In a profession built on lifelong learning, pharmacy preceptors play a defining role in shaping the future of practice by creating impactful learning experiences. Every interaction with a learner—whether during a formal discussion or a busy shift—has the potential to influence how they think, grow, and care for patients.
Creating impactful learning experiences doesn’t require more time or complex teaching models. It requires intentional strategies that support growth, confidence, and real-world skill development. Here’s how preceptors can elevate their approach and make learning truly impactful.
Why Impactful Learning Matters in Experiential Education
Experiential learning is where knowledge becomes practice. When learning experiences are structured and supportive, learners engage more deeply, progress faster, and feel more confident in their abilities.
For preceptors, this means:
- Fewer repeated corrections
- Clearer learner expectations
- More rewarding teaching experiences
Intentional precepting benefits not just learners—but patients and pharmacy teams as well.
Deliberate Practice: Improving Skills with Purpose
One of the most effective ways to support learner growth is through Deliberate Practice. Unlike simple repetition, deliberate practice focuses on improving specific skills through targeted effort and feedback.
For example, instead of asking a learner to “counsel more patients,” a deliberate practice approach might involve:
- Focusing on one counseling skill, such as open-ended questioning
- Observing the learner apply it
- Providing immediate, focused feedback
- Encouraging the learner to try again with the next patient
This approach helps learners make measurable improvements and builds confidence more quickly.
Setting Clear, Measurable Learning Objectives
Learners perform best when expectations are clear. Vague goals can create confusion and hesitation, while specific, measurable objectives provide direction and accountability.
Compare these two objectives:
- “Improve patient counseling skills”
- “Accurately counsel three patients using open-ended questions by the end of the week”
The second objective clearly defines success and gives both the learner and preceptor a shared target.
Clear objectives also make feedback easier, more objective, and more meaningful.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
A supportive learning environment encourages learners to ask questions, admit uncertainty, and view mistakes as opportunities to improve. Psychological safety is essential for growth—especially in fast-paced pharmacy settings.
Preceptors can foster this environment by:
- Normalizing questions and learning moments
- Using respectful, non-judgmental language
- Modeling professionalism and calm decision-making
When learners feel supported, they are more engaged and more receptive to feedback.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: Why Language Matters
How feedback is delivered can significantly influence how learners perceive challenges.
- Fixed mindset: Learners may see mistakes as personal failures.
- Growth mindset: Learners view challenges as opportunities to improve skills.
Preceptors play a key role in reinforcing a growth mindset through language. Feedback that focuses on effort, strategy, and next steps helps learners stay motivated and resilient.
For example, instead of saying,
“You’re not confident yet,”
Try:
“Let’s work on a structure that helps you feel more prepared next time.”
This shift encourages improvement rather than discouragement.
Turning Everyday Tasks into Learning Opportunities
Impactful learning doesn’t require extra assignments. Everyday tasks like counseling, verification discussions, patient interactions, can become powerful teaching moments when approached intentionally.
A simple framework:
- Identify one skill to focus on
- Observe the learner apply it
- Provide timely, specific feedback
- Encourage immediate application
Small adjustments like these create consistent, meaningful learning throughout a rotation.
Strengthening Your Preceptor Skills
Precepting is a skill that evolves over time. Foundational training can help preceptors refine their approach, improve learner outcomes, and feel more confident in their teaching role.
Courses like Creating Impactful Learning Experiences: A Guide for Preceptors provide practical strategies to:
- Apply deliberate practice
- Write effective learning objectives
- Foster supportive learning environments
- Deliver feedback that supports growth
Final Thoughts
Preceptors do more than supervise—they shape how future pharmacists learn, adapt, and practice. By setting clear expectations, creating supportive environments, and using intentional feedback, you can transform everyday moments into impactful learning experiences.
Your influence extends far beyond a single rotation. Thoughtful precepting helps build confident professionals and stronger patient care—now and for the future.
