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For Preceptors

Clinical Participation Requirements

Clinical Preceptors

See the University of Pittsburgh PA Studies Hybrid Program's Preceptor Handbook for:

  • Contact information for the clinical education faculty and staff team
  • Details on clinical rotation experiences and the role of the preceptor
  • Learning Outcomes for each clinical rotation
  • Much more!

Support the Next Generation of PAs by Applying to be a Clinical Preceptor!

If you are interested in serving as a preceptor, please complete the form found HERE. You will be contacted by a member of our clinical education team.  If you have any questions, email our team at jmb469@pitt.edu.

Why Serve as a Clinical Preceptor?

Our clinical preceptors form an essential part of the Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid program. Student clinical learning experience is guided by a preceptor who can help direct, answer clinical questions, and direct patient management problems. In addition to helping our students learn practical skills in a hands-on setting, preceptors enjoy other benefits.

By becoming a clinical preceptor, you will be able to:

  • Facilitate the recruitment of your next great coworker and colleague
  • Develop leadership, teaching and supervisory skills of yourself and your colleagues
  • Access free continuing education credits (see below)
  • Receive an official appointment as a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh
  • This is a great way to build your CV and access the benefits available to faculty
  • Benefit your patients by adding a student to the health care team, which: 
    • Extends your reach as a clinician
    • Provides an additional communication partner
    • Further individualizes patient care and planning by a focused student
    • Contribute to the field of PA Studies
    • Keep your team up to date with current knowledge and best practices

The Preceptor Role

Any successful PA education depends on dedicated clinical preceptors who provide fulfilling clinical experiences to students. Upon partnering with our program through a formal affiliation process, the primary preceptor will need to:

  • Be physically present to supervise the PA student.
  • Familiarize themselves with the clinical rotation instructional objectives and learning outcomes.
  • Provide the student with a variety of patient encounters and an appropriate learning experience to best meet the learning outcomes and instructional objectives of the program.
  • Demonstrate, teach, and supervise the PA student in clinical activities to develop the student’s knowledge and skills and to ensure proper patient care.
  • Ensure that the PA student does not practice beyond his/her competence or legal authority.
  • Review and sign all student notes.
  • Actively participate in the evaluation of all aspects of the student’s clinical skills and knowledge base.
  • Offer timely constructive feedback to students and the program regarding strengths and areas of needed improvement

Other Benefits of Precepting

In gratitude for your support of the mission of our program and the development next generation of PAs, our program provides continuing education credits, including:

Pitt PreCEPT

Introducing PreCEPT (Preceptor Continuing Education and Preceptor Training)!  An innovative learning opportunity for Preceptors of APP Students that was developed by our Department in conjunction with APP Preceptor Leadership from UPMC. The PreCEPT program empowers preceptors with the knowledge and tools to enhance the quality of clinical experiences for students. Participants gain access to best practices, resources, and a supportive community, allowing them to customize their learning experience. Upon completion, learners will excel in mentoring, utilize effective teaching strategies, and establish valuable connections within the precepting community. Click the link to get started today! https://shrscontinuingeducation.pitt.edu/programs-department/physician-assistant-studies/precept 

CME Credits for Precepting Students

Feedback and Mentoring of Clinical Students

  • Earn up to 1.5 hours of Category 1 CME credit at no charge!
  • If you don’t already have one, create an account with the University’s WISER Institute.
  • Request registration using this link:
  • Click “Register for a Class” and follow the instructions
  • When registering, please mark your Role in Class as a "PARTICIPANT" (not as an instructor) and the Preferred Class Date as "12/31/2020 01:01 AM - 12:00PM" (this sets a deadline for course completion but you will be able to access the course soon after registration).

Advanced Practice Provider Grand Rounds: What Do Universities Look for in Preceptors? ​

Pittsburgh SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment)

Physician Assistants Advancing Diversity (PAAD) Preceptors

PAAD is an opportunity for students at any Pitt campus to better understand the PA profession. We acknowledge that many undergraduate students are not aware of the Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) profession and/or are unsure of what it takes to get there, we are launching an immersive experience of all things PA! 

PAAD is provided by the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies Program in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). 

Learn more about PAAD

If you are interested in serving as a preceptor, please email Tara McSwigan at (tmm142@pitt.edu).