evaluation is marked complete
Course Activities

1 Page
- Slide Decks Page

Course Overview

Course Structure

Course Development

Course Outline

Assessments

Requirements for Completion

Information for Institutions

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Slide Deck Presentation

Supplementary Resources

Quiz

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Slide Deck Presentation

Supplementary Resources

Quiz

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Slide Deck Presentation

Slide Deck Presentation

Supplementary Resources

Quiz

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Slide Deck Presentation

Supplementary Resources

Quiz

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation

Student Learning Outcomes:

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Slide Deck Presentation