Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy and providers of continuing pharmacy education in the United States. It also offers certification for pharmacy technician education and training programs. ACPE is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to accredit professional degree programs in pharmacy and is the only agency recognized to accredit first professional degree programs in pharmacy in the U.S.

History

The ACPE was established in 1932 for the accreditation of pre-service education, and since then, it has expanded its accreditation activities to include postgraduate pharmacy residency and pharmacy technician training programs. The council's mission is to assure and advance excellence in education for the profession of pharmacy. ACPE's accreditation standards ensure that pharmacy education programs meet or exceed minimum requirements for quality and content.

Accreditation Process

The accreditation process by ACPE involves a comprehensive review of the pharmacy program or continuing education provider, including an evaluation of the curriculum, faculty qualifications, learning resources, and facilities. The process also includes a site visit by a team of evaluators. Programs that meet the standards are granted accreditation for a specific period, after which they must undergo re-evaluation to maintain their accredited status.

Standards and Guidelines

ACPE sets standards and guidelines for the education of pharmacists to prepare them for the contemporary practice of pharmacy. These standards address the structure and content of the curriculum, the quality of the faculty, the adequacy of resources, and the effectiveness of the educational program in achieving its goals and objectives. The standards are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in pharmacy practice and education.

Continuing Pharmacy Education

In addition to accrediting professional degree programs, ACPE accredits providers of continuing pharmacy education. This accreditation ensures that practicing pharmacists have access to high-quality continuing education that is relevant to current pharmacy practice and promotes lifelong learning.

Pharmacy Technician Education and Training

ACPE also offers accreditation for pharmacy technician education and training programs. This accreditation process is designed to ensure that these programs meet established standards for content, quality, and effectiveness in preparing pharmacy technicians for their roles in the pharmacy team.

Impact

ACPE's accreditation activities have a significant impact on the quality of pharmacy education and training in the United States. Accreditation by ACPE is often required for program eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Furthermore, graduation from an ACPE-accredited program is a prerequisite for licensure as a pharmacist in many states.

See Also

• Pharmacy Education
• Continuing Education
• Pharmacy Technician
• United States Department of Education