In today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, continuing pharmacy education (CPE) remains the standard to promote problem solving, learn new competences, and refresh skills for pharmacy practitioners. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CPE has been part of its culture for 50 years – providing essential services to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to give them the skills to improve patient care. As one of the nation’s early adopters of continuing pharmacy education, CU Pharmacy continues to lead through innovation, advancing programs that anticipate industry needs and shape the future of pharmacy practice.
Responding to real-time needs
“One of the most meaningful examples of CPE directly influencing patient care came from a pharmacist who attended one of our Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery training certifications,” said Rachel Wagmaister, Program Manager of CU Pharmacy’s CPE programs. “Shortly after completing the certification, she was able to bring vaccination services into her rural community pharmacy. Within the first flu season, her pharmacy provided over 300 vaccinations. She later shared that not only did this expand her scope of practice, but it also strengthened trust with patients who began to view the pharmacy as a primary touchpoint for preventive care.”
Dr. Jennifer Trujillo, PharmD, Associate Dean for Education at CU Pharmacy, cites widespread CPE immunization training for pharmacists as one of the most impactful moments in CU Pharmacy CPE history.
“CPE played a central role in quickly equipping pharmacists to deliver vaccines, ultimately expanding access to care and public health reach,” Dr. Trujillo said.
“At CU, we’re especially proud of our CPE programs that have responded in real time to critical needs—such as our offerings on COVID-19 therapeutics, opioid stewardship, and collaborative practice models—demonstrating agility and relevance.”
Empowering pharmacy leaders in a changing healthcare environment
As the School celebrates 50 years of ACPE-accredited CPE programs in 2025, looking back, and planning for the future, both come into play. Trujillo says the CPE program has been instrumental in empowering pharmacists to take on expanded roles and advance the profession.
“When immunization authority was granted, CPE provided the structured training that allowed pharmacists to safely and confidently deliver vaccines,” she said. “As specialty pharmacy has emerged, our CPE offerings have evolved to cover areas like biologics, biosimilars, and care coordination. And with precision medicine gaining traction, we’ve developed programs focused on pharmacogenomics and personalized therapy. CPE allows for rapid, focused upskilling in these areas, ensuring that pharmacists are not only prepared but positioned as leaders in emerging fields.”
Expanding access and adapting to change
Wagmaister has been with the CU Office of Continuing Education for the past five years. She and Trujillo have worked to bring relevant courses to the program, adapt to a hybrid and online education delivery system, and initiated the new Pharmacy Technician course, which prepares learners to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Many of the programs are asynchronous, interactive formats that accommodate the diverse schedules and learning preferences of busy practitioners, and according to Trujillo, they have incorporated multimedia content, case-based learning, and assessment tools that enhance knowledge retention.
“Our current content reflects emerging priorities such as motivational interviewing, alternative healthcare trends, and mental health awareness,” Wagmaister said. "We have also broadened educational opportunities for pharmacy technicians to support the growing technician career opportunities.
"By staying responsive to practice trends and healthcare system needs, our program equips participants not only to fulfill licensure requirements but also to advance patient care and adapt to new models of practice.”
Strengthening community through collaboration
Wagmaister cites the program’s close relationship with alumni and the community for its longevity and success.
“Our CPE office prides itself on building strong partnerships both within the university and across the broader healthcare community,” she said. “We actively invite and engage alumni in new and upcoming CPE offerings, with some even returning to serve as facilitators and lecturers in our activities.”
Wagmaister also accredits interprofessional national conferences, serves on planning committees, and opens CU Pharmacy facilities to host events that bring together alumni, practitioners, and healthcare partners. In this way, the CPE program has become a cornerstone for sustaining professional relationships while advancing pharmacy practice and patient care.
Preparing for the next 50 years
“Continuing pharmacy education has been fundamental to the evolution of pharmacy practice over the past five decades,” Trujillo said. “At its core, CPE supports the profession’s commitment to lifelong learning, helping pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists remain current, competent, and responsive to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.”
As for the future, Wagmaister envisions lifelong learning to have a permanent place in healthcare leadership.
“Innovation is fueled by knowledge, and our CPE office embraces lifelong learning as the driving force behind progress,” she said. “By cultivating and promoting knowledge, we unlock the future of pharmacy and healthcare.”
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