The next Professional Certificate in Clinical Instruction cohort will be held in Summer 2027. Sign up here to receive more information about the program and learn when registration is available.

Program details below are subject to change.

Description

Clinical instructors and preceptors play a critical role in training the nurses of tomorrow. Help shape the future of nursing by taking part in this specialized training opportunity. With 8 hours in a face-to-face simulation lab setting and 8 hours of self-paced learning, this microcredential program is built to equip nurses and other clinicians serving in instructional roles with the skills they need to effectively and successfully instruct in clinical settings.

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

• Support clinical judgment development
• Craft and deliver effective feedback
• Navigate challenging learner situations
• Build psychologically safe learning environments
• Align academic and clinical priorities
• Continuously improve clinical teaching practice

Aligned with recognized standards for clinical instruction, this employer- and faculty-endorsed program strengthens workforce readiness and supports high-quality clinical training.

Program Dates and Delivery Modality

Audience

• Nurses who are currently or soon to be serving as a preceptor and/or responsible for clinical instruction of nursing students and/or early career nurses
• Academic instructors currently working within higher education institutions
• Other clinicians serving in an instructional role

Instructors

• Tracy Blair, DNP, RN, CPN, CNOR
• Eva-Marie Nitka, MS, RN, C-EFM, CNE
• Jane Paige, RN, Ph.D.
• Melinda Rodriguez-Salus, Ph.D., MSN

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

1. Create a shared academic/practice understanding of the purpose and goals of clinical education. 
2. Apply principles of adult learning and clinical pedagogy to effectively facilitate and coach students or early career nurses (ECN) to notice clinically relevant particulars, prioritize and take actions, and evaluate patient outcomes across diverse clinical settings.  
3. Assess the development of clinical judgment and reasoning in nursing students/ECNs using structured observation, evaluation/feedback tools aligned with regulatory agencies, and accreditation standards. 
4. Navigate challenging teaching/learning scenarios, including managing underperforming students, addressing professionalism concerns, and conducting difficult conversations. 
5. Demonstrate strategies for creating psychologically safe learning environments that encourage open communication, reflection, and error reporting. 
6. Deliver timely, constructive, and actionable feedback on clinical performance and on written clinical assignments.  
7. Collaborate effectively with academic faculty and clinical staff to align clinical experiences with curricular goals and student learning needs.   
8. Reflect on and continuously improve one’s own clinical instructional practice through peer feedback, self-assessment, and evidence-based strategies.  
9. Participate in simulation-based scenarios to model and reinforce key clinical instructor competencies.

Register here