ACP introduces redesigned SPT program for techs

In early June, the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) launched a redesigned Structured Practical Training (SPT) program for pharmacy technicians. The redesigned program was developed with an advisory group of pharmacy technicians to help ensure it would prepare technicians to practise to their full scope in a variety of practice settings.The change was made because ACP’s former pharmacy technician SPT program was based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities’ (NAPRA) 2014 Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice. The redesigned program was updated to align with NAPRA’s 2024 Professional Competencies for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice in Canada and ACP’s standards. The redesign was also informed by best practices and learnings from similar programs across Canada.What’s differentOnline platform: The SPT program is now hosted in Academy, ACP’s online learning management system, eliminating paper.Program structure: The redesigned program includes self-directed online activities and two practical experiences. Both practical experiences will occur over a minimum of six weeks when completed full time (a minimum of 240 hours each).Site requirements: The two practical experiences must be completed at different sites (and with a different preceptor) to broaden experiences and ensure readiness to practise. Candidates are responsible for finding their own sites. Each site must be able to facilitate the completion of all practical experience activities (e.g., direct patient care).The requirement for two distinct practice sites and preceptors supports a more comprehensive and objective assessment of readiness to practise. Exposure to different workflows, patient populations, and preceptors helps ensure that candidates can apply their knowledge and skills consistently, rather than within a single environment. Requiring the candidate to be assessed by two different preceptors while practising at different sites also provides greater confidence that the candidate is ready to practise.Candidates must register with ACP and complete the Jurisprudence Learning Module and the Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam before enrolling in the SPT program and must complete the SPT overview course and online learning modules before starting the practical experience portion.

ACP introduces redesigned SPT program for techs

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics