Become a Preceptor

Kent State nursing students are eager to learn from passionate, caring and engaged health care professionals.

Share your knowledge and skills with students who will make the most of learning opportunities in clinical areas. Education is our top priority, and our students will adjust their schedule to match your availability – including night shifts, weekends, and swing shifts. Our students come to clinical prepared to participate in patient care and clinical initiatives. They understand the course objectives and expectations, and will ask questions and seek your guidance as needed.

Every student is assigned a preceptor along with a faculty member for support and guidance. Our faculty recognize the preceptor as the clinical expert and support the preceptor with an individualized education plan for each student. Faculty value the preceptor's feedback on the student’s progress as well as an evaluation at the end of the semester, which becomes a part of the student’s record.

Why Precept for Kent State?

Recognition

We have honored over 350 top preceptors with the Barbara Donaho Distinguished Leadership in Learning Award.
View Photo Gallery »

Application Fee Reimbursement

The $45 application fee for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs will be reimbursed for eligible Kent State preceptors. Contact gradnurse@kent.edu for more information.

Research Partners

Team-up with Kent State nurse researchers on innovative research to advance nursing science and practice.

Advance Your Career

Explore specialties in nursing and advance your career! Plus, you may be eligible to apply for adjunct faculty status.

How Do I Become a Preceptor?

The College works directly with individual providers, private practices, and designated contacts at hospitals to match students with the best preceptors. Ask your employer how you can volunteer to precept Kent State students.

Precept BSN Students

Our BSN students take the Integration of Leadership and Management in Nursing course in their senior semester. The course entails 144 hours of one-on-one experience with a professional RN preceptor.

Qualifications

  • You have earned an RN (or higher) and have an active, unrestricted RN license
  • With a BSN or higher, you have been in practice for at least six months, or as a Diploma or ADN RN you have been in practice for at least twelve months.
  • You have approval from your place of employment to act as a preceptor

Precept MSN & DNP Students

Preceptors work one-on-one with graduate students in their clinical area of practice.

Qualifications

  • You are an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician, Physician Assistant, Certified Nurse Educator, or Healthcare Administrator
  • You hold active, unrestricted certification and licensure in your area of practice
  • You have at least one (1) year of clinical practice experience
  • You have approval from your place of employment and practice setting
 

Ready to take the next step?

Great! Tell us some basic information about yourself by completing this form. We will guide you through the process, starting with your employer's approval.

 
* Kent State University College of Nursing is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. (OBN-001-91).
© 2025 Kent State University All rights reserved.