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

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