Structured Practical Training (pharmacist)

Structured Practical Training (SPT) is a supervised, competency-based training program designed for provisional pharmacists (candidates). It provides candidates with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and develop practical skills in real pharmacy settings. The purpose of SPT is to support learning and assess whether candidates are ready to practise independently as pharmacists in Alberta.

What SPT involves

To complete the SPT program, candidates must

• complete required online learning modules through ACP’s learning platform, Academy;
• participate in in-person training experiences at approved pharmacy sites;
• demonstrate professionalism and ethical behaviour; and
• show they meet the entry-to-practice competencies outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

Purpose of the SPT program

The goal of the SPT program is to help candidates

• build the skills and confidence necessary for independent pharmacy practice;
• demonstrate competence in clinical, technical, and communication abilities;
• provide person-centred care; and
• earn the trust of patients, healthcare teams, and the broader community.

SPT focuses on skill development and assessment, rather than simply completing a required number of hours. All practical experience must be completed under the supervision of a qualified preceptor (or co-preceptors) approved by the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP), at an approved pharmacy, and in accordance with the SPT rules.

Structure and duration

The SPT program includes

• online learning modules; and
• a minimum of two in-person practical experiences, each lasting at least 320 hours.

Candidates may be required to complete additional hours to meet all program expectations and pass final assessments.

Exemptions for Canadian graduates

Graduates from pharmacy programs accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) do not have to complete the SPT program if

• they apply to the clinical pharmacist register within one year of graduation, and
• they meet all other entry-to-practice requirements.

If more than one year has passed since graduation, the SPT program must be completed.

Getting started with SPT

Prerequisites (before starting SPT)

Before beginning any practical experiences, candidates must

1. Register as a provisional pharmacist in myACP.
2. Complete the Jurisprudence Learning Module.
3. Successfully complete the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam.
4. Review the SPT rules.
5. Complete the SPT Overview in Academy.
   • Review the SPT Troubleshooting Guide for more information on how to get to Academy and complete basic tasks.
6. Complete the mandatory Online Learning in Academy:
   • Professionalism;
   • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Cultural Safety; and
   • Pharmacy Perspectives – Providing Safer Spaces.

These online modules are required but do not count toward the minimum in-person hours. These modules may be completed before, concurrently with, or after the candidate’s practical experiences.

Enrolling in a practical experience

After completing all prerequisites, candidates must

1. Secure an eligible practice site and preceptor.
   • Find a pharmacy and pharmacist(s) who meet ACP’s eligibility criteria to act as preceptor(s).
   • Preceptors must complete ACP’s preceptor training in Academy before approval.
   • Candidates may have one or two co-preceptors. All preceptors must be approved by ACP before the practical experience begins. If a preceptor has more than one candidate at two different locations, they must have a co-preceptor.
   • Preceptors must be available to supervise for at least four days per week or 75 per cent of scheduled hours.
2. Collect required information.
   • Pharmacy name and licence number.
   • Preceptor’s name and registration number (include both if co-precepting).
   • A signed preceptor acceptance form from each preceptor.
3. Submit the SPT enrollment form.
   • Complete the Structured Practical Training enrollment form in myACP.
   • Provide all required information and disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
4. Await ACP approval.
   • ACP reviews and approves the preceptor(s) and practice site, typically within 15 business days.
   • Both the candidate and preceptor(s) will receive an email once approval is granted.
5. You may only access your practical experience in Academy after ACP has approved the preceptor(s) and practice site. Complete the Prior learning self-assessment.
   • After approval, the candidate must log into Academy, access the relevant SPT experience (I or II), and complete the Prior learning self-assessment.
   • The preceptor must also confirm this step is complete by completing the preceptor review of the prior learning self-assessment.

The in-person training officially begins only after the candidate completes the self-assessment, and the preceptor has confirmed completion. Any hours completed before this point will not count towards completion of the SPT program.