Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program

Program Overview

The Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) is a comprehensive bridging program designed for International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) and Canadian-trained pharmacists who are looking to re-enter practice or update core skills in order to practice pharmacy in Canada. 

International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs)

International Pharmacy Graduates seeking licensing with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, are to successfully complete the Structure Practical Training (SPT), a 12.5-week practicum. Note: Enrollment in the full CP3 program is required for SPT eligibility. 

Recognizing that many students are taking the CP3 program to increase their chances of passing the PEBC Qualifying examinations, the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program does not recommend that students attempt either of these exams during a session. If a student chooses to do so, there will be no exceptions or exemptions from course work and students will be expected to be in class and have all assignments completed on time. Recognizing that sitting these examinations during the session is a voluntary choice, any student missing an assessed class will receive a mark of zero on the activities in the missed class and should take this into consideration.

Canadian-trained Pharmacists

Canadian-trained pharmacists who wish to re-enter practice in British Columbia after a prolonged absence will find undertaking the CP3 program tremendously useful. Pharmacists who are looking to update core competencies are also eligible to complete one or more individual instructional modules (see “The Curriculum” section below) outside of the full program.

The Curriculum

The January and May 2024 instructional portion of CP3 will be delivered via an online medium. Delivery formats for future sessions will be re-assessed.

The Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) runs for 24 weeks. This includes 12 weeks of online instruction, a 12.5-week Structured Practical Training (SPT) placement, with a one-day “Getting Ready” session in the final month. A student must achieve a minimum average of 60% in the online instructional portion to be eligible for the SPT placement. Prospective students are reminded that CP3 is an intensive, university-level program with corresponding expectations and workload.

Online Instruction (12 weeks)
Students will participate in four days of synchronous learning each week. Depending on instructor availability or statutory holidays, some weeks students may be required to attend classes on a Monday. The schedule will be similar to the following:
 

Notes:

• All lecture times are shown in Pacific Daylight Time.
• Please be aware that lecture dates are subject to change.
• Some classes are scheduled on Mondays.

Individual Instructional Modules
Pharmacists who have previously been licensed to practice in Canada and are looking to re-enter practice or update skills, may choose to complete one or more individual modules. Each module focuses on interactive, “hands-on” learning.

Please click on module titles to view the course outline (PDF format):

• Communications: Canadian workplace culture, problem solving, interpersonal communication and written communication. Details are in the course outline.
• Therapeutics: An introduction to Drug Therapy Problems (DTPs), the Therapeutic Thought Process (TTP), Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), and Drug Interactions (DIs). Case studies will be used extensively to allow students to apply information presented during the lectures. Details are in the course outline.
• Patient Dialogue Skills: Role-play sessions, some of which will utilize Standardized Patients (SPs). Students will be exposed to role-plays that include patient counselling (both prescription and self-care scenarios), ethical, business, administrative and inter-professional scenarios. The activities in this module, along with the Practice Skills Lab module, count towards the final program mark. Details are in the course outline.
• Health Care Systems Overview: Jurisprudence, practice management, ethics, BC PharmaCare and PharmaNet systems and substance abuse. Details are in the course outline.
• Practice Skills Lab: All aspects of prescription dispensing plus selective aspects of drug information and Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications. The activities in this module, along with the Patient Dialogue Skills module, count towards the final program mark. Details are in the course outline.
• "Getting Ready" Mock-OSCE: A one-day session including resources and strategies to be used in preparation for the national pharmacy licensing examinations. Details are in the course outline.

Practicum   

Structured Practical Training (SPT) program (12.5 weeks)
The Structured Practical Training (SPT) program provides students with the opportunity to gain Canadian pharmacy practice experience. Students spend this period working in a community pharmacy full time (40 hours a week) and, in addition, will complete various assignments and spend time preparing for patient care activities taking place at their assigned practice site. The SPT program is modelled after the undergraduate experiential education program and the Office of Experiential Education will place and mentor students. The program is accepted by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia as completion of the Structured Practical Training requirements necessary for licensure.

Note: All CP3 students must be registered with UBC Student Health Services and immunized according to the Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program Immunization Review Instructions document. This is a pre-practicum requirement. If a student fails to complete the above, they will not be eligible for their practicum. Certain vaccines may require multiple doses administered over a period of six months. As such, prospective students are advised to ensure they have met as many immunization requirements as possible (outlined in Appendix A of the above Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program Immunization Review Instructions).”

MOCK-OSCE

“Getting Ready” Mock-OSCE (One day)
There is a one-day “Getting Ready” session at the end of the program, designed to be a personal assessment of each registrant's readiness for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). It allows students to practise and assess their newly acquired skills and competencies in preparation for the national pharmacy licensing examinations. Students will receive resources and instruction on strategies for written test taking, as well as an opportunity to complete a mock-OSCE. Mock-OSCE exams are offered in the Spring and Fall. Students are only eligible to register for the exam that follows their completion of the instructional portion of CP3.

The Mock-OSCE is reserved for participants in the full CP3 program and is only open to other registrants if space permits. Participants interested in the next Mock-OSCE, should email the CP3 Senior Program Assistant.

Next Mock-OSCE: Sunday, October 15, 2023
The exam will be entirely online.

How to Apply    

International Pharmacy Graduates 
Enrolment in the full 24-week program is necessary for International Pharmacy Graduates to complete the practicum. To apply:

1. Register with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Pharmacist’s Gateway Canada.

• Create a new Candidate Account 
• Pay the enrolment fee

2. Register with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and successfully complete the PEBC Evaluating Exam

3. Begin the pre-registration process with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Make note of your eServices ID.

4. Complete the English Language Proficiency requirements. These are valid for two years from the test date and must be in force:

• When prospective students apply to CP3
• At the registration deadline of each CP3 session
• At the start of the Structured Practical Training (SPT)

5. Gather your paperwork:

• Photocopy of English Language Proficiency results 
• College of Pharmacists of BC Registration/eServices ID confirmation email (Pre-registration Status Email)

6. Submit your application online:

• May 2024 CP3 Online Application Form > Status: Accepting Applications

*Applications will be responded within 7 business days.

Canadian Pharmacy Graduates
Application form for Individual Instructional Modules and/or Getting Ready session is available by email to the Senior Program Assistant.

Attendance

Due to the heavy workload of the program and the fundamental principles taught in the first four weeks of the program, attendance in all classes is mandatory from the first day. Late arrivals to the program will not be admitted. Any students with an unexcused absence during the initial four weeks of the program will have their registration cancelled and will forfeit the $2,000 CAD acceptance fee, $250 CAD non-refundable application fee, and a pro-rated amount based on the number of days into the course.

Tuition and Fees 

* Program tuition is reviewed annually and is subject to an annual increase. In recent years, increases have been 2%-3%.
 

Individual Instructional Modules (for students not enrolled in the full program):
Full payment is due one week before the first day of class.

“Getting Ready” Session (for students not enrolled in the full program)

Other Expenses
The program fees do not include the following:

• Books and other course-related materials (approximately $850).
• Accommodation and meal costs (estimated to start at $1500/month).
• Student pre-registration fees with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
• Expenses related to visas and immigration.

Situations may arise where students may choose to withdraw prior to the start of a course. Students must request a withdrawal in writing (e-mail is acceptable) to the Senior Program Assistant 30 days before the orientation date. Refunds for course withdrawals are processed less the $250 CAD non-refundable application fee.

Important Notes for Students Applying from Outside Canada

• The full tuition amount must be received before acceptance into the program can be confirmed. Confirmation of program acceptance from CP3 is needed in order to apply for Study/Work Permits from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants should refer to the "Program Schedule" section below to ensure applications and payments are submitted on time.
• Each registrant is responsible for ensuring that their Study/Work Permit is applied for and received well in advance of the first day of classes. If the Study/Work permit was not received in time to enter Canada for the first day of classes, the $2,000 CAD deposit and the $250 CAD non-refundable application fee will be retained by UBC and registration will be cancelled. 
• If a registrant is not granted the necessary Study/Work permit, they should fax/email the refusal notice from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to the Senior Program Assistant of UBC-CPPD Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program a minimum fourteen days before the start of the program – in order to receive a full refund minus the $250 CAD non-refundable application fee. If a refusal notice is submitted less than fourteen days before the start of the program, the $2,000 CAD deposit and the $250 CAD non-refundable application fee will be retained by UBC and registration will be cancelled.
• If a registrant hasn’t received a study/work permit and begins CP3 without consulting the Senior Program Assistant of UBC-CPPD Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program, the full program fee and any related application fees and deposits will be retained by UBC and registration will be cancelled.
• If a registrant from outside Canada decides not to attend CP3 for any reason other than listed above, a refund will not be issued and UBC will retain the full program fee and any related application fees and deposits.
• Payment options for international applicants are limited to Visa/Mastercard, or wire transfer. Applicants should contact the Senior Program Assistant for instructions on wire transfer. 
• All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Program Schedule

The Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program is offered three times per year: January, May and September. Space in the program is limited and applications are accepted for each session until that session is filled. Sessions fill up quickly. Do apply early to avoid disappointment.
 

 * To be put on the waitlist for the CP3 January 2024 session, please apply for the CP3 May 2024 program. We will put you on the waitlist for the CP3 January 2024 program after you have been accepted into the CP3 May 2024 program and have been sent an acceptance letter.