Selkirk College delivers National Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program

by Keith Powell — August 19, 2013

Selkirk College recently signed an agreement with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities to deliver the online version of the National Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program.

The program will allow those already working in the role of pharmacy technician to upgrade their skills to align with changes in the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians without having to return to school to complete a full-time training program. The ultimate goal is to provide consistent training across Canada and enable regulated pharmacy technicians to re-locate and work anywhere in Canada without having to re-qualify.

Online program draws students from across Canada

“We are pleased to enter into an agreement with Selkirk College. The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities(NAPRA) will certainly benefit from the college’s experience with online delivery of educational programming and the capability to accommodate individuals interested in the Bridging Education Program from any location in the country,” said Debbie McCulloch, NAPRA president.

Selkirk College, which was selected to deliver the online program across Canada, will offer four courses in both French and English to students from across the country. Through a virtual classroom, the first session will begin this fall with courses in Pharmacology, Product Preparation, Management of Drug Distribution Systems and Professional Practice.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to serve Bridging students from across Canada,” said Rhys Andrews, Dean of Health & Human Services at Selkirk College. “It is an exciting initiative for our college and we are up to the challenge.”

A national program was developed by NAPRA with funding from the Government of Canada’s Inter-provincial Labour Mobility initiative to provide a national tool to support consistency in training.

Program means more study and work options

Since 2008, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta have been working toward the regulation of pharmacy technicians, and as other provinces began the regulatory process, it became clear that a national curriculum was needed to support consistency in the knowledge and skills of all pharmacy technicians across Canada in order to support labour mobility. A consistent national program will help pharmacy technicians on the pathway to registration/licensure and expand their career possibilities by giving them the option to work anywhere in Canada.

Selkirk’s delivery of this national program also means more options for students who want to study at Selkirk but live elsewhere. The ability to study online opens doors and makes Selkirk a great choice for furthering their education from any location.

Building on strategic directions

“This national online training program for pharmacy technicians will have an immediate and very positive impact on our ability to provide students with current skills and education they need to be successful in their careers”, said Angus Graeme, president & CEO of Selkirk College. This program builds on Selkirk's strategic directions to increase enrolments, and engage the wider community in learning and developing innovative programs and services.