Transcript Presentation Title

A Regulator’s Strategy for
Licensure of Internationally
Trained Candidates
Christyna Schillemore, B.Sc.Phm, M.Ed
Manager, Registration Programs
Ontario College of Pharmacists
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
ONTARIO COLLEGE
OF PHARMACISTS
9000 Members
25% educated outside Canada
25% educated in other provinces
and the U.S.
50% educated at the University of
Toronto
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
OCP LICENSING STATISTICS
Origin of Degree
2002 1995 1990
University of Toronto
30%
40%
40%
Other Canadians
25%
19%
17%
United States
3%
14%
11%
International
40%
27%
30%
377
343
391
Total
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
CURRENT ENVIRONMENT
2002 - 40% of newly licensed
pharmacists were international
graduates
Approximately 25% of total register
comprised of international graduates
Pharmacist shortage
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
CONSIDERATIONS FOR
REGULATORY AUTHORITY
Expedite access vs protection of the
public
Equivalent outcomes for domestic &
international grads
Communication of complicated
licensing requirements to international
candidates, employers etc.
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS
A PHARMACIST IN ONTARIO
Pharmacists Educated in
Canada/US
Degree from Accredited program
(Practical training through clinical
rotations)
Pharmacists Educated Outside
North America
Degree/Credentials evaluated by PEBC
Fluency, PEBC Evaluating Exam
12 weeks internship
48 Weeks In-Service Training
16 Weeks IPG program
16 Weeks Studentship
16 Weeks Internship
PEBC Qualifying Exam
PEBC Qualifying Exam
JP Exam
JP Exam
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
RATIONALE FOR IPG PROGRAM
Trends – increase in number of
internationally trained pharmacists
Adoption of a set of National
Competencies
Changes in training requirements
Changes in the National Licensing Exam
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
RATIONALE FOR IPG PROGRAM
Cont’d
Feedback from focus groups &
preceptors
Results from Quality Assurance Practice
Review
Different standards between Canadian
Pharmacy programs and those outside
North America
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY
GRADUATE (IPG) PROGRAM
OCP Grant to Faculty for 3 years
Developmental costs
Faculty to provide access to resources
and existing courses
Goal: Similar competency outcomes
for IPGs and U of T/Canadian
students
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
IPG PROGRAM EXPANSION
3 year grant from Access to Profession
and Trades Unit, Ministry of Training,
Colleges & Universities
Partnership between APT, Faculty and
OCP
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
IPG PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT – to evaluate
each individual’s specific learning needs and level of
practice readiness
EDUCATION – customized learning from curricula
packaged as 2 eight week academic modules
(CPS I & II)
MENTORSHIP – to enhance links to the pharmacist
community and to facilitate professional enculturation
and post-program employment
DISTANT TECHNOLOGIES – to reduce barriers to
access & make program components available
throughout the province
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
LESSONS LEARNED FROM
THE IPG PROGRAM
Build on fluency with profession specific
language and supports
Previous Canadian Workplace experience
to provide context for learning
Enculturation to Canadian workplace is
important
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
LESSONS LEARNED FROM
THE IPG PROGRAM cont’d
Need close linkages to employers for
training placements, financial supports & job
opportunities
Communication pathways important
Sustainability of program
Accessibility of program (geographic &
financial)
Marketing value of the program
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING
POLICY
Faculty Accreditation
AFPC Education Outcomes
National Competencies developed
through NAPRA
Mutual Recognition Agreement
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING
POLICY cont’d
Changing immigration patterns
Evolving standards of practice
Evolving entry to practice requirements
Need for legislative changes
Shortage of pharmacists
U.S. overtures for mobility
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Need to expand the program
Compulsory vs. Voluntary Program
Effects of Bilateral Mobility
Communication Issues
Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference
Toronto, Ontario September, 2003