ACPE Releases Updated Definition of Continuing Education (CE) and Guidance on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the Pharmacy Profession

PRESS RELEASE

Chicago, IL —The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is pleased to announce the release of two key documents that provide the profession with guidance and support for continuing pharmacy education and continuing professional development. The ACPE Board of Directors approved the Definition of Continuing Education for the Profession of Pharmacy and the Guidance on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the Profession of Pharmacy during their January 21—25, 2015 meeting in San Diego, CA.

The revised Definition of Continuing Education for the Profession of Pharmacy defines the quality of continuing pharmacy education required by ACPE and the competencies required for CE activity content. Competencies for pharmacists are based on the updated American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s (AACP) Center for the Advancement of Pharmaceutical Education (CAPE) contemporary educational outcomes needed to prepare pharmacists for their evolving role in meeting patient and public health needs. The competencies for pharmacy technicians are drawn from the updated Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) Knowledge Statements. The Definition document is available here and will assist providers of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) in planning activities that will be applicable to the professional development of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

ACPE advises that continuing professional development should include a wide variety of methods for attaining new knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. The Guidance on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the Profession of Pharmacy was developed by ACPE’s CPD Steering Committee and incorporates feedback from a broad survey of the profession that was conducted in July 2014. The Guidance further delineates the types of learning activities that could contribute to the professional development of both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians beyond CPE and provides a process for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to meet and maintain defined competencies in areas relevant to their respective professional responsibilities. The complete Guidance document is available here.

Jennifer L. Baumgartner, PharmD, BCPP, Assistant Director, CPE Provider Accreditation Program and CPD Steering Committee co-chair stated, “The CPD Guidance reflects the culmination of research and concerted efforts of dedicated, experienced leaders focused on the evolving professional development needs of our profession; they are offered to help support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in maintaining and growing their ability to care for patients over time.” ACPE President, Bruce R. Canaday, PharmD, adds, “Both of these documents advance quality of ongoing education and training to assure safe and effective medication use that is continually reflective of the evolution of medical science and technology.”

About the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

ACPEis thenational agencyfor theaccreditationof professionaldegree programsin pharmacy and providersof continuingpharmacy education. In collaboration with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ACPE accredits pharmacy technician education and training programs. ACPE also offersevaluation andcertificationof professionaldegree programsinternationally. Themission of ACPE is toassure and advanceexcellence ineducationfor theprofession ofpharmacy.ACPE isan autonomous andindependentagency whoseBoard ofDirectorsis derivedthrough theAmerican Association ofColleges ofPharmacy (AACP),theAmerican PharmacistsAssociation (APhA),the National Associationof Boardsof Pharmacy(NABP),and theAmerican Councilon Education(ACE).To learnmore aboutACPE, visitwww.acpe-accredit.orgorfollowus on Facebook, LinkedIn,andTwitter.

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