Student Leadership Council

DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

The NCPA Student Leadership Council exists to represent student pharmacist members of the association. The SLC promotes the profession of pharmacy and the role of independent community pharmacists, and they work to ensure effective communication between NCPA Student Chapters and the NCPA Department of Student Affairs. The SLC also supports the development of future leaders in community pharmacy by recognizing and encouraging student pharmacists who have a strong interest in entrepreneurship and independent pharmacy.

Position Information

The SLC comprises 16 student members who serve a one- to two-year term. Students with one year of pharmacy school left serve a one-year term, and all others serve a two-year term. SLC members serving in the first year of their term are Junior Members, and those serving a second year are Senior Members. We recommend that all SLC members have held or currently hold an office at the chapter level, but don't let that stop you from applying. However, all members must be current NCPA members.

Timeline

Completed SLC applications must be submitted by December 31, and applicants are notified of their appointment status by Feb 1. Junior SLC members will begin their term Feb 1 and are expected to attend the virtual NCPA Leadership Retreat, date TBD. Click here to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I become part of National Student Leadership?

    We recommend that all SLC members have held or currently hold an office at the chapter level, but don't let that stop you from applying. Applications must be submitted by December 31, and applicants will be notified of their appointment status by Feb 1. You can go ahead and turn in your application here.

    Applications must include:

    • 1-page letter of intent describing your interest in SLC, career goals, and interest in community pharmacy

    • Resume or CV

    • 1-page letter of recommendation for a pharmacy school faculty member or dean

    • 1-page letter of recommendation from a pharmacy owner (preferable an NCPA member)

    • Pharmacy school transcript (official or unofficial is accepted) (minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale)

  • Beside the standard requirements, what qualities do you look for in an applicant?

    The selection committee seeks innovative, driven individuals excited about the community pharmacy industry and seeking ways to engage in practice change. We are seeking student leaders who are eager to engage in advocacy and business education. Our selection of students is also keen to engage in entrepreneurship, both in business and clinical innovation.

  • What's the time/travel commitment as an SLC Representative?

    Travel to Events:

    • NCPA's Annual Convention

      • Friday-Sunday

    • NCPA Congressional Fly-In

      • Two-day event

    • SLC Leadership Retreat

      • Varies, usually a two-day event

    • Senior Representatives - NCPA's Steering Committee Meeting

      • Two-day event

    • (Optional) Summer Shows

    Monthly:

    • Attend a monthly meeting (1hrs/month)

    • Officers have an additional E-board meeting per month (1hr/month)

    • Manage your region (2-3hrs/month)

    Yearly Tasks:

    • Grade Midyear reports in (January, 2hrs)

    • Grade End of Year Reports in (July, 2hrs)

    • Present to student chapters (2-4hrs)

    • Fulfill other miscellaneous needs (1-5hrs)

    • (Optional) Plan Student Programming for Convention (10-20hrs)

    Please feel free to contact your SLC Region Representativeto ask any questions about their role.

  • For the recommendation letter, is it a requirement to have a letter written from a pharmacy owner? Can it be from a director or manager?

    While a letter of recommendation from a community pharmacy owner is recommended, we understand you may have a stronger relationship with a director or manager.

    Please get in touch with Student Affairs at [email protected] if you have any questions.

  • Does an SLC position make you a better candidate for a residency?

    The Student Leadership Council will not only allow you to make lasting connections in the industry, it will also provide deeper exposure to community pharmacy. Both of these aspects can shape you to become a more competitive pharmacy resident candidate.

  • Why is the SLC such a great opportunity?

    It comes with some of the most impactful networking opportunities as an NCPA student.

    • Build a network of Pharmacy Owners

    • Opportunity to network with programs that support independent pharmacy

    • Meet NCPA leadership and staff

    • Expand your network to include students from across the nation

    The SLC unlocks the chance to travel to amazing events and places by sponsoring students for upwards of $5000. What does NCPA cover? They cover registration, hotel, gas, flight to five national conferences, and other events.

    • NCPA Annual Convention (Twice)

    • NCPA Congressional Fly-In (Twice)

    • SLC Leadership Retreat (Twice)

    • NCPA Committee Forum (Once)

    • Summer Shows (Optional)

  • How does SLC provide me with personal and professional growth?

    It provides the opportunity to serve as a national officer: president, vice president, secretary, chapter development officer, or social media coordinator. It provides access to take part in a planning committee for NCPA annual convention student programming. It grows your skills in networking. Attending the convention allows for the fostering of relationships between NCPA Pharmacy members and students. This gives SLC members confidence in connecting student chapters with a pharmacist network of top-notch owners and innovators. It also allows students to set a path in NCPA initiatives by participating in NCPA Steering Committees.

  • What committees do SLC members get to engage in as a student?

    There are 6 committees, and each senior member will be assigned to a committee for the duration of their 2nd year. Representatives can participate on the following committees: Emerging Models, Long-term Care, Compounding, Technology, National Legislation and State Legislation. Learn more about NCPA’s Steering Committees here.