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Influence of Board-Certified Preceptors on Pharmacy Students' Intention to Pursue Specialty Certification
Samar Younes1, Muna Barakat2, Eman M El-Labbad3
1School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon; Inserm U1094, IRD UMR270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Global Health - Michel Dumas, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France.
Objective:
As clinical pharmacy expands, Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification is increasingly recognized as a gateway to advanced practice. However, little is known about how pharmacy students in the Middle East perceive this credential or how exposure to board-certified preceptors shapes their career ambitions. This study examined students' awareness of BPS certification, intention to pursue specialization, and the educational impact of training under board-certified preceptors.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was administered to senior pharmacy students at multiple Middle Eastern and North African universities. The validated questionnaire explored demographics, awareness, preceptor exposure, and perceived educational impact. A total of 684 eligible responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Among the respondents, 386 (56.4%) reported awareness of BPS certification, while 308 (45.0%) expressed interest in pursuing board certification. Nearly half (47.5%) had trained under at least 1 board-certified preceptor during clinical rotations. Students exposed to board-certified preceptors showed significantly greater intention to pursue BPS certification. They also reported stronger mentorship experiences (mean score, 4.21/5), greater confidence in clinical decision-making (mean, 4.18/5), and enhanced communication and interprofessional skills (mean, 4.09/5). Students frequently described board-certified preceptors as inspiring mentors who simplified complex clinical concepts and encouraged professional curiosity.
Conclusion:
Exposure to board-certified preceptors was significantly associated with students' confidence, professional identity, and intention to pursue BPS certification. Strengthening preceptorship structures and increasing access to highly experienced clinical educators, including board-certified practitioners, may support the development of a more confident, skilled, and specialty-oriented future pharmacy workforce.
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