Clinical professor

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Clinical professor, sometimes known as professor of practice, is an academic appointment made to a member of a profession who is associated with a university or other academic body, and engages in practical (clinical) instruction of students (e.g., medical students, engineering students).^[1] Titles in this category may include clinical instructor, assistant clinical professor, associate clinical professor, and clinical professor.^[2]

Clinical professorship generally does not offer a "tenure track," but can be either full- or part-time, and is typically noted for its emphasis on practical skills training as opposed to theoretical matters. Thus, most members of such faculty are expected to have considerable practical experience in their respective fields of expertise. Unlike with most other faculty, this is deemed at least as important as educational credentials.^[2]

For administrative purposes, some universities classify such a designation as equivalent to "adjunct professor."^[3] Clinical professors may be salaried or may teach as a volunteer.^[4]