The case of clinical training for International Pharmacists in Canada: A comparative educational and policy analysis

Abstract

Background: The passing rate for International Pharmacists is much lower than that of domestic pharmacy graduates in the licensing examination in Canada. This study aimed to examine differences in policies and educational infrastructure systems integrated that help shape advanced clinical training for International Pharmacists in the different provinces. Method: This study used a comparative policy analysis of regulations governing International Pharmacists in three provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Results: When examining current integration systems in these provinces, differences in clinical training period requirements become apparent. For example, Alberta and British Columbia have already started efforts towards better integration frameworks in clinical training for international pharmacists. However, there is a need for more unified and inclusive measures towards the integration of international experiences within the Canadian pharmacy practice system across all three provinces. Conclusion: The Canadian model lacks a clinical training period before the qualifying examination, unlike other models around the world.