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Become a Preceptor

Inspire the Next Generation of Physician Assistants 

Students must complete seven 5-week core rotations in the following disciplines, in addition to an elective rotation:  

  • Emergency medicine  
  • Internal medicine  
  • Surgery

Including these priority areas:

  • Behavioral health
  • Women’s health (OB/GYN)   
  • Pediatrics  
  • Family practice 

Preceptors serve as role models, guiding Physician Assistant (PA) students through the realities of patient care, turning coursework into hands‑on learning while fostering the clinical skills and sound judgment essential for practice.  

As a preceptor, you will play an integral role by providing real-world learning opportunities. As you may have received guidance during your training, you will have the chance to mentor some of the best and brightest PA students who are eager to learn from seasoned clinicians.

Preceptor Practice Settings and Current Needs

Students complete clinical rotations in a wide range of healthcare environments, including:

  • Private practices
  • Academic medical centers
  • Community hospitals
  • Rural and underserved clinics
  • Specialty practices
  • Behavioral health settings

We are actively seeking preceptors across all practice settings who provide meaningful, supervised clinical learning aligned with program objectives.

We are also seeking preceptors who can offer longitudinal rotation experiences, particularly in rural communities, and those whose clinical practice incorporates screening, early identification, and management of eating disorders.
 

Benefits of Precepting

three people standing around computer smiling

  • Appointment as a University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies (UMSGS) clinical faculty member, with formal recognition of your contribution to PA education. 
  • Earn 2 AAPA Category 1 CME credits* per student, per week of clinical mentoring. 
  • Potential eligibility for the Maryland Preceptor Tax Credit, in accordance with state requirements. 
  • Early exposure to highly trained PA students creates a valuable pipeline for future recruitment and hiring within your practice or health system. 
  • Preceptors may be eligible to earn a 20% tuition waiver towards a DMSc degree at the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies 
  • Become a partner in improving Maryland’s health workforce
  • Take part in the Preceptor Fellowship - PA Leadership and Learning Academy

Preceptors must meet ARC-PA expectations for clinical education and possess the training, credentials, and experience appropriate to their clinical specialty. Qualified preceptors include: 

  • Physicians who hold or have held board certification 
  • Physician assistants who hold or have held NCCPA certification 
  • Advanced practice nurses who hold or have held board certification 

 

Preceptors must also:  

  • Maintain a valid, unrestricted, unencumbered license in good standing  
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide clear, timely, and constructive feedback that supports students’ clinical and professional development. 

Preceptors who wish to obtain or maintain a clinical faculty appointment with the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies PA Program are expected to: 

  • Actively mentor one to two PA students at a time during assigned clinical rotations within their practice setting. 
  • Maintain consistent engagement with the program to support ongoing eligibility for a clinical faculty appointment. 
  • Give priority consideration to the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies PA Program when offering clinical placement opportunities during the appointment period. 

Ready to Become a Preceptor?

Simply fill out our Preceptor Application, and a member of the team will be in touch with you.

Apply Now

Resources

Precepting for the Physician Assistant program for general surgery is an honor. Their programs' didactic preparation is obvious from day one, and their students show up ready to work and learn. From H&Ps to clinical skills in the OR, the PA student stands out.
Michelle Detwiler, PA-C General Surgery Sinai Hospital

75

National ranking amongst “Best Physician Assistant Programs” for 2024-2025 per U.S. News and World Report   

77

Percentage of the Class of 2025 who expressed a desire to practice in the Maryland-DC-Delaware-Virginia region upon graduation, according to a survey of graduating students. 

100

Percentage of candidates who ultimately passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination

 

Contact Us

Mystee Jennings, MSHS, Assistant Director of Experiential Learning 

mjennings@umaryland.edu  

410-706-5243 

 

*The University of Maryland, Baltimore PA Program has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credits to eligible PA preceptors. AAPA Reference number: CME-208756.

620 W. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-3100

University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies. All Rights Reserved.