Information Page (FAQ)
Skaggs School of Pharmacy Continuing Professional Education
Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana is accredited by ACPE as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. We deliver live, home study, on-line, and enduring educational programs for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other health professionals. Program cosponsors include pharmacy professional organizations, agencies and associations within the State of Montana, other organizations and associations for health professionals, and other ACPE providers.
When will I receive my original statement of credit after completing a program?
Each program announcement will state exactly when and how statements of credit will be issued, and the requirements for successful completion of a program. In general, expect to receive your statement of credit 3 to 4 weeks following the completion of all required elements of a program.
I can’t find my ACPE statement of credit: can I receive another?
Yes. You need to contact the Skaggs School of Pharmacy CE Program Assistant to request a duplicate statement of credit (‘soc’). An administrative fee of $10 is charged for duplicate copies. To request a copy now complete the reprint request form. Fax or mail to as instructed on the form. If you have further questions, call 406-243-2339 or email pharmacy.ce@umontana.edu .
I did not receive a brochure in the mail this year, will I receive one?
Skaggs School of Pharmacy does not routinely mail CE program brochures. Instead, a “Save the date” card is mailed in early January of each year for all programs, and program details for all programs are posted at www.health.umt.edu/CE. Contact the Program Assistant to be certain you are on the mailing list for “Save the date” announcements or for further program details. Pharmacy.ce@umontana.edu or call 406-243-2339.
Can I receive partial credit for a course if I can’t stay for the entire program?
Generally no, however, if the program you are attending has multiple UPN numbers (individually approved program days or topics), you may attend each individual program in its entirety to earn credit for that program. To earn CE credit for any program, participants must complete all requirements for completion. These requirements are posted on the program brochure (web posting).
I registered and paid for a program and I can no longer attend: can I request a refund?
Please refer to the individual program brochure posting for instructions, or contact the Program Assistant pharmacy.ce@umontana.edu or 406-243-2339.
What does ACPE stand for?
ACPE is the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the national accrediting body for pharmacy education and pharmacy continuing professional education. ACPE guides accredited providers by establishing quality criteria to be followed in planning, developing, and administering professional education for pharmacists. ACPE accredits providers and evaluates their compliance with ACPE quality standards, and the quality of their educational activities, on an ongoing basis. ACPE approved programs are universally accepted by all state boards of pharmacy in the United States. For more information on ACPE browse to www.acpe-accredit.org
How can I tell if a CE program is ACPE- approved?
Programs approved for ACPE credit by ACPE accredited providers exhibit the ACPE logo on the program brochure.
CE credit earned in programs exhibiting this logo is accepted for license renewal by all boards of pharmacy across the U.S.
What is the ACPE Universal Program Number (UPN)?
A Universal Program Number is an identification number assigned to each new continuing pharmacy education program developed and sponsored, or cosponsored, by an ACPE-accredited provider. Example: 035-999-06-001-L03-P. Each ACPE approved program should exhibit this number in the brochure. Unique numbers are assigned for separate program topics and program days within a conference.
What is a statement of credit?
A statement of credit is the document of evidence of completion a pharmacist obtains after participating in a continuing education activity.
What is continuing professional education (CPE)?
Continuing professional education for the profession of pharmacy is a structured educational activity designed or intended to support the continuing development of pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians to maintain and enhance their competence. Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) should promote problem-solving and critical thinking and be applicable to the practice of pharmacy. CE Providers should ensure that CPE programs facilitate learning for pharmacists to develop and maintain proficiency in the following five core areas:
- delivering patient-centered care,
- working as part of interdisciplinary teams,
- practicing evidence-based medicine,
- focusing on quality improvement and
- using information technology.
For further reading on this go to the ACPE complete definition:
www.acpe-accredit.org/pdf/CE_Definition_Pharmacy_Final_1006-2007.pdf
What is continuing professional development (CPD)?
Continuing Professional Development, commonly referred to as "CPD," is an approach to lifelong learning that is being explored in the United States. One definition that has been offered for CPD is as follows:
"CPD is a self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to learning and professional development."
For a greater understanding of the principles of CPD go to http://www.acpe-accredit.org/pdf/CPD_ACPEWebsite.pdf
How can I contact you with a specific question?
If you need to contact someone directly, please e-mail us at: www.pharmacy.ce@umontana.edu or call (406) 243-2339.
