Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) has never been more important – or more dynamic. As pharmacists and pharmacy technicians take on expanded roles in health care, the way they learn and stay up to date is changing fast. Technology is playing a huge role in that shift. And let’s not forget the impact of COVID-19, which forced major changes in how education is delivered – and what it focuses on. In this blog post, we will take a look at where CPE is headed and why it matters. 

Technology Is Transforming How Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Learn

Technology is making education more accessible, flexible, and personal. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians understand that there are multiple ways to obtain continuing education (CE) credits. Many realize that attending in-person lectures or conferences is beneficial, as there are networking opportunities that take place. However, meaningful and high-impact education may also come in formats that are more accessible and convenient for work schedules. CE can be offered using these new technologies: 

  • Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): These tools create immersive, real-world learning experiences – think compounding labs or vaccination simulations.
  • AI-Powered Learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) helps customize content based on what a learner needs and how they learn best. In the case of AI CE offerings, it’s important for the AI to be reviewed and based on scientific evidence.
  • Microlearning on the Go: Short, focused lessons delivered through mobile apps that let pharmacists and pharmacy technicians learn in the moment – between patients, during commutes, or over lunch. These lessons can be in the format of podcasts, short videos, audiobooks, and more.
  • Smarter Learning Platforms: Modern Learning Management System (LMS) tools can track professional development progress, offer real-time feedback, and even support team-based learning. Today’s health professionals are seeking more personalized, relevant learning experiences that directly connect to their individual practice and competence. This is the essence of continuing professional development (CPD), which is accessible via smarter learning platforms like CPE Monitor’s Plus plan.

How COVID-19 Changed the Continuing Education Landscape

The pandemic was a turning point for CE. Practically overnight, CE providers were forced to shift everything online. The silver lining of these pandemic-era changes included the creative rethinking of what CPE can be. 

Here are a few ways COVID left its mark on CE: 

  • Public Health Became a Priority: Topics like vaccine delivery, misinformation, and health equity are now must-haves in continuing education programming.
  • Team-Based Learning Took Off: COVID underscored the importance of interprofessional collaboration. Because of this, more CE programs are bringing different professions together to learn as a team.
  • Interactive Formats Win: Providers embraced technology features like polls, breakout rooms, and case-based discussions, making virtual learning more engaging.
  • Virtual Learning Is Here to Stay: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians got used to learning from home, and they’re not turning back. More hybrid and fully online options are expected going forward.

What About Regulators and Certifying Bodies?

Regulatory and certifying organizations are not just keeping up – they’re actively shaping the future of CE. 

Here’s what’s happening: 

  • Support for Innovation: Accreditation bodies like Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) are updating standards and guidance to support new educational formats, including microlearning, simulation, and virtual interprofessional continuing education (IPCE).
  • Flexibility in Delivery: Many state boards of pharmacy have continued to allow virtual CE activities that were temporarily approved during the COVID-19 emergency. Some have even made permanent updates to their CE requirements to reflect how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians actually learn today.
  • Focus on Competency-Based Models: There’s increasing interest in shifting away from time-based credit (hours earned) toward models that assess real-world application of knowledge and skills, such as ACPE’s CPD accreditation model and certificate programs.
  • Data and Outcomes Matter: Regulators and certifying bodies are placing more emphasis on outcomes by encouraging education providers to collect and report data that shows how CE leads to better practice or improved patient care. 

Where Do We Go From Here?

CE is evolving fast – and that’s a good thing. Here’s what to watch for next: 

  • From Hours to Competence: There’s growing interest in measuring what pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can do – not just how many credits they’ve earned. This shows a shift towards an emphasis on professional development.
  • Learning That Fits Into Real Life: Expect more CE activities that are embedded into daily workflows: ones that are practical, relevant, and immediately useful.
  • Focus on Access and Equity: Digital learning opens doors – but only if everyone has the tools and support to participate. Bridging that gap is essential.
  • Room for Innovation: Accrediting, certification, and regulatory bodies are also adapting and  working to support new formats and creative approaches that meet evolving needs. 

The future of CE is bright and bold. By embracing technology and applying lessons from the pandemic, CE can become more relevant, engaging, and impactful than ever before. 

As the health care landscape changes, CE must keep pace to help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians stay ready, responsive, and resilient. 

Dimitra Travlos, PharmD, FNAP, is the Assistant Executive Director of ACPE. She is also the Director of CPE for Provider Accreditation and Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education at ACPE. ACPE and ACPE-accredited providers collaborate with NABP to provide the CPE Monitor service to pharmacists and technicians.