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

• Pharmacy technician SPT notification form
• Pharmacy technician SPT completion form
• Demonstration of proficiency of product release
• Pharmacy technician post-SPT form
• Pharmacy technician SPT assessment form
• Pharmacy technician SPT pre-rotation self-assessment form
• Pharmacy technician SPT log book
• Pharmacy technician SPT manual

Questions?

registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca
780-990-0321 or toll-free at 1-877-227-3838