The Process of Registration as a Pharmacy Technician
|
In the Profession | Entering the Profession |
| 1. OCP certification exam OR the PEBC evaluation exam | 1. Graduation from a CCAPP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Education Program |
| 2. Bridging Education Program | 2. Structured practical training |
3. PEBC qualifying exam (MCQ and OSPE) | |
The process to become registered with the College has been established, although details continue to evolve. The basic requirements for all individuals wishing to pursue registration as a pharmacy technician are listed below. Each step must be completed, some within the timelines described.
Step 1
For Individuals Currently In the Profession
Completion of the OCP certification exam or PEBC evaluation exam.
The final OCP certification exam was administered on October 25, 2008. This exam was replaced by an evaluation exam, administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), starting in 2009. The proposed regulations require that individuals who will not graduate from an accredited program complete this step by January 1, 2012. This means that anyone who wishes to pursue registration and has not already completed this step, should consider when they plan to start the process. Details about eligibility for the PEBC exam may be accessed through the PEBC website.
For Individuals Entering the Profession
Graduation from a CCAPP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Education Program
The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) has initiated the accreditation process for Pharmacy Technician Programs and as of July 2010, there are 16 accredited programs in Ontario. Approved education programs in the future will only be those that have achieved a CCAPP Accreditation. Accreditation of more programs is expected over the next year; anyone starting a program is advised to check if the institution is pursuing CCAPP accreditation. Graduates from an unaccredited program will need to follow the same process as those who are currently in the profession.
Step 2
For Individuals Currently In the Profession
Completion of the approved Bridging Education Program
Bridging education consists of 4 continuing education courses (about 150 hours total). The proposed regulations require that this step be completed by January 1, 2015. Classroom and on-line delivery models are being developed to promote access for geographic and scheduling purposes. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) challenge examinations for Pharmacology and Management of Drug Distribution Systems is now available. Product Preparation will be made available as soon as development work has been completed.
For Individuals Entering the Profession
Completion of the Structure Practical Training Program
Graduates from CCAPP Accredited Education Programs will be required to complete structured activities in a workplace setting, under the supervision of an approved preceptor. The SPT program (12 weeks of supervised practice) is being piloted with the CCAPP graduates involved in the first and second PEBC pilot qualifying examination. Preceptor workshops will be offered as the need increases. The activities and evaluations are all available and completed through an on-line portal. Full implementation for all eligible technicians is anticipated in fall 2010.
Step 3
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the PEBC qualifying examination (written and practical components)
All applicants must successfully complete both parts of this entry-to-practice exam. The exam offered twice a year starting in August of 2010. Details regarding access to the examination are available on the PEBC website.
Step 4
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the OCP jurisprudence examination
All applicants must complete this exam, which is about the laws that pharmacy technicians will need to abide by. It will be administered by the College because many of these laws are provincial and therefore cannot be included in a national exam. This exam will be offered four times a year and the first exam will be administered in July of 2010.
Step 5
For All Individuals Pursuing Registration
Completion of the Registration process with OCP
Once the key requirements, described above, have been met, individuals will be ready to complete their application for registration. Documentation about other requirements, such as demonstration of language proficiency, and payment of fees will be included in this step.
As more details about each of these requirements becomes available, it will be posted on the College website and email notifications will be sent to anyone who has subscribed to this service on the website.