Preceptor's Hub
Program Essentials
The UK DHN Accelerated Coordinated Program, informally known as the “ACP,” will allow capable, driven students to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and complete the required 1,200+ supervised practice hours in five years, thus reducing by two years the traditional amount of time to complete both degrees and the supervised practice requirements.
The supervised practice program represents a vital step in allowing a dietetic student to progress from “beginner” to “entry-level” competence. Competence is defined as the state of having adequate ability or qualities. The supervised practice program provides an opportunity for dietetic interns to practice or perform dietetics-related activities under supervision while building skills, gradually increasing their workload, increasing their complexity of work, and applying didactic learning to real-life practice.
The supervised practice program offers an environment in which dietetic interns can learn new skills and apply classroom knowledge. The supervised practice will help the intern attain competencies and learning outcomes appropriate to the entry level dietetics practitioner. Essentially, interns will be learning what you, the preceptor and professional, do daily as part of your job.
The Six Essential Roles of the Preceptor
- Preceptors serve as planners in a number of capacities. On a day-to-day basis, they are responsible for planning the experiences and learning activities of the intern. In addition, they play an integral role in the planning and modification of the curriculum and supervised practice experience in conjunction with the DI team.
By exemplifying professional behaviors and the principles outlined in the Code of Ethics, preceptors teach by example.
By sharing relevant information in their area of expertise and staying current with recent developments and research, preceptors serve as information providers and assist interns with gathering the necessary information for competency development.
Preceptors function as facilitators of learning by coupling experiences and tools with guided questioning and feedback. In this manner, interns are able to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
By guiding interns to the appropriate materials (current research, protocols, practice guidelines, manuals, etc.) and other professionals that will assist interns in their practice and professional development, preceptors serve as resource developers.
Preceptors serve as frontline evaluators of interns’ learning and competence as they progress through the supervised practice rotation.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Preceptor Training
- CPEUs for Preceptor Service
- Seminars
Working with students is rewarding and exciting. To best prepare, or refresh, the Commission on Dietetic Registration developed a free 8-CPEU online preceptor training program. The UK ACP encourages all preceptors to complete this course in preparation for working with students. For more information about the course and how to complete it, visit CDR's Online Training Campus and click Dietetics Preceptor Training Program.
- You can record up to 3 CPEUs per year for precepting using the Activity Type 190. View the Precepting FAQ for more information.
- Complete the Preceptor Verification & Self-Reflection Form and email to the DI Director for verification and submission to CDR.
Include info about seminar series when available
Get Involved
- Become a Preceptor?
- Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptor Group
- UK Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition Advisory Board
Add a tab with info on becoming a preceptor?
Interested in connecting with other preceptors, as well as dietetic program educators? Join the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Become a voice guiding the future of nutrition education and supervised practice.
Share your expertise and perspective by serving on the Advisory Board of the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. Meetings are held annually, focusing on current education practices and changes in our profession. Help guide nutrition curriculum and experiences by sharing your professional insight on trending practice. For more information, contact the ACP Director, Liz Combs at elmars2@uky.edu
Connect With Us
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
204 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-3800
dhn@uky.edu
