Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Overview
CPD is an approach to lifelong learning. ACPE defines CPD as a self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is applied into practice. It involves the process of active participation in formal and informal learning activities that assist individuals in developing and maintaining continuing competence, enhancing their professional practice, and supporting achievement of their career goals.
The principles of CPD have already been incorporated into continuing education systems in several countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the US, several national pharmacy organizations, including ACPE, have adopted statements or policy regarding CPD. The CPD approach is being implemented and studied in academic, regulatory, and practice environments.
CPD Program Application
Submissions for CPD program accreditation will be accepted starting January 1st, 2024. To prepare your submission, please use the attestation checklist and rubric, policies and procedures, and principles documents included below. For questions related to the application process or CPD program accreditation, please contact ACPE staff at [email protected].
CPD Webinar Series
CPD educational resources, including presentations and their associated documents.
CPD Case Study Series: Examples of CPD in Practice
| CPD Case Study Series: Episode 4 – Integrating a CPD Process for Student Pharmacists |
| Description: In Episode 4, hear Dr. Mary Bridgeman, Dr. Christine Parikh, and Dr. Kristin Reinaker from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, discuss the implementation of an eight semester course series designed to provide a framework for tracking professional readiness, professional identify formation, and prepare students for lifelong learning by introducing and applying the process and principles of CPD! |
| CPD Case Study Series: Episode 3 – CPD for Preceptors |
| Description: In Episode 3 of the CPD Case Study Series, hear Dr. Amanda Margolis (University of Wisconsin – Madison) describe the implementation and outcomes of a CPD program for pharmacy preceptors. |
| CPD Case Study Series: Episode 2 – CPD for Learners at the Connecticut Pharmacists Association |
| Description: In Episode 2 of the CPD Case Study Series, hear Lisa Capobianco (Vice President, Operations at the Connecticut Pharmacists Association) and Dr. Brian Pelletier describe their experience with implementing a CPD program for learners at their state association. Additionally, hear from two learners who completed the program! In this example, peer coaching, learner cohorts, and simplifying the CPD documentation process were all important factors to consider when implementing a CPD program. |
| CPD Case Study Series: Episode 1 – CPD in APPE Experiences |
| Description: In Episode 1 of the CPD Case Study Series, hear Dr. Kelsey Frederick (University of Tennessee Health Science Center), Dr. Janet Cooley (University of Arizona), and Dr. Suzanne Larson (Midwestern University) describe an innovative application of continuing professional development (CPD) principles, using CPD to structure an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) at three different institutions. Slides and supportive resources are available. For more information from the authors, visit: https://cpdappe.weebly.com/ |
Where Does CPD Fit? Conversations on Relicensure, Preceptor Development, Continuing Education, and Pharmacy Curriculum
| CPD Approach for Maintenance of Licensure: A Board of Pharmacy’s Early Experiences |
| Description: Discussion of the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy’s experience with CPD as an alternative to hours-based CE for re-licensure. |
| CPD for Preceptors: Modeling Self-Directed Lifelong Learning |
| Description: Tips for preceptors to model self-directed lifelong learning for pharmacy students. |
| Integrating CPD into Continuing Pharmacy Education: CPE Provider Perspective |
| Description: Offers ways accredited providers can integrate CPD concepts into CPE activities and programs. |
| Considerations for Integrating CPD into Pharmacy Curriculum |
| Description: Approaches for college/school of pharmacy faculty to engage students in the principles of CPD. |
Foundations of CPD
| Connecting CPD to Career Goals |
| Description: Practical tips for using the CPD approach to self-directed lifelong learning in order to advance career goals. |
| CPD: Bridging the Classroom and the Workplace |
| Description: Discussion of the importance of application of learning into practice as part of the CPD cycle. |
Providers of Accredited CPD Programs
ACPE accredits Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs developed by organizations to facilitate a self-directed, ongoing, systematic, and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning. The providers included in this list are accredited by ACPE to facilitate the CPD process for their learners.
The providers listed below have developed CPD programs structured around the Principles for Continuing Professional Development and are continually monitored for maintenance of quality and efforts toward improvement. Participants in activities sponsored by these providers are encouraged to offer their comments and suggestions regarding activities to the provider and/or ACPE. The directory includes contact information and accreditation status and history for all ACPE-accredited providers. A (Provisional) following a provider’s name indicates that the Provider has Provisional Accreditation Status, which will remain in place until the ACPE CPE Commission and Board of Directors review the program and make an action. ACPE hereby authorizes reproduction of the following listing.
- The University of Florida College of Pharmacy (Provisional)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Provisional)
