How to Become a Preceptor
How to Become a Preceptor
Role of the Preceptor
Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) administer medications to residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or physician.
As a preceptor, you play an essential role in the clinical education of CMA students, by helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to administer medications safely and effectively to residents in a long-term care setting.
Preceptor Responsibilities
- Support CMA students during clinical training for approximately 3 hours per week over 8 weeks.
- Oversee skill demonstrations and supervised practice at the LTC facility using structured clinical training plans. Utilize provided lesson plans, skills checklists, and supplemental training materials to support instruction and evaluation.
- Complete and submit weekly skills checklists through the online course platform using a brief assessment process.
- Document student performance and competency development during the training period.
- Conduct a final evaluation of each student at the conclusion of clinical training using the state-approved
- Medication Administration Validation Form.
- Complete and submit all required state-approved documentation verifying the student’s clinical competency ad
- successful completion of training requirements.
Preceptor Requirements
To serve as a CMA preceptor, an individual must:
- Be a licensed RN or LPN, with at least one year of nursing experience.
- Be a permanent employee at the long-term care (nursing home) facility in Massachusetts.
- Have a thorough understanding of medication administration protocols.
- Demonstrate effective communication, teaching, and mentoring skills.
- Understand state regulations and facility policies related to CMA practice.
Course Details
- All Preceptors must complete an online Preceptor Training Course prior to serving in the preceptor role.
- The course is self-paced, takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and can be accessed online at any time.
- Two Nursing Contact Hours are awarded upon successful completion of the training course.
How to Enroll in the Preceptor Course
- Complete the brief readiness questionnaire to determine whether you met the preceptor requirements (coming soon).
- If approved, you will receive an email with instructions for enrolling in the Preceptor Training Course.
Interested in this course? Register your interest by filling out this brief Preceptors Questionnaire
UMass Chan Medical School Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.