Online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) 

Thank you for becoming a preceptor for our University of Findlay College of Pharmacy PharmD program. The success of our program depends on the dedication of pharmacists such as yourself who are interested in contributing to our students’ educational process. 

This guide provides baseline information about the precepting experience, as well as answers to a number of frequently asked questions. However, please feel free to reach out to your student’s faculty instructor if you have any additional questions.

PRECEPTOR AND STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Preceptor Role

A preceptor is an experienced pharmacist with the desire to give back to the next generation and agrees to provide students a positive learning environment using a variety of skills and educational opportunities. Preceptors serve as role models, showing professional behavior, demonstrating practice knowledge and expertise with ethics, laws and exposure to a variety of different practice areas.

As a preceptor you will be asked to provide constructive feedback to help your student maintain a safe learning environment and determine appropriate tasks/assignments for the student. Preceptors collaborate and communicate with their students and faculty at UF to ensure the experience is satisfactory for all parties.

As a preceptor, you will engage in multiple roles, such as:

• Teacher
• Coach
• Leader/Influencer
• Facilitator/Socialization Agent
• Evaluator
• Protector
• Role Model
• Practice Expert

Preceptor Responsibilities

As a preceptor, you will also have several responsibilities:

• Provide support and encouragement to the student
• Provide a variety of learning experiences within the pharmacy practice setting
• Educate/inform the student about policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Expect and communicate with the student to work on days/times according to your schedule throughout the rotation together
• Notify the student of any changes in the schedule
• Support the student in their learning of skills and professional behaviors
• Maintain or co-sign the time log to document the student’s precepted hours
• Report any issues, concerns, adverse events or unfavorable outcomes to the appropriate contact at Findlay in a timely manner
• Offer frequent feedback to the student on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
• Notify the faculty if the student is not meeting objectives
• Complete evaluations as requested

Student Responsibilities

Students also have responsibilities to ensure a successful precepting experience: 

• Arrive on time and take breaks at an appropriate time
• Review personal goals for the precepted experience with the preceptor, and revise if needed
• Determine an appropriate experiential schedule and complete times and dates as scheduled
• Dates and hours selected must not conflict with classes
• Once scheduled for a rotation, make your rotation a priority and avoid other conflicts
• Demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and willingness to learn
• Establish rapport with patients and families when appropriate
• Work as a team member
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff members, and the preceptor
• Follow all pharmacy regulations and guidelines for practice
• Maintain your intern license and other required credentials
• Immediately report any adverse events, issues or unfavorable outcomes to preceptor and faculty, depending on the issue
• Seek new learning experiences and request help when needed
• Share your CV and or electronic portfolio with your preceptor
• Accept guidance and suggestions with a positive attitude
• Improve in skills, knowledge, and understanding of the professional pharmacist role
• Notify the faculty and preceptor of emergency changes in schedule

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE THE FIRST DAY

It is important to cover the following items with the student prior to the start of their rotation or during your first meeting:

• Shift schedule
• Required dress code based on student handbook and pharmacy policy
• Parking policy
• ID badge
• Computer access/training
• Expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, preparedness, etc.
• Absence policy and expectations
• Current skill level and position in course progression
• Introductory and advanced rotation objectives and goals (provided by the faculty to guide the student’s experience)
• Share desired main form of communication (email, text, phone, etc.)

PHARMACY ROTATION PREPARATION

Orientation Process

Each pharmacy setting may differ regarding the orientation process for students. Please coordinate with the faculty and pharmacy to ensure proper student orientation. On the first day of the rotation, students need to be oriented by the preceptor to the important pharmacy areas.

Necessary Documentation

All documentation needed for preceptors will be handled by either the pharmacy or the administration office at University of Findlay College of Pharmacy. We recommend preceptors check their email frequently to ensure further documentation or information is not needed.

Setting Expectations, Goals and Objectives

Course and core rotation objectives will be provided by the faculty and should guide the student’s experience. For unique practice sites (nuclear, ICU, ED, anticoag etc.) additional learning objectives may be added to the learning experience.

At the beginning of the rotation, the student and preceptor should sit down and discuss objectives. The preceptor should also inquire about other goals or objectives the student has for their rotations. This information helps the preceptor plan the experience and provide learning opportunities and student-specific instruction.

The preceptor should also be aware of the student’s current skills and knowledge base as it pertains to the pharmacy setting. Using the program plan of study and previous objectives, the preceptor can gain an understanding of the skills and experiences the students are already equipped with.

FORMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS

A crucial role of the preceptor is being an evaluator. On the first day of the rotation, explain to the students that feedback will be provided often throughout the precepted experience. Providing feedback to students is necessary for their learning and growth.