QUALITY OF PHARMACY EDUCATION

To support the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education’s continuing role of promulgating accreditation standards and guidelines and engaging in sound accreditation processes to ensure quality in the education provided by colleges of pharmacy; further,

To advocate that pharmacy education should proactively incorporate established and emerging practice advancements, practice standards, and innovative technology; further,

To acknowledge that, in addition to a robust curriculum, access to quality experiential educational sites and the availability of qualified faculty (including preceptors) are essential determinants of the ability to provide a quality pharmacy education.

Rationale

The Council supports the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education’s role in ensuring the quality of education provided by colleges of pharmacy. Multiple factors contribute to ongoing fluctuations in the supply and demand of the pharmacy workforce. It remains important that workforce projections are thoughtfully considered when decisions are made regarding program development and expansion. Colleges of pharmacy continue to face nationwide challenges related to enrollment trends, operational costs, and constrained higher education funding. Given our professional responsibility to prepare the next generation of pharmacists for the workforce, colleges of pharmacy and other partners should work innovatively to find solutions that support pipeline development, didactic and experiential education, workforce recruitment and retention, and sustainability across both academic and practice enterprises. Further, we support the ongoing research about the pharmacy workforce through reports such as data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Pharmacist Workforce Study, and other similar state-level projections.

Incorporating pharmacy practice advancements and innovative technology into pharmacy education is essential to prepare future-ready pharmacists who can thrive in evolving healthcare environments. As pharmacists take on expanded roles in clinical decision-making, public health, and digital health, education must align with these changes by integrating tools such as telepharmacy, and AI-assisted care.

Bridging the gap between academic training and real-world practice ensures graduates are competent, collaborative, and adaptable. Additionally, leveraging technologies such as virtual simulations and personalized learning platforms enhances student engagement and skill development. These innovations also support equitable healthcare delivery by training students to serve diverse and underserved populations through modern, accessible care models.