Influence of Board-Certified Preceptors on Pharmacy Students' Intention to Pursue Specialty Certification

Abstract

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.