Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolment

When is the enrolment deadline and when can I start?
The program begins in Fall Term (September) every year. Please see the Enrolment page for details.
How many students are admitted into the program?
The initial offering of the program included a maximum of 50 learners. Subsequent offerings will accommodate more learners.
Do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency?
Yes, the majority of applicants will need to submit acceptable test scores from within the last 2 years. Some exceptions may apply depending on the country or institution where previous studies were completed. Please see the Enrolment page for more details.
When can I expect an admission decision?
Enrolment decisions are not made until after the enrolment deadline. For more information, please see the Enrolment page.

Financial

What is the cost of the program?
Tuition for the entire program is $13,500 CAD. Please see the Tuition + Funding page for more details.
Are there any additional costs for the program?
Additional costs include textbooks and other materials required for the coursework. It is highly recommended that all students own a laptop computer. Students are also required to have a high quality (external or internal) webcam and microphone. Students may also incur costs in order to attend the in-person component of the Spring semester of the program.
Is financial support available for students?
Please see the Tuition + Funding page for details.

Coursework

How is the program delivered?
CCPP is a blended program, meaning there are both online and on-campus requirements. Terms 1 and 2 (fall and winter) are delivered online. Term 3 (spring) is delivered both online and face to face on-campus at the University of Alberta.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
The program takes 10 months (September to June) to complete.
What is the estimated weekly workload to complete the program?
For Fall and Winter Terms (both 13 weeks, online), students are required to spend 6-8 hours of online class time per week plus an estimated additional 6-10 hours required per week to complete assignments, review materials, and for studying, depending on the individual. For Spring Term (6 weeks online, 2 weeks on campus), students are required to spend 10-13 hours of class time plus an estimated additional 8-12 hours per week required to complete assignments, review materials, and for studying, depending on the individual. Please see the Courses and Schedules page for more details.
How are courses graded?
Learners will be required to demonstrate acceptable performance within each course to successfully complete the program. More information will be provided once learners begin their program.

Other

How do I obtain a permit 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 Applying to ACP.
If I complete the CCPP program, do I still need to complete any other steps to become licensed to practice pharmacy in Canada?
Currently, completion of the CCPP program is only one of the required steps to register as a pharmacist in Alberta. Completion of CCPP 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.
Will the program help me to prepare for the PEBC qualifying exams?
Preparation for the PEBC Qualifying exams is not the focus of the program. The focus of the CCPP 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 CCPP program will particularly support the development knowledge and skills necessary for the OSCE.
Does completion of the CCPP program count toward PEBC remediation?
Yes, as CCPP is considered a bridging program, PEBC accepts it as remediation for a fourth (final) attempt at the Pharmacist Qualifying Exam – Part I (MCQ).

Still have questions?

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