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A Regulator’s Strategy for Licensure of Internationally Trained Candidates. Christyna Schillemore, B.Sc.Phm, M.Ed Manager, Registration Programs Ontario College of Pharmacists. ONTARIO COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS. 9000 Members 25% educated outside Canada
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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 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 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