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University of Colorado Denver

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Experiential Training

Rotations

All rotations for NTPD students are five weeks full-time or 200 hours long. Students must perform at least two rotations out of the six total APPEs, which comprise the experiential training component of the NTPD program.

ACPE accreditation standards specify the required APPEs to be performed in the United States if the student joined our program after July 1, 2007. However, elective rotations can be completed in Canada.

The NTPD program will make every attempt to arrange rotations at sites near the student’s workplace, and  rotations may be available on a part-time basis in cooperation with the preceptor. Some rotations may be performed at the pharmacist’s usual practice site with prior approval from the Experiential Coordinator. A student may receive approval if a conflict of interest is not present at the student’s practice site. Students are asked to remain flexible, as some regions of the country, including rural areas, have limited rotation sites. In those cases, students will complete their rotations in Colorado. 

Experiential Planning Call:  Students may begin planning for their rotations upon program admission by completing an experiential planning call. Students may schedule this by contacting the NTPD Office.

Pre-Rotation Requirements

All NTPD students must complete pre-rotation requirements prior to starting a rotation. The NTPD office will review the student’s academic file to ensure the student completed the pre-rotation requirements listed below. Once the NTPD office confirms the student has completed the pre-rotation requirements, then the student will be eligible to register for their rotation. All students must register for their rotation prior to starting their rotation.

Pre-Rotation Requirements

  • Complete an experiential planning call. Contact the NTPD office to schedule this call.
  • Submit all pre-rotation requirements one semester prior to the start of the first rotation.
  • Finish the following didactic coursework:
    • PRDO 7700 Clinical Skills Foundation
    • PRDO 7240 Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice
    • PRDO 7460 Advanced Drug Literature Evaluation and Clinical Applications
    • PRDO 7560 Instructional Methods, with Seminars in Pharmaceutical Care
    • 4 ADSM courses, including the specific ADSM course that corresponds to each rotation.
  • Have a professional GPA of at least 2.0.
  • The NTPD office must approve the rotation and receive a signed affiliation agreement, preceptor CV and rotation syllabus.
  • Review the Rotation Manual.

Students should review the rotation documents found in the resources section to learn more about the rotation process.

Drug Information Rotation

The NTPD program strongly suggests students complete the drug information rotation first, as it will provide drug information skills essential to subsequent rotations. Students may complete the drug information rotation through a traditional rotation site, such as a drug information center, or online through the NTPD program’s distance delivery drug information rotation. This rotation is an innovative option that was recognized with an Honorable Mention Award in the Innovations in Teaching Competition through the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy in 2003. Candidates work one-on-one with an experienced drug information preceptor by e-mail and phone, and have similar learning experiences to those offered in an on-site university-based drug information center, such as responding to questions, preparing newsletters and drug formulary monographs, and participating in journal clubs. The distance delivery drug information rotation is offered every semester and must be completed within one semester's time. In addition, the distance delivery drug information rotation is considered as one of the two required live rotations.

All students should review the drug information rotation manual, and further eligibility information about this rotation can be found in the pre-rotation requirements section.

Preceptor Information

Prior to the start of each rotation, preceptors will:

  • Review the rotation manual. The manual contains rotation policies, procedures and answers to many questions about the rotation process. Preceptors are expected to follow the policies and procedures throughout the rotations. Questions should be directed to the NTPD program’s experiential coordinator.
  • Submit a rotation syllabus and include the rotation start and stop dates.
  • Submit a current copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
  • Assist in obtaining an affiliation agreement with your practice site. Please contact the NTPD Office with the contact information for the name of the person who will facilitate this process with the NTPD program.

Preceptor Development Resources:  As a valued member of our preceptor community, the NTPD program would like our preceptors to take advantage of our preceptor development resources, which are designed to facilitate a successful educational experience while precepting our NTPD students.