American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) is a national organization dedicated to advancing pharmacy education, research, scholarship, and professional practice in the United States. Founded in 1900, AACP serves as the collective voice of academic pharmacy, representing the interests of pharmacy schools and colleges accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The association plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmacy education and ensuring the profession meets the evolving healthcare needs of society.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is to lead and partner with members in advancing pharmacy education, research, scholarship, practice and service to improve societal health. AACP's vision is to transform the future of pharmacy by promoting innovation, excellence, and advocacy in education, research, and practice.

Membership

Membership in AACP comprises all accredited and pre-accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States, including more than 130 institutions. The association offers various categories of membership, including institutional, individual, and student memberships, to support the diverse needs of the pharmacy education community.

Programs and Services

AACP offers a wide range of programs and services designed to support its members in achieving excellence in pharmacy education and research. These include:

• Professional development programs, such as workshops, webinars, and the annual meeting, which provide faculty and administrators with opportunities to enhance their teaching, research, and leadership skills.
• Advocacy efforts to influence public policy and funding decisions that affect pharmacy education and research.
• Resources and initiatives to support curriculum development and assessment, aiming to ensure that pharmacy graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of patients and the healthcare system.
• The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), a centralized application service that simplifies the process of applying to multiple pharmacy schools and colleges.

Annual Meeting

One of the highlights of AACP's activities is its annual meeting, which brings together faculty, administrators, and students from pharmacy schools across the country. The meeting features educational sessions, workshops, poster presentations, and networking opportunities, all aimed at advancing pharmacy education and practice.

Publications

AACP publishes several key resources to support its mission, including:

• American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE), the official scholarly publication of the association, which disseminates research and commentary relevant to pharmacy education.
• Academic Pharmacy Now, a magazine that highlights the achievements and challenges of academic pharmacy and its contributors.

Leadership

The governance of AACP includes a Board of Directors, comprised of elected officers and representatives from member institutions. The association's day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Director and a staff team based at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

Challenges and Opportunities

The field of pharmacy education faces numerous challenges, including adapting to changes in healthcare delivery, integrating new technologies into the curriculum, and addressing the shortage of pharmacy educators. AACP plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges, advocating for policies and practices that support the profession's growth and evolution.

Conclusion

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is a vital organization in the landscape of healthcare education in the United States. Through its programs, services, and advocacy, AACP works to ensure that pharmacy education continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of society, preparing pharmacists to play a critical role in patient care and healthcare management.