Government Supports Curriculum Development for Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program

The College is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care is providing funding to develop curriculum for the Bridging Education of pharmacy technicians. The Ministry’s decision is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to support Ontario’s colleges and universities in offering high quality postsecondary education in the health care field. It will also serve to expedite program development and support our goal to have a consistent, quality program offered by accredited colleges. We anticipate that the Bridging Education program, which will be a requirement for current pharmacy technicians wishing to register with the College, will be accessed by more than 5,000 pharmacy technicians over the next five plus years.

The funding is in response to a joint proposal submitted to the government by OCP and the Colleges of Ontario Network for Education and Training (CON*NECT). The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities will manage the project that will be undertaken by CON*NECT, in recognition of their collaborative relationship with both OCP and the Ontario college system. OCP will continue to support the project in partnership with CON*NECT, to ensure the bridging education program meets the regulatory requirements and needs of pharmacy technicians, and those who will rely on their knowledge and ability to fulfill the expanded role enabled by regulation.

Click here for the Bridging Program Framework. The first course(s) is anticipated in fall 2008. You can subscribe for email notifications of new developments about regulation of pharmacy technicians, by clicking here.