Preceptorship

Pharmacists who act as preceptors for pharmacy students, residents, interns, and technicians not only gain professional satisfaction, but can also use their participation as an accredited learning activity.

Becoming a preceptor offers many benefits, including the personal and professional satisfaction of contributing to the profession. It provides an opportunity to stay up-to-date on pharmacology and reflect on your practice. Additionally, you can claim preceptorship hours during an internship as accredited learning activities, and you may find yourself “re-inspired” about your practice through the fresh perspective of a new practitioner. 

What is a Preceptor?

A preceptor is an experienced practicing pharmacist who supervises and mentors interns during their internship. They help interns apply theoretical knowledge, set performance expectations, provide feedback, and create opportunities to develop the skills and competencies needed for safe and effective pharmacy practice. 

Mandatory Preceptor Training

All preceptors and SPT supervisors must have completed at a minimum, the modules listed below for ONE of the following preceptor training programs:

  • Dalhousie Faculty of Health Professions – Preceptor eLearning Course
    • Module 1 – The Role of the Preceptor
    • Module 3 – Evaluation and Feedback
    • Module 4 – Supporting Students’ Learning Needs
    • Module 6 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion OR
  • University of Western Ontario – Preceptor Education Program
    • Module 2 – Anti-Oppressive Practices
    • Module 3 – Developing Learning Objectives
    • Module 6 – Feedback and Evaluation
    • Module 7 – Successfully Navigating Conflicts
  • For those who are also preceptors of university pharmacy students and pre-graduate interns:
    • University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy – Preceptor Development Program Modules
    • All modules as required by the College of Pharmacy at time of completion.
  • For those who are also preceptors/supervisors of pharmacy technician students from MITT:

Completion of the required preceptorship training program(s) can also be counted as accredited learning, since these programs are offered by Canadian universities.

How to become a preceptor?

The current preceptor application guidelines include the following criteria: 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • The applicant is not on the conditional register. 
  • The applicant has not voluntarily surrendered their registration or license. 
  • The applicant has been licensed in Manitoba for at least one year before the application date. 

Compliance with The Pharmaceutical Act 

  • The applicant is not subject to an outstanding agreement under section 34(1)(f) of The Pharmaceutical Act. 
  • The applicant has not been found guilty of an offense under section 54 of the Act, leading to a Discipline order within the past five years. 
  • The applicant has no outstanding terms of any Discipline Committee order under sections 54, 55, or 56 of The Act. 

Review by the Registrar 

  • The Registrar will review the applicant’s involvement in any active complaints or investigations. 
  • The Registrar will consider any decisions by the Complaints Committee within the past two years. 

Conflict of Interest 

  • The applicant will not serve as a preceptor for immediate family members, including parents, children, spouses, aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws. 

Commitment to Intern Development 

  • The applicant agrees to dedicate time to assist the intern and ensure that the competencies outlined in the internship manual are assessed and met. 
  • As of March 1, 2024, all preceptors/supervisors must complete one of the following approved programs and complete the listed modules: 

Dalhousie Faculty of Health Professions – Preceptor eLearning Course  

  • Module 1 – The Role of the Preceptor  
  • Module 3 – Evaluation and Feedback  
  • Module 4 – Supporting Students’ Learning Needs  
  • Module 6 – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

OR  

University of Western Ontario – Preceptor Education Program  

  • Module 2 – Anti-Oppressive Practices  
  • Module 3 – Developing Learning Objectives  
  • Module 6 – Feedback and Evaluation  
  • Module 7 – Successfully Navigating Conflicts  

OR  

For those who are also preceptors of university pharmacy students and pre-graduate interns:

  • University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy – Preceptor Development Program Modules  
  • All modules as required by the College of Pharmacy at time of completion.  

OR  

For those who are also preceptors/supervisors of pharmacy technician students from MITT:

Preceptors/supervisors who have previously completed one of the above approved programs will not be required to redo the program. Time spent completing the modules are eligible as accredited CEUs, please refer to the “Preceptorship as an Accredited Learning Activity” section below for more details. 

How do I apply to be a preceptor?

Fill out the Preceptor Application Form and submit to registration@cphm.ca. The fillable version of the Preceptor Application form is available via your registrant portal. Please follow the instructions below to locate the file: 

  1. Login to your Registrant Portal 
  2. Go to My Groups 
  3. Select Active Registrants 
  4. Click on Fillable Forms folder then Internship Forms 

How to use preceptorship as an accredited learning activity?

If you are a preceptor for a pharmacy student, resident, intern, or technician, you can count your participation as an accredited learning activity. To do this, document the significant learning experiences you gained during the preceptorship in your online College Learning Portfolio, along with the contact time associated with that learning. 

For example, if a pharmacy student presented a case and you reviewed recent literature in preparation, that research time can be credited as an accredited learning activity. In this case, you would record the following in your Professional Development Log: 

  • Identify the learning activity as part of a College-accredited preceptorship. 
  • Note the College accreditation file number. 
  • Reference the specific articles you reviewed. 
  • Record the time spent reviewing the articles. 
  • Summarize the key ideas or learning points gained. 

After completing the preceptorship, you can calculate the total number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned and include them on your accreditation certificate. One contact hour of an accredited learning activity equals one CEU. Be sure to keep the accreditation certificate in your Learning Portfolio as a record. 

You can print the Statement of Participation for your Learning Portfolio using the following link:  https://cphm.ca/resource/preceptor-statement-of-participation/ 

Preceptorship references

Interns

International pharmacy graduates and students/graduates of the University of Manitoba complete internships to support experiential learning and the registration and licensing process.

Learn more

Structured Practical Training Program

The Structured Practical Training Program ensures that pharmacy technician applicants develop the competencies they need to practice as pharmacy technicians in Manitoba.

Learn more