The Bridge to Regulation:
Educational Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
Why is bridging important ?
One of the most essential requirements for entry to practice is completion of an approved education program. Entry-to-practice competencies are important in guiding the development of educational outcomes and standards of accreditation for education programs.
Until recently, there was no system to ensure consistency across education programs, and no standard educational requirement for an individual choosing to become a pharmacy technician. As a result, there is a high degree of diversity among those choosing to become regulated pharmacy technicians. Their knowledge and skills, and roles and practice settings differ. This poses a challenge; as a regulatory body, the College needs to ensure that individuals applying for registration have the defined competency to practice safely and effectively within the scope of their profession.
What is the purpose of bridging?
The entry-to-practice competencies describe an expanded role and regulation adds additional responsibilities. Some pharmacy technicians have attained most of the knowledge, skills, and ability needed for the new role, and others have not. For these reasons, the College is supporting the development of a bridging education program that will prepare all current pharmacy technicians to practice in the new expanded role. Building on the knowledge these individuals have gained through formal education or on-the-job training, this bridging program will prepare them to meet the educational requirement for registration.
What will bridging include?
Council approved a framework outlining the key areas of the bridging program:
- Product Preparation
- Drug Knowledge
- Drug Distribution and Operational Management
- Professional Practice.
How will bridging be offered?
These four courses will be offered through continuing education departments of community colleges. The full program will be approximately 150 hours, with each course lasting between 33 and 42 hours. An individual studying one night a week could complete all four courses in one year. In consideration of individual preferences, alternative delivery methods will be available including online learning. Condensed delivery (full day/weekend classes) will also be available
As the program is developed, the College will consider administrative details such as geographic access, cost, and recognition of prior learning (ability to demonstrate the required competencies to achieve course objectives).
The first course(s) is expected to be ready for the fall of 2008, allowing individuals sufficient time to complete the bridging program before the pilot entry-to-practice examination (targeted for the fall of 2009).
How can I keep informed about this?
More detailed information will be posted here as course descriptions, costs, and registration procedures are confirmed. Stay informed by subscribing for e-mail notifications by clicking here