What This Document Is
This is a syllabus for a professional development course (PHAR 7010) offered at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, specifically designed for pharmacy students undertaking their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). It outlines the framework for a continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio, a crucial component of a pharmacist’s ongoing learning and competency maintenance. The syllabus details the course structure, expectations, and resources available to students as they begin to take ownership of their lifelong learning journey.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for pharmacy students preparing to transition from the structured learning environment of a didactic curriculum to the self-directed learning required in professional practice. It’s particularly valuable for students who want to proactively understand the evolving expectations for pharmacist competency and how to navigate the process of continuous professional development. Students enrolled in or preparing for APPE rotations will find this resource particularly beneficial, as it directly relates to their experiential learning and future licensure.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides the *structure* of the course and the *principles* of CPD, but it does not offer completed examples of CPD portfolios or specific learning plans. It won’t provide direct answers to individual learning needs or preceptor challenges. It also doesn’t detail the specific requirements of APPE sites, but rather focuses on how to integrate CPD *within* those experiences. Access to the full syllabus is required to understand the detailed assignments, grading criteria, and specific resources provided.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the concept of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its importance in the pharmacy profession.
* Information about the course director, pharmacist coaches, and experiential education liaisons involved in the program.
* Context regarding national initiatives and task forces shaping the future of CPD in the United States.
* Insight into the role students can play in advancing CPD practices.
* A description of how the course aims to prepare students for self-directed learning during and after their APPE rotations.