With the launch of the new Structured Practical Training Program (SPT), graduates from a Canadian pharmacy program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Program (CCAPP), are not required to complete the new SPT program if the graduate meets all other entry-to-practice requirements and applies to the clinical pharmacist register within one year of graduation.
This change to SPT requirements does not mean that new pharmacist graduates are able to practise independently upon graduation.
Before a CCAPP pharmacist graduate can practise independently, licensees must confirm that they have been issued a practice permit for the clinical pharmacist register. In order to be issued a practice permit, the graduate must meet the following requirements and have their application approved by ACP:
- Pass their Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams.
- Results for these exams are typically available in mid-July.
- Apply and be approved for ACP’s clinical pharmacist register.
- You can check this using ACP’s “Find a registrant” tool. Graduates require confirmation from ACP that their application to the clinical pharmacist register has been approved before they are permitted to practise independently.
- Reminder: ACP receives a large influx of applications to the clinical pharmacist register in July once the PEBC results are released and it will take up to 15 business days to process applications.
Licensees must ensure that each regulated member in a licensed pharmacy has the appropriate education, skills, training, and legislated authority required to perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to that regulated member. Every time you hire a new team member, ensure they meet all requirements and hold a valid practice permit indicating their authorizations prior to scheduling them to work independently.
