Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference Toronto, Ontario September, 2003 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 University of Toronto 30%40% Other Canadians 25%19%17% United States 3%14%11% International 40%27%30% Total

Presented at CLEAR’s 23rd Annual Conference Toronto, Ontario September, 2003 CURRENT ENVIRONMENT % 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 Pharmacists Educated Outside North America Degree from Accredited program (Practical training through clinical rotations) Degree/Credentials evaluated by PEBC Fluency, PEBC Evaluating Exam 12 weeks internship48 Weeks In-Service Training 16 Weeks IPG program 16 Weeks Studentship 16 Weeks Internship PEBC Qualifying 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