Preceptorships are models of training in which a nurse, referred to as a preceptor, is assigned to one nursing student, for the purpose of facilitating learning in the clinical setting. There is a problem in the lack of documented evidence of the effectiveness of preceptorship programs in the education of nursing students, particularly the transition from student to registered nurse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nursing students' perception of the effectiveness of a newly implemented preceptorship. The theoretical framework was based on the Malcolm Knowles' theory of adult learning and Patricia Benner's novice-to-expert theory. Two research questions focused on students' perceptions about whether a preceptorship enhanced clinical competence and on the correlation between clinical success and standardized test scores. The sample consisted of 34 senior nursing students in a baccalaureate program who completed a preceptorship in the spring of 2009. The mixed-method research design used a sequential explanatory strategy. Data collection methods included course evaluative surveys, interviews, and student academic records. Pearson's correlations showed significance for three clinical competence survey items, namely professionalism, communication, and clinical skills. It showed a significant correlation between student records and clinical success. The ANOVA showed no significant difference in student perceptions across clinical areas. Interviews supported two areas of clinical competence namely, professionalism and clinical skills. The results of this study showed that students believed that preceptorships enhance learning. This study contributes to positive social change by providing guidance for nursing curriculum development, which could result in graduates being better prepared to serve the community through safe and competent nursing practice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]