What is a Pharmacy Preceptor?
A pharmacy preceptor is a licensed pharmacist who provides guidance, instruction, and oversight to pharmacy students during their experiential training rotations. The role of a preceptor is crucial in shaping the next generation of pharmacists by imparting practical knowledge, professional values, and hands-on experience.
Definition:
A preceptor is a practitioner who serves as a mentor, teacher, and role model for students in a clinical or professional setting. In the context of pharmacy education, preceptors are experienced pharmacists who supervise and instruct students during their clinical rotations or internships.
Role:
The primary role of a pharmacy preceptor is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. Preceptors are responsible for facilitating the learning process, providing constructive feedback, and evaluating the performance of pharmacy students. They serve as valuable resources, sharing their expertise and insights gained from years of professional experience.
Responsibilities:
- Teaching and Mentoring: Preceptors are responsible for teaching pharmacy students practical skills, clinical knowledge, and professional behaviors essential for their future careers. They provide hands-on training, case discussions, and guidance on various aspects of pharmacy practice.
- Modeling Professionalism: Preceptors serve as role models for pharmacy students, demonstrating professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective communication skills. They help students develop a strong professional identity and understand the importance of patient-centered care.
- Providing Feedback and Evaluation: Preceptors regularly assess the performance of pharmacy students, providing constructive feedback to help them identify areas for improvement. They evaluate students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and contribute to their overall assessment and grading.
- Fostering Critical Thinking: Preceptors encourage pharmacy students to think critically, analyze complex situations, and develop problem-solving skills. They challenge students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and make informed decisions.
- Facilitating Professional Development: Preceptors assist pharmacy students in setting career goals, exploring various practice areas, and developing professional networks. They share insights into the pharmacy profession and provide guidance on continuing education and lifelong learning.
Pharmacy preceptors play a vital role in shaping the future of the pharmacy profession by nurturing competent, ethical, and patient-focused pharmacists. Their dedication to teaching and mentoring ensures that pharmacy students receive high-quality experiential training and are well-prepared for their careers.
Importance of Continuing Education for Preceptors
Continuing education is vital for pharmacy preceptors to maintain their professional competence and ensure they provide high-quality training to pharmacy students. The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving, with new medications, therapies, and best practices emerging regularly. Preceptors who fail to engage in ongoing learning may find their knowledge and skills becoming outdated, potentially compromising patient care and the education of future pharmacists.
One of the primary benefits of continuing education for preceptors is staying abreast of the latest developments in pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care. By attending conferences, workshops, or online courses, preceptors can learn about new drug interactions, dosing guidelines, and treatment protocols, enabling them to provide students with the most up-to-date and evidence-based information.
Additionally, continuing education helps preceptors enhance their teaching and mentoring skills. Effective preceptors not only possess extensive knowledge but also the ability to convey information clearly and engage students in active learning. Courses focused on teaching methodologies, communication strategies, and preceptor development can equip preceptors with the tools to create a more enriching and impactful learning experience for their students.
Furthermore, continuing education fosters professional growth and career advancement opportunities for preceptors. By demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and maintaining current certifications or credentials, preceptors can enhance their professional reputation and position themselves for leadership roles within their institutions or the broader pharmacy community.
Engaging in continuing education also allows preceptors to network with peers and experts in their field, facilitating the exchange of ideas, best practices, and potential collaborative opportunities. This professional interaction can stimulate personal and professional growth, as well as foster a sense of community among preceptors dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy.
Drake University’s Preceptor Requirements
As a leading pharmacy program, Drake University recognizes the importance of ensuring that its preceptors stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge, skills, and best practices in the field. To maintain high standards of education and training, Drake has established specific continuing education (CE) requirements for all pharmacy preceptors affiliated with the university.
Drake University requires preceptors to complete a minimum of 15 hours of approved CE activities every two years. This requirement applies to both full-time and adjunct preceptors, regardless of their practice setting or area of expertise. The two-year cycle aligns with the state’s licensure renewal period, ensuring that preceptors meet the necessary professional development requirements.
The CE activities must be relevant to the preceptor’s role and responsibilities in providing experiential training to pharmacy students. Acceptable activities include attending live seminars, workshops, or conferences, completing online courses or webinars, and participating in approved professional development programs offered by recognized providers.
Drake University maintains a list of approved CE providers and activities to ensure the quality and relevance of the educational content. Preceptors are encouraged to consult this list when selecting CE opportunities to ensure compliance with the university’s requirements.
Required CE Hours and Timeframe
Drake University requires pharmacy preceptors to complete a minimum of 15 hours of approved continuing education (CE) credits every two years. This biennial requirement ensures preceptors maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective training and mentorship to student pharmacists.
The two-year CE cycle aligns with the preceptor’s appointment term, which is renewed biennially. Preceptors must fulfill the 15-hour CE requirement during each appointment term to be eligible for reappointment as a preceptor.
Newly appointed preceptors are granted a grace period of one year before the CE requirement takes effect. This allows them to focus on their initial preceptor training and adjustment during the first year of their appointment.
Approved CE Activities and Providers
Drake University recognizes a wide range of continuing education activities and providers to help pharmacy preceptors meet their CE requirements. Accepted activities include:
- Accredited live seminars, conferences, and workshops
- Online courses and webinars from accredited providers
- Professional publications and journal article readings
- Teaching and precepting experiences
- Authoring publications or presentations
Drake accepts CE credits from providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), as well as several other nationally recognized organizations, such as:
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
- State pharmacy associations and regulatory boards
Preceptors should carefully review Drake’s guidelines to ensure their CE activities and providers meet the university’s criteria for approval. Additionally, certain activities may have limitations on the number of credits that can be claimed within a renewal period.
Tracking and Reporting CE Credits
Preceptors at Drake University are responsible for tracking and reporting their completed continuing education (CE) credits to the college. Maintaining accurate records and submitting them in a timely manner is crucial to ensure compliance with the preceptor requirements.
To log and report your CE credits, follow these steps:
- Maintain a Personal CE Log: Create a log or spreadsheet to record all your completed CE activities. Include details such as the activity name, provider, date, and number of credits earned.
- Collect Documentation: Obtain certificates of completion, transcripts, or other documentation from the CE providers as proof of your participation and successful completion of the activities.
- Submit CE Records Annually: Drake University requires preceptors to submit their CE records annually by a specified deadline. The submission process typically involves completing an online form or sending your CE log and supporting documentation to the designated office or individual within the college.
- Provide Detailed Information: When reporting your CE credits, include comprehensive information about each activity, such as the title, provider, date, number of credits earned, and a brief description of the content or learning objectives.
- Retain Records: Keep copies of your CE log and supporting documentation for your records. This will be helpful in case any questions or discrepancies arise during the review process.
It is essential to follow the specific guidelines and procedures outlined by Drake University for tracking and reporting CE credits. Failure to comply with the documentation requirements or providing incomplete or inaccurate information may result in disciplinary actions or the revocation of your preceptor status.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet the continuing education requirements for pharmacy preceptors at Drake University can have serious consequences. Preceptors who do not complete the required number of CE hours within the specified timeframe may face penalties or disciplinary actions.
One potential consequence is the revocation of the preceptor’s appointment or affiliation with Drake University’s pharmacy program. This means the individual would no longer be eligible to serve as a preceptor for pharmacy students during their experiential rotations or clinical training.
Additionally, non-compliance with CE requirements may impact the preceptor’s professional standing and credibility. It could potentially raise concerns about their commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills, which are essential for providing effective guidance and mentorship to pharmacy students.
In some cases, failure to meet CE requirements may also have implications for the preceptor’s professional license or certification.
CE Resources and Opportunities
Drake University partners with several continuing education providers to offer a wide range of relevant courses and training opportunities for pharmacy preceptors. Some highlighted options include:
Online CE Courses
- Pharmacist Letter: Provides online CE courses covering various therapeutic areas, pharmacy law updates, and preceptor development.
- ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists): Offers a comprehensive library of online CE activities tailored for hospital and health-system pharmacists.
Live Conferences and Workshops
- Iowa Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting: Features preceptor-specific tracks and workshops, as well as general CE sessions.
- Drake Preceptor Development Conference: An annual event hosted by the university, focusing on enhancing preceptor skills and sharing best practices.
Webinars and Virtual Events
- ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education): Hosts regular webinars on topics related to preceptor development, experiential education, and pharmacy practice.
- PharmacyLibrary: Provides on-demand webinars and virtual conferences covering a broad range of pharmacy topics.
Professional Organizations
- APhA (American Pharmacists Association): Offers a variety of CE opportunities, including live seminars, home-study courses, and online activities.
- ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists): In addition to online CE, ASHP provides live meetings, workshops, and residency program resources.
Drake University encourages preceptors to explore these resources and take advantage of the diverse CE opportunities available. The university’s experiential education team can provide guidance and recommendations based on individual preceptor needs and interests.
Preceptor Development at Drake
Drake University recognizes the pivotal role preceptors play in shaping the next generation of pharmacists. Beyond meeting continuing education requirements, the university offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and resources to support preceptor development.
Drake’s Preceptor Development Program is a multi-faceted initiative designed to equip preceptors with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively guide and mentor pharmacy students. The program includes:
- Preceptor Training Workshops: These interactive workshops cover topics such as effective teaching strategies, providing constructive feedback, managing challenging situations, and promoting a positive learning environment.
- Preceptor Mentorship Program: Experienced preceptors serve as mentors, offering guidance, support, and best practices to new or aspiring preceptors. This one-on-one mentorship fosters professional growth and enhances preceptor competencies.
- Preceptor Resource Library: Drake maintains an extensive online library of resources, including teaching materials, assessment tools, and best practice guides, which preceptors can access to enhance their teaching and mentoring abilities.
- Preceptor Recognition and Awards: The university celebrates and recognizes outstanding preceptors through annual awards and acknowledgments, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Drake’s commitment to preceptor development extends beyond traditional continuing education, aiming to create a community of skilled and dedicated preceptors who can effectively shape the future of the pharmacy profession.
Future Changes and Updates
The university may also introduce new preceptor development opportunities or resources to support ongoing professional growth.
