Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Office of Experiential Affairs recently held its 12th Annual Continuing Education & Preceptor Development Conference for Registered Pharmacists on October 16th. This virtual event, which welcomed over 40 preceptors, faculty, and alumni via Zoom, provided an engaging platform for professional growth and development in the field of pharmacy.
The conference covered a variety of relevant topics, including the integration of NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) preparation into Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations, effective strategies for motivating Gen Z students, and updates on recent changes in Massachusetts pharmacy law. This year’s event also featured a unique addition: a student panel led by WNE pharmacy students, who shared insights on what makes a preceptor and rotation experience impactful from a student’s perspective.
According to the Society of Health-System Pharmacists, “Pharmacy preceptors serve an integral role in the training of pharmacy students and residents through mentoring and educating in real world settings to fulfill experiential learning objectives. Effectively precepting pharmacy students and/or residents requires an extensive skill set, which very few possess naturally.”
For those who could not attend, the WNE College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Office of Experiential Affairs offers ongoing professional development opportunities, including the monthly “Lunch & Learn” series. These 30-minute Zoom sessions, held live on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 PM EST, provide concise, practical insights for pharmacists. Sessions are also recorded for later viewing.
The next Lunch & Learn will be on November 20th, featuring Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Maria Charbonneau. Her presentation, titled “Diving into NAPLEX Competencies: Preparing Students Through Case-Based Learning,” will explore innovative methods for supporting students’ NAPLEX readiness.
This conference represents WNE's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences ongoing commitment to support its pharmacy preceptors and alumni in their professional journeys.
