Supporting Clinical Teachers: Developing Radiation Therapists' Preceptorship Skills

Preceptorship is a valuable component of undergraduate radiation therapy education and allows students to develop clinical skills and professional attitudes under the supervision of experienced practitioners. Preceptor preparation in the form of continuing professional development is an important factor for successful preceptorship to occur. This article describes the development and evaluation of a short, flexible blended learning course by a group of Ontario educators. The course was designed to support radiation therapists teaching students from the joint University of Toronto and Michener Institute Medical Radiation Sciences (MRS) program undergoing the clinical practicum component of their 3-year program. The course comprises two workshops and a web-based component. Topics include adult education theories, orienting a student to clinic, feedback, fostering clinical reasoning, conflict resolution, formal evaluation, the MRS program structure/processes and the needs of the student with English as a second language. To date, three cohorts have completed the course (52 learners) from four Ontario radiation therapy departments. Evaluations have been positive, with high participant satisfaction and a noteworthy difference in self-perceived knowledge using the original course objectives between pre- and post-knowledge levels. It is hoped that this course will contribute to the success of the role and provide an opportunity for staff recognition and support.