INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY GRADUATES

1100-8215 112 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8

Tel: 780-990-0321 Tel: 1-877-227-3838 Fax: 780-990-0328

To learn more, please visit abpharmacy.ca/SPT

WHAT CAN I FIND IN THE PORTAL? Once you have completed the Jurisprudence Learning Module, log into the SPT portal with your registration number and password to read more about the program and explore the portal.

Information, instructions and resources available in the portal include

• program rules and requirements;• preceptor eligibility;• practice site eligibility;• how to submit your preceptor’s information;• intern’s manual;• preceptor’s manual;• step-by-step instructions on how

to complete the program;• roles and responsibilities;• glossary of terms;• more information on the entry-

to-practice competencies;• how to provide feedback on the program;• frequently asked questions, and more.

PRECEPTOR NAME

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PRACTICE SITE L ICENSE NUMBER

PRECEPTOR NAME

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PRACTICE SITE L ICENSE NUMBER

PRECEPTOR NAME

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PRACTICE SITE L ICENSE NUMBER

ACTIVITIES

You can start and track your SPT activities on the portal’s Activities page, and leave comments and notes as you complete the SPT module activities.

MY PRECEPTORSBefore starting each level, you must find an eligible pharmacist to act as your preceptor. Interns can have the same preceptor for Level I and II, but must have a new preceptor at a different pharmacy for Level III. You can use the space below to record the information you need to enter into the portal.

To learn more about the program, and to access the SPT portal, visit ACP’s website at

abpharmacy.ca/SPT

HOME

You can find the program rules, requirements, tools and resources on the portal’s Home page.

PROFILE

You can enter your preceptor’s registration number and practice site license number on the portal’s Profile page.

PRACTISING IN ALBERTAPATIENT-CENTERED CARE

Practising as a pharmacist in Alberta has never been more exciting or challenging. As an international pharmacy graduate, you will be joining a professional community that enjoys one of the broadest scopes of pharmacy practice in the world.

The Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) Structured Practical Training (SPT) program is here to facilitate your journey to becoming a proficient, patient-centered, outcomes-focused pharmacist.

WHY DOES THIS PROGRAM EXIST?

Structured Practical Training is the in-pharmacy training period required by the college for registration as a pharmacist in Alberta. The overall objective of the SPT program is to provide you – the intern – with the opportunity, resources, and support to:

• Understand the scope of practice of Alberta pharmacists and the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians;

• Apply your professional knowledge and skills to a practical setting, and develop and demonstrate entry-to-practice competencies; and

• Identify your areas of strength, areas for improvement, and implement learning plans to improve your practice accordingly.

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to practise your skills with an experienced pharmacist – known as a preceptor – in a supportive learning environment. As you move through your training, you will gain experience in providing patient care and can expect to take on more responsibilities within the pharmacy.

As a result, you can trust that the time spent and skills learned will not only benefit you, but also meet the needs of patients and families within our communities, and our evolving health system.

PROGRAM STRUCTURECOMPETENCY-BASED

The Structured Practical Training program is based on the nine nationally accepted entry-to-practice competencies developed by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA):

• communication and education,• ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities,• product distribution,• knowledge and research application,• patient care,• intra-and inter-professional collaboration,• quality and safety,• health promotion, and• practice setting.

These competencies provide an overview of the significant job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and judgments required for competent performance as a member of the pharmacy profession.

PROGRAM LEVELS

The program is split into three levels of internship – each building upon the competencies, knowledge, and skills you accomplish.

To successfully complete the program, you must be able to demonstrate these nine competencies, meet or exceed the acceptable performance levels, and complete 1000 internship hours or more.

During SPT, you are required to work between 20–44 hours per week at an eligible licensed community or institutional pharmacy - also known as a practice site - under the direct supervision of an eligible preceptor.

EASY, ONLINE ACCESS

The program is paperless and is managed through an online SPT portal. All activities, program rules, instructions, assessments, tools and resources can be accessed on the portal.

GETTING STARTEDBefore starting the SPT program, you will need to complete the following tasks and requirements to ensure you have all the information to make your training a success.

BEFORE LOGGING INTO THE PORTAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

1. Register on the provisional pharmacist register

Upon registering with ACP, you will receive a registration number and password. Memorize and safeguard this information – you will use it on a regular basis throughout your career as a pharmacist in Alberta.

2. Complete the Jurisprudence Learning Module

The Jurisprudence Learning Module contains important information about pharmacy legislation in Alberta, ACP’s standards of practice, and the code of ethics.

Log in using your registration number and password: abpharmacy.ca/login/jurisprudence

The module will take approximately 9-10 hours to complete, and it must be completed before you receive access to the SPT portal.

LOGGING INTO THE PORTAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

3. Log into the online SPT portal

The online SPT portal is how the program is managed. After completing the Jurisprudence Learning Module, you will automatically receive access to the online SPT portal. Log in using your registration number and password: abpharmacy.ca/SPT/login

AFTER LOGGING INTO THE PORTAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

4. Explore the portal and read the rules

The online SPT portal contains all program activities, tools, and resources including rules, manuals, and step-by-step instructions for completing the program. Explore the portal, and ensure you understand the rules before seeking out a preceptor.

5. Seek a preceptor and submit their information

Seek an eligible pharmacist who is willing to be your preceptor. Preceptor eligibility information can be found in the program rules, located in the online SPT portal. Obtain the preceptor’s registration number and practice site number: enter this on the Profile page in the portal to verify their eligibility and to send them a preceptorship request. The preceptor must then log into their portal to accept responsibility for your training before you can begin the SPT program.

LEVEL LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III

Competencies to develop and demonstrate to preceptor

• Communication and education

• Ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities

• Product distribution• Knowledge and

research application• Patient care

• Patient care• Intra- and inter-

professional collaboration

• Quality and safety• Health promotion

& Communications and education

• Practice setting

All competencies assessed

Demonstration of readiness to practice

Hours* 450 + 450 + 100 +

*Additional hours are often required to demonstrate all competencies. The preceptor will determine when competencies have been met.