Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) – International Accreditation
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Arab American University affirms its ongoing commitment to applying the highest international academic quality standards. This is demonstrated through the rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process of its Bachelor of Pharmacy program, conducted according to the stringent American standards issued by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in the United States.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is a specialized and internationally recognized American accreditation body in the field of evaluating pharmacy education programs. It employs an advanced framework to ensure the quality of pharmacy education and its outcomes. The accreditation process includes a series of rigorous and systematic procedures, beginning with a comprehensive institutional self-study, followed by a detailed review of documents and data, a site visit by a team of international experts, and culminating in the issuance of the accreditation decision and ongoing monitoring for continuous improvement.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy program's attainment of ACPE accreditation (or its inclusion in the international accreditation track) represents specialized academic program accreditation, not merely membership or formal recognition. It reflects the Faculty's genuine commitment to meeting the recognized American standards in pharmacy education. This accreditation affirms the quality of the curriculum, the competence of the Faculty, the development of the educational infrastructure, and the effectiveness of the Faculty's quality assurance systems.
While this accreditation is limited to the Pharmacy program within the Faculty of Pharmacy and does not constitute full institutional accreditation for the University, it contributes to enhancing the academic standing of the Arab American University, boosting the competitiveness of its graduates regionally and internationally, and supporting opportunities for global academic and professional collaboration.
The Faculty of Pharmacy remains committed to a policy of continuous improvement and maintaining its program's alignment with international best practices, thereby serving the quality of pharmaceutical education and keeping pace with the latest developments in the profession.
What is ACPE Accreditation?
ACPE accreditation is one of the most important international accreditations in pharmaceutical education. The Council sets rigorous standards to ensure the quality of pharmacy programs and the preparation of pharmacists according to international best practices.
Accreditation is granted after a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
Curriculum quality
Faculty members’ competence
Facilities, infrastructure, and laboratories
Practical and clinical training
Student services
Learning outcomes and quality assurance
This accreditation is a public declaration that a program meets the approved educational standards after an initial assessment and subsequent periodic evaluations. This gives the Faculty a competitive edge regionally and internationally.
The importance of obtaining the ACPE Accreditation by Faculty of Pharmacy
First: At the Academic Level
It confirms that the program meets and adheres to rigorous American and international standards in pharmaceutical education.
It enhances the quality of education and clinical training.
It increases the international competitiveness of graduates.
Second: At the Institutional Level
Enhances the Arab American University's global reputation and raises its ranking.
Fosters confidence among students and employers.
Opens avenues for international cooperation and exchange programs, and strengthens international academic partnerships.
Attracts outstanding students from within and outside Palestine.
Third: At the Professional Level for Students and Graduates
Preparing graduates to a world-class standard.
Facilitating graduates' access to postgraduate studies at top international universities and scholarship opportunities.
Enhancing their chances of taking international exams and working in regional and global markets.
Aligning skills with the demands of the modern pharmacy market.
Giving their degree greater strength and credibility with professional bodies.
Nature of the Evaluation Process
The Faculty underwent a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process according to strict American standards and went through detailed stages that included:
A comprehensive self-study
A live audit by a team of international experts
A decision by the ACPE Board
Subsequent periodic follow-up and evaluation
This process aims to ensure continuous quality and improve academic performance. Accreditation is not granted only once; it requires periodic evaluation, quality reports, and ongoing development plans to ensure the Faculty is constantly evolving and keeping pace with the latest scientific advancements.
Scope of Affiliation within the University
Accreditation is for a programmatic program, not a general institutional one.
It is affiliated with:
Faculty of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) Program
Value: Enhancing quality and international reputation
The Faculty of Pharmacy at the Arab American University attainment of the American (ACPE) accreditation represents a global certificate of the quality of the pharmacy program academically and in training, and confirms the Faculty of Pharmacy’s commitment to preparing pharmacists with a professional and scientific level capable of competing regionally and internationally and serving the community according to the highest global standards.
Click to view the ACPE accreditation website
