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The demand for qualified nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs) continues to expand across the United States, creating an increased need for skilled clinical faculty instructors and preceptors who can prepare the future healthcare workforce. While many experienced clinicians possess extensive clinical expertise, they often enter teaching roles with limited formal training in educational methods. Although clinical expertise is essential, effective teaching also requires proficiency in communication, learner assessment, and feedback. To address this concern, the Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academy (CFPA) was created to provide evidence-based education that prepares healthcare professionals to become effective clinical educators.

The CFPA was developed through a Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2022. The grant aimed to alleviate the nationwide shortage of clinical faculty by enhancing the development and preparedness of nurses and APPs who serve as clinical instructors and preceptors. In October 2023, Geisinger, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Nursing Workforce Coalition (PA-NWC) and an advisory board of academic and institutional clinical experts, developed and launched the CFPA as a comprehensive, evidence-based, asynchronous virtual learning program designed to support novice and experienced preceptors and clinical instructors.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and educational practice. Recognizing that successful educators require more than subject-matter expertise alone, the program provides evidence-based training in teaching methodologies, learner engagement, communication, and assessment. Its flexible online format allows participants to complete coursework at their own pace while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Currently, the CFPA offers two courses tailored to specific needs of clinical educators.

CFPA 101: Fundamental Concepts for Clinical Faculty and Preceptors consists of six modules that introduce participants to essential concepts in clinical education, including teaching and learning principles, professional communication, instructional strategies, and assessment and evaluation methods. Interactive knowledge checks throughout the course reinforce learning and help participants assess their understanding of key concepts.

The course culminates in three short summative assessments, reviewed by faculty from the Geisinger School of Nursing, which ensures learning has been achieved. This summative assessment allows participants to demonstrate their ability to apply educational principles in real-world clinical teaching situations. By completing CFPA 101, learners gain a foundation of practical skills that helps them support student development, facilitate learning, and create positive educational experiences within clinical settings.

CFPA 201: Essential Concepts for Advanced Practice Preceptors focuses on the complexities of advanced practice clinical education and preceptorship through four innovative modules. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches for supporting learner development, delivering constructive feedback, conducting meaningful assessment and evaluation, and creating psychologically safe learning environments, all while navigating complex healthcare environments.

Participants develop practical strategies for precepting learners while maintaining excellence in patient care. The course highlights techniques that foster confidence, critical thinking, and professional growth, helping APP students successfully transition into their future roles. CFPA 201 welcomes all APPs and is recommended for both physician associate and APRN preceptors.

How can these courses help you?

Broad Applications Across Healthcare and Academia

The impact of the CFPA extends beyond individual participants. Healthcare organizations can integrate the program into preceptor development pathways to better prepare nurses and APPs for educator roles, enhance learner experiences, and support workforce retention efforts. Strong preceptor preparation can contribute to improved student satisfaction, increased clinical readiness, greater confidence among emerging healthcare professionals, and overall job satisfaction.

Academic institutions can incorporate the curriculum into faculty onboarding and professional development programs for both novice and experienced educators. Graduate nursing programs, particularly those focused on nurse educator preparation, can leverage the content to strengthen students’ foundational knowledge of clinical teaching and preceptorship.

As healthcare organizations and academic institutions seek innovative solutions to workforce challenges, investment in educator development remains essential. By providing accessible, flexible, and evidence-based preparation, the CFPA is helping cultivate confident and effective clinical educators prepared to mentor the next generation of nurses and APPs.

For more information about the CFPA, visit the website at Clinical Faculty & Preceptor Academy | Geisinger School of Nursing or contact the program team at CFPA@geisinger.edu.