Preceptorships

Scheduling your Preceptorship Rotations

Preceptorship rotations must be completed only with healthcare providers who have been previously approved by NUNM. It is your responsibility to ascertain if a provider has been approved prior to beginning your rotation. All practitioners with an active, non-expired preceptorship listing in the CORE Research Center have been approved for preceptorships. If the provider has not been previously approved, you will not receive credit for the rotation. There are two ways to find a preceptor with whom to work:

  1. Find your own preceptor
  2. Utilize the CORE Clinic Tracker Research Center

Option 1: Find Your Own Preceptor

If you know a healthcare provider with whom you would like to work, first ascertain if they are already in the CORE Research Center of approved preceptors.  If not, the healthcare provider must then apply and be approved―at least two weeks prior to the date you wish to begin your rotation.

Who to Contact/Who to Consider?

Tips for Approaching a Potential Preceptor

Before you contact any healthcare providers, make sure you know what you want to say to them by using the Elevator Pitch worksheet for your preceptorship “Unique Self Presentation” (USP). Do you research ahead of time – check their website so that you are aware of their practice and their background. Be sure their type of practice is a good fit for you. 

Determine if it is best to visit in person, call or email. Be sure to let them know you will follow up using another form of communication if you have not had a response in a week.

If you visit a potential site in person:

  • Introduce yourself to the office personnel (office manager), and if possible, the healthcare provider. If you can only get in touch with the office manager, ask if they can provide you with the email address of the provider.
  • Ask if they would be interested in serving as a clinical preceptor and if you can schedule a time to discuss this possibility and what they would be looking for in a student learner.
  • Have a copy of your resume or CV with you to show them. Explain how many hours you need (a minimum of eight and maximum of 50 hours). The clinical days should be determined by the site/preceptor needs and availability.
  • You can direct them to further information for preceptors found on the ND preceptorship website, including eligibility criteria and student evaluation standards.
  • Follow up with them in a few days (this can be done by phone).
  • If the provider agrees to precept, please ask them to fill our the Preceptor Application. If they are approved and a CORE account is created, follow the instructions found in the video tutorial entitled “How to Search the Preceptor Database & Get Approval,” found on your CORE home page. Your submission will show as ‘pending’ initially, and then be reviewed by the Registrar’s office.
  • Students can begin preceptorship hours once they receive email approval from the Registrar’s office.

Contacting a potential preceptor by phone or email:

  • Let them know if a particular person has referred you to them and tell them why you are interested in working with them.
  • If you are unable to speak with the potential preceptor, leave a message using the “Elevator Pitch” worksheet.
  • Do not give up or take it personally if they do not respond right away (or at all).
  • Tell the office manager your USP and ask them if you can leave a message or have the provider’s email address. Office managers are often “gate keepers” and can help you in your efforts.
  • If the provider you contact is not interested or not available, try asking them if they know of any provider who might be interested (always ask for referrals).

Option 2: Utilize the CORE Research Center

The preceptorship program maintains a database of approved preceptors that students may contact directly in the CORE Research Center. This database contains information about the preceptor including where they are located and areas of practice focus. These preceptors have agreed to receive direct communication from students in regard to scheduling rotations. Do not submit a preceptorship in CORE (via Site Prospector) until you have already communicated with the preceptor, and they have agreed to have you work with them.

The same guidelines as noted in Option 1 above can be used for contacting already approved preceptors. Do not assume that they will always be available at the times you require, and be courteous if a preceptor is unable to accommodate you and your schedule. Always be ready with your USP and your resume or CV when contacting a preceptor directly.