How to Apply for the Outstanding Preceptor Award

The purpose of the Outstanding Preceptor Award is to recognize the exceptional teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities of preceptors in ACEND^®-accredited dietetics education programs. This award is open to registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered. Six awardees (one from each geographic region) will be selected.

Note: Program directors and faculty are not eligible for this award as there is a separate award given to Outstanding Dietetic Educators. Active NDEP Council members and previous OPA winners are not eligible for this award.

In addition to publishing the list of outstanding preceptors in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and NDEP-Line, each awardee will receive $1,000 to attend Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (supported by the Academy's Foundation) that year, one (1) year membership in NDEP, and a certificate and congratulatory letter from the Academy President. Awards will be presented during an NDEP-sponsored event at FNCE^®.

Eligibility

• Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Preceptor in an ACEND^®-accredited supervised practice program (CP, DI, DT, ISPP, or FEM program).

Submission and Selection Procedure

1. A single nomination, that includes both peers/program directors/program faculty AND students/interns, will be collected using an online entry system (Survey Monkey).
   • Procedures and Survey Monkey Links for 2025 Nominee Submissions
   • Example of Survey Monkey Questions
2. Nomination applications should be submitted by the Program Director, acknowledging the preceptor's affiliation with the program; and MUST include a completed online entry, which includes two separate focused statements of support (one from peers/program directors/faculty AND one from interns). Additional materials beyond the online entry will not be reviewed.
   1. Nominations MUST highlight the exemplary accomplishments of the preceptor above and beyond what would be considered core preceptor responsibilities based upon the following key areas:
      1. Teaching, which should showcase innovative teaching skills and techniques to facilitate student/intern learning. Examples: Has the preceptor used any unique ways to help program directors meet required ACEND^® competencies? Has the preceptor incorporated any projects that require collecting data, measuring outcomes to summarize the impact of the procedure? Does the preceptor demonstrate a desire to expand these skills/techniques and share with other preceptors?
      2. Mentoring, which should include those behaviors that elevate student learning and level of practice. Does the preceptor continue to function as a mentor to entry-level and experienced RDs?
      3. Excellence in Professional Practice, which should include participation beyond membership in local, state, or national organizations, community organizations, workplace committees, public policy, etc. Examples may include leadership position in professional organizations, activities demonstrating contributions that have implications for the field of dietetics.
3. The NDEP Preceptor Director and Preceptor Committee will receive, review, and select the winner from the eligible nominations after the survey has been closed. The committee will select no more than one preceptor from each of the six geographical regions. There is a maximum of six awards per year.

4. For questions regarding this award, the selection procedure or submission process, please email NDEP.