| Sumario: | Purpose To examine whether radiation therapist clinical preceptors are trained as educators, to evaluate clinical preceptors' perspectives on clinical preceptor training, and to determine the need to develop a more robust form of clinical preceptor training in radiation therapy. Methods The authors collaborated with their medical laboratory science colleagues to develop a questionnaire, which then was distributed to several local chief therapists for review. The questionnaire was distributed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and completed by 83 radiation therapists. Results Seventy-three respondents stated they were clinical preceptors or clinical teachers, and most (57, 78.1%) received no training before taking on a student to teach. However, among the 16 clinical preceptors who received training, almost all (15, 93.8%) indicated that the training was helpful. Discussion Several themes emerged from the qualitative data, including the need for more clinical preceptor training, the value of programmatic support, and perceived advantages of serving as a clinical preceptor such as renewed passion for the profession. An important subtheme under programmatic support was communication, with clinical preceptors indicating they value communication between preceptors and education programs. Conclusions Findings show that clinical preceptors need and want more training for their roles and more communication with education programs. Because of the varying learning cultures in clinics and individual preceptors' different educational backgrounds and experiences, a standardized training platform is suggested.
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