
However, as I approach the end of my second week at rxBriefCase, I have
found myself reconsidering the value of Continuing Education.
As pharmacists, we are some of the most trusted and accessible
healthcare professionals. Many patients approach us when they have questions
about their medications (both prescription and OTC!) or simply need guidance.
It is therefore very important to be competent and up-to-date if we are to
properly address patients’ concerns.
Why Do Continuing Education?
Stay current
Clinical trials are conducted regularly to identify new findings and
information about medical conditions. Unless you are an avid fan of pubmed.com,
it is challenging and time consuming to read all the primary literature
required to keep current. CE courses are the easier way to stay informed about
new changes and respond to patients appropriately.
Guidelines made easy

New developments in the pharma world
Pharmaceutical companies are constantly working to develop newer and more advanced medications for several disease states. For example, a recent
advancement in the world of onychomycosis was made with the launch of a new therapy. These advancements are often discussed by experts in the field, using a wide array of journal articles and supporting clinical trials to provide updates to their peers via CE courses. See the Onychomycosis program for an example of how new developments are addressed in CE.
Memory refresher
PEBC/OSCE prep
Are you scrambling through therapeutic choices, lecture notes, patient
self-care, and totally confused about specific topics? CE courses can be your
go-to resource to help you prepare for your PEBC and OSCE exam. CE courses
provide practical and concise information that can help you connect the dots.
Who Among Us Would Benefit from Continuing Education?
- Pharmacists: Both new pharmacists and pharmacists
practising for a while can benefit from CE programs.
- Pharmacy students: Students can strengthen
their in-class learning with the help of CE programs as well as prepare
for their licensing exams.
- Pharmacy technicians: Can benefit from the CE programs for professional development.
Nationwide CE requirements for
pharmacists
|
|
Province |
Requirement |
Alberta
|
Participation in CE is mandatory and pharmacists
are required to report a minimum of 15 CE units annually.
|
Ontario
|
No mandatory requirement but pharmacists are
encouraged to identify their learning needs and participate in CE courses
accordingly.
|
Manitoba
|
Pharmacists are required to complete a minimum of
15 hours of accredited learning activities annually.
|
Quebec
|
Information not available
|
BC
|
Pharmacists are required to document a minimum of
15 hours of learning annually.
|
Nova Scotia
|
Pharmacists are required to complete a minimum of
15 units of continued education each year.
|
Saskatchewan
|
Pharmacists are required to complete 15 CEUs
between April 1 of the previous membership year and June 1 of the following
year.
|
New Brunswick
|
Pharmacists are required to complete a minimum of
15 units annually to be qualified for licensing the following year.
|
Prince Edward Island
|
No mandatory requirements. Pharmacists should
participate in continued education based on personal needs for professional
development.
|
Newfoundland and Labrador
|
Pharmacists are required to complete a minimum of
15 CEUs with at least 7.5 CEUs must be accredited. The CEUs should be
complete between December 1st
of the previous membership year and Nov 30th
of the following year.
|