Preceptor Program

The University of Western States (UWS) preceptor program is intended to enhance the clinical training of chiropractic interns who meet applicable eligibility requirements to continue their training in an approved, private chiropractic practice. Interns engage in a wide range of practice activities under the chiropractic mentoring of a field-based physician to gain valuable real-world experience and insights relative to chiropractic practice. The preceptorship program is intended to enhance the learning and knowledge of the chiropractic intern, supplementing what is provided in the academic and clinical experience of the doctor of chiropractic curriculum. The preceptor component of the UWS curriculum is designed and implemented to support the mission, goals and objectives of UWS; to provide a mechanism to further assure competency in the cognitive and psychomotor domains of chiropractic interns; and to better prepare students for the transition from the rigors of academic life to those of a private practitioner.

Preceptor Program Manual

The Preceptor Program Manual contains helpful information for preceptors, including:

  • purpose and objectives of the program
  • how to prepare your practice for an intern
  • effective teaching
  • definitions and organization
  • preceptor requirements and responsibilities
  • intern participation requirements, guidelines and responsibilities
  • and more

Click here to download the manual.

How to become a UWS Preceptor

To become a UWS chiropractic preceptor, all prospective preceptors must:

  1. Submit a completed UWS preceptor application and supporting documents to the preceptor program administration.
  2. Hold a current license in good standing to practice chiropractic in the state in which the prospective preceptor is located.
  3. Have at least five (5) years of full-time active experience in the practice of chiropractic as a licensee of the state in which you are currently practicing. In situations where the doctor has been licensed and practiced in two or more states for at least five (5) years total, but has not practiced in the current state for five (5) years, the prospective preceptor must submit the licenses from all other states.
  4. Have no conviction of any felony. Have no current (open) board sanctions from any state or province. A history of  disciplinary action, pleas of no contest or convictions for any offense related to the practice of chiropractic will be reviewed but do not necessarily preclude a doctor from consideration. The nature of the offense, action taken and time since the incident(s) occurred will be considered. Doctors are encouraged to contact us to discuss any previous actions.
  5. Maintain professional liability insurance. Coverage shall be in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per case/$3,000,000 aggregate loss. Please note that some states and provinces may require higher limits.
  6. Click the APPLY NOW button below to submit your application.

Preceptor Coordinator
University of Western States
8000 NE Tillamook St
Portland, OR 97213
Direct Dial: 503-251-2823
Fax: 503-251-2837
Office of Clinics: 971-449-9224
Email: [email protected]

apply now

Preceptor Responsibilities

  1. The preceptor shall be responsible for, and provide direct supervision of, all chiropractic services rendered by the intern. The preceptor will be physically present in the same office or facility as the intern when the intern is treating or providing any service to any patient.
  2. The preceptor will assign only those patient services that can be safely and effectively performed by the intern as allowed by state, provincial and/or federal law.
  3. The preceptor and the preceptor’s staff will ensure the intern is clearly identified to patients as an “intern” and will never refer to the intern as a “doctor”.
  4. The preceptor will ensure that they’re familiar with, and in compliance with, all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations relating to health care practices of chiropractic interns, and that the intern practices in accordance with the same.
  5. The preceptor will submit periodic documents including the Weekly Timesheet and Activity Log and the quarterly Mentor Feedback Evaluation to the preceptor program administration.
  6. No individual preceptor may supervise more than one (1) intern (regardless of college) at any given time unless approved by the ADCI.
  7. The presence of a UWS intern is for the education of the intern and not for the general promotion of the preceptor’s practice or for the preceptor’s financial gain.
  8. Preceptors shall maintain, while actively participating in the program, a professional liability insurance policy. Coverage shall be in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per case/$3,000,000 aggregate loss.
  9. Preceptors will, upon request, submit current copies of their state license, professional liability insurance and claims history, and x-ray operator/supervisor permit.

FAQs about the UWS Preceptor Program

What is a preceptor?
A preceptor is a licensed chiropractic professional who mentors medical interns, offering hands-on experience in a real-world clinical setting.

What is the role of a preceptor in the UWS program?
Preceptors are responsible for ensuring that interns understand and adhere to professional standards and practices while fostering their development as competent practitioners through chiropractic mentoring.

Where can you work as a preceptor?
As a preceptor, you can work in various settings where chiropractic care is provided. Most commonly, preceptors work in private chiropractic practices, clinics, or health centers. The UWS Preceptor Program specifically allows preceptors to mentor interns in approved, private chiropractic practices, offering a real-world environment for interns to learn and grow.

How does the UWS Preceptor Program enhance chiropractic training?
The UWS Preceptor Program supplements academic learning with practical experience under the guidance of experienced preceptors, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in chiropractic care.

What are the benefits of a preceptor in this program?
Preceptors play a significant role in shaping the future of care by providing chiropractic mentoring to interns. They enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to the professional growth of future chiropractors.

Are there specific requirements for an intern to participate?
Interns must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in the preceptorship program, which include being in good academic standing and having completed specific coursework in the chiropractic curriculum.

Can a preceptor supervise more than one intern at a time?
Generally, a preceptor may supervise only one intern at a time, unless special approval is granted by the ADCI.