
ACP launched the new Structured Practical Training (SPT) program for pharmacists on May 15, 2025, to help ensure that provisional pharmacists are prepared to enter practice as independent professionals.
The new program included some key changes that will impact pharmacist candidates and preceptors. For preceptors, the eligibility requirements were updated. Previously, preceptors needed to have been on the clinical pharmacist register for at least two years to be eligible for the preceptor role. Now, pharmacists who have been registered on ACP’s clinical pharmacist register for at least one year may be eligible to be a preceptor once they have completed the required training.
Every pharmacist who is interested in becoming a preceptor is required to complete the new mandatory preceptor training in Academy. The new training will help preceptors prepare for their essential roles of teaching, coaching, facilitating learning, and assessing a candidate’s overall readiness to practise.
There have also been updates made to the program to improve the precepting experience, including clearer requirements for supervision and the opportunity for two pharmacists to act as co-preceptors.
Updated preceptor training for pharmacy technicians will be available when the new SPT for pharmacy technicians launches in 2026.
Why should I get involved?
Preceptors are essential to the continual growth and development of the pharmacy profession. One principle outlined in the Code of Ethics is to nurture the profession. This means all regulated members must use their knowledge, skills, and resources to serve patients, contribute to society, and act as stewards of their professions. Precepting offers valuable opportunities to contribute to the future of pharmacy.
Not only does precepting offer a tangible way to contribute to your profession and exemplify the Code of Ethics, but through supporting and teaching candidates, preceptors also gain invaluable leadership experience. The opportunities to mentor, coach, and assess new practitioners is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your own practice, develop new leadership skills, and evolve as a pharmacy professional.
How do I get started?
For any pharmacist who is interested in precepting, your first step is to complete the required preceptor training in Academy. Even if you served as a preceptor under the previous SPT program, this training is essential to ensure you are prepared to support candidates in the new program. You can start this training now in Academy!
What does the training include?
The training consists of the following components:
- a comprehensive overview of the SPT program;
- how to use assessment tools in SPT; and
- preceptor skill development, including mandatory online modules on
- developing clinical reasoning, and
- feedback and evaluation.
You can expect to spend approximately four hours completing the training.
What’s next?
Once you’ve completed your training, there are a few more steps before you’re ready to get started, as follows:
- Complete a declaration that you understand the principles of the SPT program and accept the role and responsibilities of a preceptor.
- Verify that you are in good standing.
- Start accepting candidates!
Getting involved as a preceptor is an invaluable way to foster your personal growth and meaningfully contribute to your profession. Your first step is to complete the preceptor training—get started today!