Pathway To Canada For Pakistani Pharmacy Technicians
Pakistani Pharmacy Technicians are eligible to apply in Canada as licenced Pharmacy Technicians. Becoming a licensed Pharmacy Technician in Canada as an internationally trained professional from Pakistan involves a multi-step process that includes credential assessment, examinations, and fulfilling provincial regulatory requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide::
The PEBC Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination generally occurs before you can obtain full provincial registration and licensure.
Phase 1: PEBC Certification (National Level)
PEBC International Evaluation: As an internationally educated pharmacy technician from Pakistan, your first step with PEBC is to have your education and professional credentials assessed. This process determines if your qualifications are comparable to Canadian standards. This is a foundational step that must be completed before you can even apply for the PEBC Qualifying Exam. The fee for the Pharmacy Technician International Evaluation is $1,500 CAD
Bridging Education (If required): If your evaluation reveals gaps in your education or experience compared to Canadian standards, PEBC (or the provincial regulatory body) might recommend or require you to complete a bridging program. This program helps fill those gaps, particularly in Canadian pharmacy practice, law, and ethics. This also generally comes before the PEBC Qualifying Exam, as it’s designed to prepare you for it.
PEBC Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination:
This is the national examination administered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
It consists of two parts:
Part I (MCQ): A multiple-choice question exam. (Approximately fee $570 CAD)
Part II (OSPE): An Objective Structured Practical Examination (Approximately $1,200 CAD)
You must successfully pass both parts of this examination to receive your PEBC Certificate of Qualification. This certificate is a prerequisite for applying for licensure with any provincial regulatory body.
Phase 2: Provincial Registration and Licensure (Provincial Level)
Once you have your PEBC Certificate of Qualification, you move on to the provincial requirements. This is where “provisional registration” comes into play.
Provinces where Provisional Registration (or Intern Registration): is typically available (with specific conditions):
1.Ontario: The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) has a structured pathway for internationally educated pharmacy technicians. After your PEBC document evaluation is favorable, and sometimes after completing specific bridging education, you can typically register as an “Intern Pharmacy Technician” to complete your supervised practice requirements and prepare for exams.
2.Alberta: The Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) offers a “provisional pharmacy technician” registration. This allows you to work under supervision while completing requirements like the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program and the PEBC Qualifying Exams.
3.British Columbia: The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC) has pathways that include pre-registration steps, and allows for supervised practice. While they may not explicitly use the term “provisional registration” in the same way as other provinces, the process allows for supervised practice before full licensure. You’ll need to navigate their specific pre-registration categories.
4.Manitoba: The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has a clear “International Pharmacy Technician Graduate (IPTG)” pathway. Once you’ve successfully completed the PEBC’s evaluation and qualifying examinations, you can apply for listing, which often includes a structured practical training (SPT) period under supervision.
5.Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) has an “Appraisal Process” which is a supervised training period. You would typically need to have your PEBC Certificate of Qualification and language proficiency before entering this phase.
6.Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP) has provisions for “pharmacy technician candidate” registration, which allows for completing practice experience and exams under supervision.
7.New Brunswick: The New Brunswick College of Pharmacists (NBCP) facilitates registration, and the path for internationally educated individuals generally includes supervised practice components.
8.Newfoundland & Labrador: The Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board (NLPB) offers “Pharmacy Technician Intern” registration to allow completion of practical training and the registration examination.
9.Prince Edward Island: The Prince Edward Island College of Pharmacy (PEICP) offers “Provisional Pharmacy Technician” registration, allowing you to complete supervised practice experience.
Purpose of Provisional Registration: This type of registration allows you to undertake the required Structured Practical Training (SPT) or supervised practice. You cannot perform the duties of a pharmacy technician in Canada without some form of registration. Provisional registration allows you to practice under supervision while completing the final requirements for full licensure.
Requirements for Provisional Registration: To obtain provisional registration, you will typically need to have:
1.Successfully completed the PEBC Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination (both parts).
2.Met language proficiency requirements.
3.Completed a criminal record check.
4.Obtained professional liability insurance.
5.Submitted an application and paid fees to the provincial college.
Structured Practical Training (SPT) / Supervised Practice:
This is a mandatory period of supervised work experience in a Canadian pharmacy setting. You complete this while provisionally registered. The duration varies by province (e.g., often 800 hours or more).
Provincial Jurisprudence Examination:
This exam tests your knowledge of the specific pharmacy laws, regulations, and ethics of that particular province. It is usually taken after the PEBC exam, and often before or during your provisional registration period, but typically before final licensure.
Full Licensure:
Once you have successfully completed the PEBC Qualifying Exam, fulfilled all provincial specific requirements (including SPT, jurisprudence exam, and any other provincial prerequisites), you can then apply for full licensure as a Registered Pharmacy Technician in that province.
CONTACT
MAHMOOD SALEEM
Advocate High Court
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