pharmacist




OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Who is the licensing body responsible for Pharmacists in Alberta?   

In Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) to practice as a Pharmacist. Only registered members may call themselves pharmacists, clinical pharmacists or druggists.

What are the licensure requirements for internationally educated Pharmacists?

Prior to being able to register as a Pharmacist with Alberta College of Pharmacists, internationally educated pharmacists will be required to:

  1. Successfully complete The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada PEBC Evaluating Exam.
  2. Meet ACP’s language fluency requirement from National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. 
  3. Successfully complete a minimum of 1000 hours of Structured Practical Training.
  4. Successfully complete The PEBC Qualifying Exam part 1 (MCQ) and part 2 (OSCE).
  5. Successfully complete Jurisprudence and Ethics exam.
  6. Register with ACP as a Pharmacist.
     

What is the role of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)?

http://www.pebc.ca

The purpose of the Board is to assess qualifications of pharmacists. The PEBC evaluates certain documents to ensure applicants have a degree in Pharmacy that is acceptable. This primary evaluation process is called Document Evaluation. If documents are favorably evaluated, applicants must then write an Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Exam.

Applicants are encouraged to be aware of: registration criteria, examination fees, registration deadlines and the turnaround time for exam results. Other costs may include preparation materials, travel etc.

How can I prepare for PEBC Exams?

Directions for Immigrants offers Study Groups to help you prepare for the PEBC Evaluating Exam and Qualifying Exam Part 1 (MCQ). Visit the Study Groups page for more information on this service and eligibility criteria.

What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?

Applicants must provide proof of English fluency.

Applicants must successfully achieve the required passing score on one of the NAPRA approved English proficiency tests. This includes: TOEFL, MELAB, IELTS or CanTEST. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

What are the Structured Practical Training Requirements?

Once registered in the ACP program, 1000 hours of Structured Practical Training must be completed prior to licensure:

The ACP structured practical training program consists of three levels. A minimum of 1000 hours must be completed after enrollment in the ACP internship program.  Applicants are responsible for finding structured practical training site(s).  For all levels, applicants may not complete more than 40 hours per week. Applicants must submit a Notification of Preceptor Site form and Certification of Completion form. More information on these forms can be found on the ACP website.                                                                                                                                 

Examination Information

The PEBC Qualifying Exam part 1 (MCQ) and part 2 (OSCE)

The Qualifying Examination ensures that successful candidates have met the required standard of competence. This exam can be completed any time during the process, either before registering in the program, during the program or after completion of the program.

The Qualifying Examination - Part I is a multiple-choice question examination. It is written in two sittings, on two consecutive half-days. Exam questions assess the understanding and application of knowledge to problems, as well as the ability to make judgments and problem-solve in situations relevant to pharmacy practice. Each question assesses one specific competency.

Part II of the Qualifying Examination is an “objective structured clinical examination” (OSCE), and is taken on a different day than Part I. The QE-II (OSCE) consists of a series of 7-minute tasks or “stations” simulating common and/or critical practical situations. These simulations often involve interactions with a “Standardized Patient” or “Standardized Client” (e.g. parent or caregiver) or “Standardized Health Professional”.

It is important to note that applicants must: apply and register, meet the criteria, pay the testing fee, and be aware of registration deadlines and the turnaround time for exam results. Other costs may include preparation materials etc.

Jurisprudence and ethics exam

The exam is based on federal and provincial legislation, ACP's Code of Ethics and bylaws, Alberta's drug schedules, the Triplicate Prescription Program, and the Standards of Practice and Standards of Operation.  The exam must be successfully completed within 1 year of registering as a pharmacist.  

What are the educational requirements for Pharmacists in Alberta?

(Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards)

The academic requirement is a degree in pharmacy. The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a four year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in pharmacy.


Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupational duties and wages, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service at www.alis.gov.ab.ca and search for Pharmacist under Occupational Information.

What training programs or services are available for internationally educated Pharmacists?

Bridging Programs

Bredin International Pharmacy Bridging Program (in Calgary and Edmonton)

http://www.bredin.ab.ca

This program is designed to assist internationally trained pharmacists to acquire a license to practice pharmacy in Alberta.  It provides students with an enhanced learning opportunity, integrating four distinct curriculum areas throughout the duration of study. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and admission requirements. As well, applicants must be aware of application deadlines, frequency of program, the number of student seats and potential costs such as preparation materials.

Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (in Vancouver, BC)

This program is designed for internationally trained pharmacists to achieve pharmacy competencies for practice in Canada. The 20 week program consists of 12 weeks of classroom instruction followed by 8 weeks of Practice Placement Clerkship.

What information resources are available for Pharmacists in Alberta?

Alberta Pharmacists' Association
website: www.albertapharmacy.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
website: www.hsaa.ca

                                                                                                                                                   August 2009