(40) Development of Alternative Digitaal Credentialing Program on Leadership

Objective : An alternative digital credentialing (ADC) for leadership development called LEAPS (Leadership Education and Advocacy for Pharmacy Students) is described and evaluated.

Methods: Research regarding student interest in leadership development and employer support for importance and desired proficiency level of specific leadership competencies was obtained. Phi Lambda Sigma students helped with facilitating and course planning. The course planning grid consisted of four modules offered over the academic year, each lasting four weeks.
The course planning grid outlined learning objectives. activities (pre-session assignments, synchronous session and post-session assignments) and assessments for each module. The first four modules focused on self-awareness of leadership style. emotional intelligence. leading others with diversity, equity. and inclusion. and facilitating conflict resolution. Students developed a personal leadership philosophy statement during LEAPS.
Successful completion of LEAPS required participation. completion of all assignment. and competency as assessed using rubrics. Students completed evaluations assessing the structure and the perceptions of value in learning about leadership. The University required employer's letters of support for the program before issuing the digital badge.

Results: The first leadership ADC was approved and offered by the School of Pharmacy during the 2023-24 academic year. Seven P3 and four P2 students completed the program. Module evaluations indicated agreement with the content of the program meeting leadership needs and the structure of the program facilitating learning.

Conclusions: The first ADC on leadership developed for pharmacy students was successfully developed and offered. The format for offering an ADC for non-technical skills will serve as a framework for further levels of leadership skills development. The involvement of students as program facilitators further helps in leadership development.