Frequently Asked Questions

As a Preceptor, what would my responsibilities be?

Preceptors are responsible for guiding and mentoring student pharmacists. Approving the students' hours and completing the midpoint and final student evaluations are also tasks required of Preceptors. It is also requested that Preceptors attend training if possible and maintain an open line of communication with both the students and California Northstate University College of Pharmacy.  

How can I get involved with the College?

There are many ways for Preceptors to get more involved with California Northstate University College of Pharmacy. Emails sent to Preceptors on a monthly basis contain information about community service projects put on by the school or students. Preceptors who wish to lecture or sit on a committee are encouraged to contact the Program Coordinator at experiential@cnsu.edu.  

What are the benefits to becoming a Preceptor?

Precepting is not just beneficial to students; Preceptors gain a lot from the experience as well.

Preceptors attain academic appointment with promotion eligibility.

Preceptors also become eligible for free Continuing Education (CE) training, including our Annual Preceptor Conference. To learn more about our upcoming CE training opportunities, you can always access the California Northstate College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP) website to view our event flyers under the Experiential Education tab.

Additionally, Preceptors receive access to our online Library Resources, including Clinical Pharmacology, Micromedex, IDIS, and ScienceDirect & Life Sciences Collection at no charge. Also, Preceptors receive a free subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter.

Each year, CNUCOP holds a Preceptor Appreciation Banquet to recognize and reward the extraordinary dedication and efforts of our Preceptors. This event affords Preceptors the opportunity to win awards that highlight both their individual accomplishments, as well as their contributions to the education of our students.

In addition to these benefits, working with the students allows Preceptors to keep current with the pharmaceutical industry while recruiting and boosting the retention rate of future staff. It also gives Preceptors the opportunity to contribute to the development of the pharmacy profession and shape a developing pharmacy program. One of the greatest benefits of being a Preceptor is having the chance to actively mold the pharmacists of tomorrow and form personally and professionally rewarding relationships with student pharmacists.

What are the demographics of the student body?

The demographics of the California Northstate University College of Pharmacy student body can be found here.  

What kind of time commitment is required of Preceptors?

The time commitment for an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience consists of 60-75 hours per block spent supervising the student. An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience requires at least 40 hours per week with the student for six weeks, in addition to the time spent completing the student's evaluation.  

What happens if the students do not demonstrate professional behavior?

 If a student's performance is unsatisfactory in any way, the Preceptor should contact the Program Coordinator and they will work together to rectify the situation. Preceptors are strongly encouraged to reflect any problems with professionalism in the midpoint and final evaluations of their students.  

What are some appropriate tasks for students to complete

Depending on the type of rotation, the Experiential Education Program will provide a list of potential activities for students to complete. Some examples for a community Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience are as follows:

File prescriptions

Check Rx shelves for outdated medications, remove outdates and flag all products that outdate within 6 months

Assist the pharmacist with consultation

Take customer's blood pressure

Diagram the main workflow for prescription processing  

How do I become a Preceptor?

Instructions for becoming a Preceptor are outlined on the Become a Preceptor page.