How to Become a Preceptor
How to Become a Preceptor
Purpose of the Preceptor Course
The Preceptor Course is designed to prepare licensed nurses (RNs or LPNs) to mentor, supervise, and evaluate certified medication aides (CMA) students during their clinical training. All students enrolled in the CMA training program must have a corresponding preceptor on record. Students will not be able to schedule their training course until there is a corresponding preceptor on record as having completed the preceptor course.
Preceptor Role
Preceptors play a key role in ensuring that CMAs are adequately prepared to administer medications safely and effectively in long-term care settings.
- Preceptors oversee skill demonstration and practice at the LTC site through structured learning sessions spread over 8 weeks.
- Preceptors will work with students for approximately 3 hours a week for a total of 24 hours of clinical training.
- CDDER will provide skills checklists, lesson plans, and supplemental materials to guide this learning.
- Preceptors document weekly skill completion in the online course using a brief assessment.
Preceptor Qualifications
To serve as a CMA preceptor, an individual must:
- Be a licensed RN or LPN, with documented experience.
- Be an employee of the long-term care facility.
- Have a thorough understanding of medication administration protocols.
- Demonstrate effective communication, teaching, and mentoring skills.
- Understand state regulations and facility policies regarding CMA practice.
How to Enroll in the Preceptor Course
- Complete the brief questionnaire to register your interest in the Preceptor Course.
- A member of the CMA Training Team will review your questionnaire.
- If approved, you will receive an email within 3 business days with a unique enrollment key and instructions for enrolling in the course.
- After enrolling in the course, you will be asked to provide proof of licensure by entering your RN or LPN license number.
Course Details
- The course is self‑paced and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It is available online and can be accessed at any time.
- Participants must complete a short training evaluation to provide feedback on the program.
- This Nursing Professional Development Program is being jointly provided by the Shriver Center and the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours are currently being explored. Participants will be notified after completion of the course regarding Contact Hours.
Interested in this course? Register your interest by filling out this brief Preceptors Questionnaire (live May 4, 2026).
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.