Student Perceptions of Clinical Educator Competence Across Healthcare Professions

Authors

• Samar Long, The Ohio State UniversityFollow
• Sarah Varekojis, The Ohio State universityFollow
• Tonya Apke, The Ohio State UniversityFollow
• Erika Kemp, The Ohio State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Educational units that house a variety of healthcare programs require unique skills and knowledge development and vastly different professional responsibilities. The training for students is similar in that they use clinical educators to provide practical educational experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore healthcare students' perceptions of their clinical educators' skills across six domains related to clinical education for six health professions. Methods: The data collection process involved a survey of students who have completed clinical rotations with at least two different clinical educators. Results: Seventy-four responses were included in data analysis. Students have positive perceptions of their clinical educators' abilities across areas surveyed, ranging from 66.7% to 95.4% agreement. The lowest overall ratings fell in the areas of evaluation and teaching strategies. This was consistent across all professions surveyed.  Conclusion: Development of an interprofessional clinical educator training can assist in addressing the shared needs of students and programs.

Author Bio(s)

Samar Long, EdD, AT, ATC, is an Assistant Professor, Clinical, Director of Clinical Education, Athletic Training Division at The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Columbus, Ohio.

Sarah Varekojis, PhD, RRT is a Professor, Clinical, Director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy Division at The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Columbus, Ohio.

Tonya Apke, PT, DPT is an Associate Professor, Clinical Director of Clinical Education, Physical Therapy Division at The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Columbus, Ohio.

Erika Kemp, OTD, OTR/L is an Associate Professor, Clinical Program Director, Occupational Therapy Division at The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Columbus, Ohio.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of the entire Clinical Coordination Committee within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Amanda Natter, Emma Ridgeway, Todd Hattie, Ali Williams, Liz Weinandy, Amelia Siles and Erin Thomas.

Recommended Citation

Long S, Varekojis S, Apke T, Kemp E. Student Perceptions of Clinical Educator Competence Across Healthcare Professions. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 14.