The preceptorship clinical experience in a practical nursing (PN) program at a Midwestern community college is considered crucial to the PN students' transition from novice nurse to professional nurse. However, no research has been available to determine whether the preceptorship clinical accomplishes its purpose. A case study was conducted to understand what the preceptorship clinical does accomplish. The conceptual framework was based upon Bandura's social-cognitive theory and Benner's clinical competence nursing theory. Research questions were designed to discover the perceptions of new nurse graduates and past preceptors who were licensed practical nurses (LPNs) about the preceptorship clinical. Qualitative data were collected from a focus group of 5 new PN graduates and semistructured interviews with 6 PN graduates and 6 past preceptors. Data analyses were completed using manual coding leading to the identification of themes. All participants perceived the preceptorship clinical as valuable for the nursing program to assist students in the transition from student to professional nurse. Graduates described it as a real-life experience that enhanced their understanding of the PN role and assisted in the development of hands-on skills and confidence in the performance of nursing duties. Preceptor role modeling and guidance were described as necessary components of the experience. Inconsistency in the LPN preceptorship experience supported the development of a project to train the LPN preceptors to provide their students with a high-quality and consistent learning environment. The implications for social change include increased competency of LPN preceptors, safer patient care, and a reduced number of patient errors as PN students transition to the professional arena. [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.]