Preceptors

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preceptor guidelines for devtp courses

Preceptors should contact the course instructor with any questions or concerns at any point in the course.

1. Preceptor Requirements:
    
   1. Preceptor credentials: Preceptors must possess one of of the following credentials:
       
      1. A DVM/VMD degree from an AVMA accredited institution
      2. Be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in their state
      3. Be a graduate of an AVMA/CVTEA accredited program of veterinary technology
      4. Be licensed to practice in their state of residence as an RVT or its equivalent
      5. Foreign credentials will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
         Questions on acceptable preceptors should be addressed to the director of the program. In general, individuals possessing a degree from an AVMA-listed school will qualify as a preceptor.
          
   2. All potential preceptors must submit a Preceptor Application and be approved as soon as possible after the first day of the course. If there is doubt as to the preceptor's qualifications, the DEVTP program should be contacted as quickly as possible for clarification.
       
2. Preceptor Course Assignments:
    
   1. Assist with video assignments as indicated.
   2. Assist with text assignment as indicated.
   3. Assist with course as indicated.
   4. Administer tests where required.
   5. Provide supervision for clinical assignments at the level indicated in the course schedule.
   6. Participate in the assignment evaluations.
       
3. Preceptor Responsibilities:
    
   1. The preceptor MUST monitor all assignments, upper level exams, and preceptor responsibilities. These responsibilities may not be delegated or assigned to other individuals except with the specific pre approval of the instructor. Preceptors are encouraged to obtain feedback from all practice personnel as to the student's progress and performance during the course, but only preceptors may directly evaluate students and administer exams.
       
      1. In most clinical assignments, both the preceptor and the student must sign on the assignment form to indicate that the preceptor has monitored the assignment and that the student and the preceptor have shared in the evaluation of the assignment. Assignments must be signed by both the preceptor and the student for the student to receive credit for that portion of the class.
      2. Preceptors should never submit evaluations of assignments without first discussing the evaluation with the student and allowing them to comment on the evaluation.
          
   2. The preceptor should closely monitor the student to insure that the student is on schedule and completing assignments at the required time intervals.
       
      1. Assignments will start as soon as the course begins and the student MUST stay on schedule to receive credit for the course.
      2. Preceptors should familiarize themselves with the syllabus and handbook as rapidly as possible to prevent any delay in the progress of the student through the course assignments. A course syllabus will always be included with the course workbook, with contact numbers, e-mail addresses and web site information.
          
   3. Preceptors are responsible for maintaining the strictest standards of academic honesty and integrity.
       
      1. Upper level exams and clinical assignments must be personally monitored by preceptors. Many of these assignments will require immediate personal supervision of the student, while others will only require direct or general supervision.
      2. Many assignments are based on video or text reading assignments. Preceptors should feel free to assist students in these activities. Preceptors can help clarify the material, answer specific questions, or offer personal insights into the functions of a veterinary practice.
      3. Preceptors should not do the assignment for the student. Any incidence of student academic dishonesty will result in the loss of grade by the student, and perhaps the loss of credit for the course.
          
   4. Preceptors are responsible for the administration of some of the exams in upper level courses.
       
      1. The student and the preceptor should set up a testing schedule for the course and strictly adhere to it.
      2. Exams should be given in a quiet place, conducive to a good testing experience, and free from distractions and interruptions. The preceptor should be physically present on site during the entire exam.
      3. The preceptor should give the student the exam, monitor the exam at the Testing supervision level, collect the exam, and then as soon as possible forward the exam to the instructor by fax or mail for grading and recording.
          
   5. The preceptor will supervise the clinical assignments that are required for credit in the course.
       
      1. Preceptors should take their clinical supervision responsibilities very seriously. In most courses the clinical assignments are the heart and substance of the course. It is through these assignments, with the help and tutelage of the preceptor, that the student learns and improves in their abilities. In these assignments, the preceptor should think of themselves as an adjunct faculty member in the course. The level of supervision required by individual students will vary. As such, preceptors are expected to exercise sound judgement on the level of supervision required for a given student after consulting the course schedule for the required level of supervision.
      2. The schedule will explain the degree of supervision required by the preceptor for each assignment.
          
         • Immediate supervision requires the preceptor to be in constant and complete proximity to the student, paying total attention to the task or assignment.
         • Testing supervision requires the preceptor to be on the premises and available to answer questions or provide assistance. The preceptor need not be in constant proximity to the student, but should periodically monitor the student to ensure that standards of academic integrity and honesty are maintained. Preceptors are responsible for locating the student in a site with no notes, textbooks, or other information sources, and a place that is quiet, free from distractions or interruptions, and conducive to a good test taking experience.
         • Direct supervision requires the preceptor to be in immediate vocal proximity to the student.
         • General supervision requires the preceptor to be on the premises and available to answer questions or provide assistance. Even during general supervision of activities, the preceptor will be responsible for the evaluation of the assignment, so periodically the preceptor should take time to monitor the student's progress and abilities during that period.
            
   6. Preceptors must be willing to dedicate the time required to accomplish their responsibilities to help insure the success of the student.
       
      1. Evaluations and assessments of students should be informative, positive and constructive. Words of praise should be given more often than criticism. If conflicts arise between the student and preceptor(s), the parties involved should first try to resolve the situation in a positive and constructive manner. If the problem persists or cannot be resolved the instructor should be contacted to assist in the matter and bring about a successful resolution.
      2. The preceptor, like the instructor, is there to facilitate learning, answer questions, encourage, constructively evaluate, and make the class a worthwhile learning experience for all parties.
          
   7. Preceptors are encouraged to contact the instructor during the first two weeks of the class to answer questions and facilitate good communication.
       
      1. During the course the instructor may contact the preceptor to monitor the progress of the student and the course.
      2. The preceptor may also be contacted at the end of the course, in addition to the course evaluation, to determine the student's success in the class.
      3. Preceptors are encouraged to contact the instructor anytime there is a problem, concern, or question.
          
   8. It is extremely important that preceptors make clear to students what is, and what is not, class time.
       
      1. Most students will be working many hours in the practice that is their training site. These hours will usually far exceed the time for clinical assignments.
      2. For actual assignments, it must be made very clear to the student that regular employment hours are over, and that class is in session.
      3. Preceptors may certainly observe and evaluate on a continuous basis, but for the clinical assignments to have the maximum value and learning potential, time must be scheduled, and specifically designated, as “course time”.
      4. If course time is interrupted by an emergency, or by another unavoidable circumstance, the class time must be rescheduled and the assignment completed.

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