Preceptors

Become a Preceptor
Preceptor Development
Professionalism
Mentor Programs
Current Preceptors
APhA’s Community Pharmacist Preceptor Education Program

Become a Preceptor
Much of today’s doctor of pharmacy curriculum relies on the teaching and mentorship provided by preceptors from across the state of Iowa, the US and the world.  Schools and colleges of pharmacy value the efforts of volunteer preceptors in preparing student pharmacists for success as they enter the profession of pharmacy. Student pharmacist learning is enhanced by the experiences obtained in real world settings such as patient care practices, businesses, and research facilities. 

Becoming a preceptor also provides you an opportunity to give back to the profession of pharmacy by participating in the education of new practitioners.  Becoming a preceptor can be personally and professionally rewarding.  Student pharmacists need a variety of learning and practice experiences in real world settings.  You are invited to explore the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Drake University websites and discover ways that you can involve student pharmacists into your practice setting and learn more about becoming a preceptor. 

Link to Drake University’s preceptor page
Link to University of Iowa preceptor page

Preceptor Development
The Collaborative Education Institute (CEI) is a collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the Iowa Pharmacy Association.  CEI works collaboratively to develop quality, innovative and comprehensive continuing professional development and educational programs by incorporating contemporary adult educational methods, state of the art technology and life long learning principles.  CEI is committed to providing ongoing training designed specifically for pharmacists who practice in a teaching environment (preceptors).

In addition, ACPE, as part of the accreditation process for institutions offering pharmacy degree programs, requires preceptor pharmacists to engage in educational opportunities that focus on the development of teaching and mentoring skills. The courses offered by CEI are accredited by ACPE, meeting both sets of requirements.

Professionalism
Preceptors have an opportunity to teach students more than pharmacotherapy and applying classroom knowledge in real world settings.  Precepting students is an ideal time to discuss the importance of professionalism with soon-to-be pharmacists.   

 Professionalism is an important aspect of the learning of a student pharmacist.  Professional socialization can be nurtured throughout the curriculum through behaviors displayed by preceptors in all practice settings.  While the student pharmacist’s professionalism evolves as the student matriculates through the curriculum, colleges of pharmacy expect all our students to display professional attitudes, values and behaviors in all practice experiences. 

As a preceptor, you can encourage students to be engaged in the profession by belonging to organizations; attending professional meetings at the local, state, or national level; growing their professional network, and volunteering to be involved.  Preceptors are encouraged to include students in their own professional activities – take students with you when attending meetings, discuss issues that are affecting the profession which students may not hear about in their curriculum, and share with students your advice on the importance of professionalism.  

Mentor Programs
Drake University College of Pharmacy White Coat Program: Each entering P1 student receives their White Coat at a ceremony in August. Sponsors/mentors can donate a White Coat to a student for $50 and can elect to have their names and contact information included on a card that’s placed inside the student’s coat pocket. This way, students can send a formal thank you, and, with the sponsor’s permission, perhaps utilize the sponsor as an informal mentor as the student makes her or his way through the next four years.

With this program, we hope to start a new tradition between our alumni and current students - a tangible reminder that the Drake pharmacy community is supportive and wishes its newest members success.

To participate:
1. Contact Emily Westergaard at Emily.westergaard@drake.edu or at 515-271-4049 to receive a pledge form and business reply envelope, or provide credit card information over the phone.

2. Those interested can also make a secure gift online. Indicate that your gift will go to the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and, under Specific Requests, please type in "White Coat Program." If you would like to have your name and contact information included on a card for the student, please also add “Mentor” to the Special Requests box.

University of Iowa College of Pharmacy White Coat Program: For more information on becoming a mentor at the University of Iowa COP, contact Vern Duba at Vernon-duba@uiowa.edu. 

Current Preceptors
Journal Club: Do you want CE on breaking news in drug therapy? Do you want to participate in a live CE program, but don’t have time to travel to a meeting? Do you want to interact with other pharmacists to discuss new drugs and breakthrough studies and their place in your pharmacy practice?  If yes, then join the Club! The 2008 Log-In to Learn Yearly Subscriber is $75.

On the 2nd Wednesday of every month in 2008 (February - November) from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. CST. Benefits of Being a Log-In to Learn Annual Subscriber:

• You will automatically be registered and receive the information for each month’s edition.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest information on a new drug or a breakthrough clinical trial recently published.
• Receive up to 2.0 CEUs/20.0 hours of therapeutic continuing education.
• If you miss a session, you will receive an access code to activate the archived program you missed at any time throughout the year.
• If you are a preceptor, this is a great teaching opportunity with your student because it is structured to enhance discussion between you and your student.
• You receive 10 journal clubs for the price of 3!

Leadership Pharmacy Conference: Pharmacists in their first 10 years of practice are eligible to apply for the IPA Leadership Pharmacy Conference.  This conference is a great opportunity for new preceptors to grow professionally. 

Legislative Day: IPA’s Annual Legislative Day is a great opportunity to demonstrate to student pharmacists the importance of being involved in the political process.  Students will learn first hand pharmacy’s current legislative and regulatory issues and changes, and will also have the opportunity to visit the capitol and speak with their legislators.  Attending this event with a preceptor is beneficial to students who have not learned about the political process through pharmacy school.  Feeling intimidated yourself about attending Legislative Day?  Contact Nicole Schultz at nschultz@iarx.org for more information.

APhA’s Community Pharmacist Preceptor Education Program