Optimizing the Role of Clinical Educators in Health Professional Education

Clinical educators have a unique teaching role in that they need to support student learning while ensuring patient safety and service delivery. This chapter discusses the role of the clinical educator in preparing students for work integrated learning, and how they support students’ learning trajectories during their practical placements. The skills and qualities of effective clinical educators are outlined including the intrinsic attributes that facilitate student learning, and other teaching skills such as organizational, assessment, and feedback skills. Methods for professional development for this group are proposed to assist in improving engagement and both the student and clinical educator experience. This chapter also explores the role of the university in helping develop clinical educators and the importance of building productive relationships between academic and work integrated learning settings. Evidence from a range of health professions are used including allied health, medicine, and nursing.