FAQs for DCPP, Certificates + Courses

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General Program Information | Coursework | Enrolment | Financial | Other

General Program Information

What the DCPP program is, and how it's different from the previously-offered CCPP

The Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP) was established as a comprehensive bridging program specifically for internationally educated pharmacist graduates (IEPGs). The new Diploma in Canadian Pharmacy Practice (DCPP) is a direct successor to the CCPP program with an enhanced curriculum. Several online courses are now delivered asynchronously allowing the learner to set their own pace and schedule, improving flexibility and accessibility. Additionally, the new program format enables diverse types of learners to complete recognized standalone courses and other “stacked” credentials to customize their continuing education. The Alberta College of Pharmacy will recognize the DCPP (similar to recognition of the CCPP) within the steps to becoming a provisional pharmacist for IEPGs. The University cannot advise on registration and licensing in Alberta. Please refer to the ACP website for current information and to obtain support related to IEPG Registration.

Why the nominal change from 'Certificate' to 'Diploma'

The transition from a certificate to a diploma program reflects a strategic reorganization to better support our learners. While the new program is now more accessible than ever, the high academic rigor of the “diploma” designation ensures that the credential properly recognizes the intensive learning required to meet Alberta’s high standards for clinical pharmacy practice.

The difference between “courses” and “micro-courses”

The university defines a "micro-course" as a self-directed learning experience that is primarily focused on a specific topic. Micro-courses usually take around 12 hours to complete. "Courses," on the other hand, are still fairly short (from 12 to 39 hours to complete) but are geared more toward developing specific knowledge, skills, and competencies.

All courses and micro-courses are open to:

  • Canadian-trained pharmacists and IEPG’s
  • Pharmacists licensed in Canada or abroad 
  • Current pharmacy students
  • Pharmacy, healthcare, professional associations, and other organizations

Credentials received for completing a certificate or standalone course / micro-course

Upon successful completion, learners receive a formally recognized Digital Badge. These are verifiable digital credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn or included in your professional portfolio.

How 'stacked' credentials work

Standalone courses / micro-courses can be stackable (or “ladderable”). This means if you complete a series of courses within the designated pathway, you can apply that coursework toward a particular certificate and particular courses and certificates can be further applied toward a diploma.

Coursework

Certificate in Canadian Pharmacy Fundamentals (CCPF) delivery format

The Certificate in Canadian Pharmacy Fundamentals (CCPF) is delivered completely online. All CCPF micro-courses are asynchronous allowing the learner to set their own pace and schedule.  

DCPP delivery format(s)

Most courses within the DCPP are delivered online. Foundational micro-courses and pharmacotherapy courses are self-directed (at your own pace and schedule) to allow for remote learning and maximum flexibility. Patient Care Skills courses have some online coursework that is synchronous over web conferencing and the Integrated Capping Course has online synchronous coursework and a few mandatory in-person components at the University of Alberta campus (in Edmonton). Therefore, DCPP learners have some requirements to attend scheduled online classes (via web conferencing) and in-person classes to complete the program.  The learner is responsible for any costs associated with travel and accommodations in Edmonton for in-person classes.

How long it takes to complete a standalone course or the full DCPP

Most courses can be completed within roughly 12 to 20 hours. The full diploma can be completed from 6 months up to 3 years. However, most learners will likely still take about 10 months (similar to the CCPP).

How courses are graded

Learners will be required to demonstrate acceptable performance within each course to receive credit. More information will be provided once learners begin their course or program.

Sequencing of courses for the CCPF

Learners within the CCPF program are welcome to complete the micro-courses in any order.  However, for IEPGs, the following sequence is recommended:  1) Canadian Health Systems and Canadian Law,  2) Patient Care Process for Pharmacy Practice, 3) Ethics, Professionalism, and Communication Skills in Pharmacy,  4) Pharmacy Operations + Systems, 5) Cultural Competence and Social Justice in Pharmacy, 6) Drug Informatics and Evidence-Based Practice in Pharmacy.

Sequencing of courses for the DCPP

Learners within the DCPP program are encouraged to complete the Foundational microcourses in the same order as recommended for the CCPF. Pharmacotherapy courses should be completed in order (1, 2, and then 3).  Successful completion of the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course, all foundational microcourses and Pharmacotherapy 1 are required in advance of Patient Care Skills 1. Patient Care Skills 1 and Pharmacotherapy 2 are pre-requisites for Patient Care Skills 2. Patient Care Skills 2 and Pharmacotherapy 3 are pre-requisites for the Integrated Capping Course. Patient Care Skills 1, Patient Care Skills 2, and the Integrated Capping Course are only offered once annually.  Therefore, learners are strongly encouraged to be mindful of the course completion deadlines to ensure pre-requisites are met.

Enrolment

Enrolment deadlines and start date

Enrollment to the various courses and programs varies. A new section of most courses starts every term (September, January, and May). Therefore, you can enroll at almost any time. For the full DCPP, all prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the in-person component.

Proof of English language proficiency

Yes, learners must demonstrate English language proficiency to successfully participate in the courses, certificates, and the DCPP.  Please review the minimum English Language Proficiency standards accepted by the University of Alberta. Some exemptions may apply but only on the basis of the country or institution where previous studies were completed.

Enrolment requirements

  • For micro-courses and the Certificate in Canadian Pharmacy Fundamentals (CCPF):
    • English language proficiency
    • Pharmacy degree
  • For the full DCPP: 
    • English Language proficiency
    • Pharmacy degree
    • Successful Completion of the PEBC Document Evaluation process
      • OR Pharmacist license (in good standing) in Canadian province/territory

Financial

DCPP tuition costs

Tuition for the entire DCPP is $13,950 CAD. Tuition is paid for on a per course basis.

Tuition for the certificate and standalone courses

The tuition for each individual certificate and course can be found on their respective program registration pages.

Financial support

The full DCPP, certificates, and individual courses do not qualify for Alberta Student Aid (government loans).

However, other private loans and bursaries are available:

Other

Obtaining a license to practice pharmacy in Alberta

The Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) is responsible for all requirements, processes, and decisions pertaining to the registration of pharmacists in Alberta. The University cannot advise in this regard. Please refer to the ACP website for current information and to obtain support related to IEPG Registration.

Additional steps and requirements beyond the DCPP in order to become licensed to practice pharmacy in Canada

Completion of the DCPP program is only one of the steps involved with registering as a pharmacist in Alberta. Completion of DCPP is a tremendous help to anyone hoping to practice pharmacy in Canada. However, completion of all other required licensure requirements by provincial regulatory bodies is still necessary.

PEBC preparation

Preparation for the PEBC qualifying exams is not the focus of the program. The focus of the DCPP program is pharmacy practice in a Canadian context. However, the program will support IEPGs in developing the knowledge and skills expected for the PEBC qualifying exams. The DCPP program will particularly support the development knowledge and skills necessary for the OSCE.

PEBC remediation

Given that the full DCPP is considered a bridging program, PEBC does accept it as remediation for a fourth (final) attempt at the Pharmacist Qualifying Exam – Part I (MCQ).

Contact Us

Additional inquiries about our programs can be sent to phpped@ualberta.ca. Overall guidance related to the requirements and processes for becoming a registered pharmacist in Alberta must be obtained from the Alberta College of Pharmacy.

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