Become A Preceptor

Preceptors are an essential part of our student’s education at UIC COP. We have opportunities for preceptors to engage in experiential education throughout all levels of the curriculum, from the first professional year to the fourth professional year.

Please complete the Volunteer Preceptor Intake Application via Qualtrics. After completion, a member of the UIC Experiential Education team will reach out to you with further steps. We sincerely appreciate your interest in becoming a preceptor at UIC!

Volunteer Preceptor Intake Application Link
(code: PRECEPTORCODEUIC)

• Pharmacists must be licensed and in good standing with the state Board of Pharmacy. Exception: Those whose practice environment does not require licensure.
• Preceptors whom are pharmacists must have graduated at least one year ago and be working as a pharmacist in the current setting for the past six months. Exception: Residents or Fellows working under a preceptor who meets the criteria.
• Site must have an established agreement or are willing to enter into such an agreement with UIC.

• Adopt a student-centered learning approach.
• Allow the student to be actively involved in site activities.
• Create an environment where students are of value.
• If there is more than one student OR you have a P4 on site, utilize small group activities where students can teach each other.
• Encourage questions.
• Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned.
• Understand the IPPE/APPE Objectives, Assignments, and Evaluation Process. If there are questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
• Be Ready for the Students Arrival Create an IPPE/APPE plan/calendar for when the students are on site.
• Set aside time for discussion.
• Create a list of possible activities for the student at the site.
• Provide a brief orientation so the students become familiar with your site. Be clear and specific with your expectations of the student.
• If possible, designate a student “area” for their belongings during the IPPE/APPE
• Be organized.
• Practice good communication skills.
• Capitalize on teachable moments.

• Access to University of Illinois library resources which includes an extensive database of online journals, point of care databases (i.e. Natural Medicine, DynaMed, Clinical Pharmacology, etc.), and eResources (i.e. Interlibrary Loan, RefWorks, AccessPharmacy, etc.).
  • U of I LIBRARY RESOURCES 
• Annual CE accredited Preceptor Conference.
  • Note: this conference (at least every other year) is learner-focused and can be used for the mandatory ASHP Residency Preceptor training.
• Professional development resources (including free or discounted CE ) available through our Office of Continuing Education.
  • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
• On-site preceptor development programming as requested by the site.
• Access to experience specific on-demand YouTube video trainings.
• Eligibility for Adjunct or Affiliate Faculty appointment in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy.
• Teaching opportunities for pharmacist preceptors within our core and elective didactic curriculum.
• Opportunity to enroll your PGY1 residents in the UIC Residency Teaching Certificate Program.
• Teaching opportunities for your PGY1 and PGY2 residents within our Patient Care Skills Laboratory.
• Opportunity for an Academic rotation for your PGY1 and PGY2 residents.
• Potential for research and scholarship collaborations in focused areas with established UIC faculty.

This list is a sampling of our resources, and many additional collaborative opportunities are available. We encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss ways we can collaborate and support your site and preceptors.