A description is provided of the development and evaluation of a preceptorship program for nursing students at Red Deer College (Alberta). Introductory remarks describing the decision to initiate a preceptorship program in January, 1982, are followed by a section discussing the need for a preceptorship program to provide senior students with opportunities in developing clinical skills and procedures. A literature review on preceptorship programs is followed by a listing of aspects of the preceptor concept considered to be advantageous to students, preceptors, and nursing personnel. Next, a preceptor is described as a nurse who is a clinical expert in his/her field, who functions as a role model and resource for the nursing student. The next section describes the steps taken by Red Deer College (Alberta) in developing its preceptorship program, which included writing a handbook on the components of the practicum course and preceptorship; hosting a tea for all involved agencies; obtaining initial feedback; developing a student/preceptor handbook; holding student meetings and workshops for preceptors; predicting problem areas; and developing a skill inventory list. The section on implementation describes the college's first preceptorship program, which began in May 1982. Finally, information about the results of evaluations of the preceptorship program is presented. (LAL)