Structured Practical Training (SPT) for pharmacy technicians
What is Structured Practical Training (SPT) for pharmacy technicians?
Structured Practical Training for pharmacy technicians is a supervised competency-based training period that includes regular assessment by a pharmacist or regulated technician. This training allows soon-to-be-regulated technicians the opportunity to practice their skills in a supervised practical environment before assuming sole responsibility.
The SPT program is divided into three levels:
Level 1 – minimum 320 hours
- Acquire and/or demonstrate competencies at an acceptable level
- Focus on the provision of drug distribution
- This level may be completed as part of your CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program practicum
Level 2 – minimum 320 hours
- Demonstrate competencies proficiently
- Demonstrate professionalism, management knowledge and skills, and quality assurance
Level 3 – minimum 160 hours
- Work independently, acting as a pharmacy technician
- Demonstrate proficiency of product release, specifically ensuring the accuracy and quality of the final product
The hours listed are minimums. To complete each level, you must demonstrate the required competencies; additional time may be required to do so.
See the SPT manual for more information.
Completing Structured Practical Training for pharmacy technicians
Step 1: Complete a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician training program
- Visit the CCAPP website to learn more about accredited programs
Step 2: Register with ACP
- Register with ACP on the Provisional Pharmacy Technician Register
Step 3: Find a site and a preceptor
- Your preceptor must be a pharmacist or pharmacy technician who has been registered with ACP for two years or more
- You must not be in a close personal relationship with your preceptor
- Your site must be a licensed community or hospital pharmacy in good standing with ACP
Step 4: Notify ACP
- Submit a pharmacy technician SPT notification form to ACP
- You must receive approval from ACP before you can begin your SPT
Step 5: Self-assessment
- Complete the pharmacy technician SPT pre-rotation self-assessment form
- Share the form with your preceptor; use it as a tool in planning your SPT
Step 6: Complete SPT program
- Use the SPT log book to record your activities throughout the program
- Complete the demonstration of proficiency of product release form once you’ve demonstrated proficiency to your preceptor
- Have your preceptor complete an SPT assessment form after you’ve completed each level
- Complete an SPT completion form after you’ve completed each level
- Submit both the SPT assessment form and the SPT completion form to ACP within 30 days of completing each level
Step 7: Post-SPT
- You will remain enrolled in the SPT program until you are ready to apply to the pharmacy technician register
- Once you’ve completed Level 3 of the SPT program, complete and submit the pharmacy technician post-SPT form
Structured Practical Training forms
Questions?
registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca
780-990-0321 or toll-free at 1-877-227-3838