Course Dates and Deadlines
CPS II
Winter 2012
January 30-March 23, 2012
Final exams: March 26 - 30, 2012
CPS I
Spring 2012
April 23- June 15, 2012
Final exams: June 18 - 22, 2012
Application Deadline: February 24, 2012
Fee Deadline: March 26, 2012
CPS II
Summer 2012
July 23- September 14, 2012
Final exams: September 17-21, 2012
Fee Deadline: July 18, 2012
Successful completion of CPS I is required for promotion to the
next level, CPS II.
------------------------------
CPS II ONLINE
Fall 2011
Oct.29, 2011-Feb.17, 2012 Final Exams: Feb.11-17, 2012
CPS I ONLINE
Summer 2012
July 9 - Oct 15, 2012
Final Exams: Oct.9-15, 2012
Application deadline: May 25, 2012
Fee deadline: June 15, 2012
CPS II ONLINE
Fall 2012
Oct.29, 2012-Feb.17, 2013 Final Exams: Feb.11-17, 2013
Fee deadline: October 26, 2012
Application Process | FAQs | Enhanced Language Training | Contacts and Resources
FAQs
- FAQs ABOUT THE IPG PROGRAM
- FAQs ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
- FAQs ABOUT PROGRAM COSTS and FINANCING
- FAQ ABOUT THE NEW ONLINE PROGRAM
- QUESTIONS ASKED BY STUDENTS ACCEPTED TO THE IPG PROGRAM
FAQs ABOUT THE IPG PROGRAM
There are other programs available that claim to offer preparation for the PEBC exams. Why should I attend the IPG program?
The IPG program is the oldest bridge program for pharmacists in Canada and offers a depth and breadth of experience that is unmatched by other programs. The IPG program is the only program that is recognized by the Ontario College of Pharmacists as meeting educational training requirements for international pharmacy graduates. Moreover, many employers consider IPG Program graduates to be preferable in the current labour market. Finally, the IPG Program is not a "prep course for the PEBC exams", but rather preparation for a fulfilling pharmacy career in Canada. Our graduates are trained to be leaders in patient care.
Do you provide a course to prepare me for the PEBC Evaluating Exam?
We do not offer a program to help individuals prepare for the Evaluating exam. We suggest you visit the PEBC website for more information about the Evaluating Exam and suggestions on how to prepare: http://www.pebc.ca/EnglishPages/EEX/EEXPreparing.html
I’m interested in taking your program through distance education as I live very far from Toronto and it’s very difficult for me to move. Will you be offering the courses online?
Currently we only offer the program in-class, in Toronto but may offer alternative options in the future. Please check back on our website for any changes to program delivery options.
Are the dates for CPS I and CPS II fixed, or will they change to meet my specific needs?
We offer two annual intakes on the Toronto campus to provide choice and flexibility to our learners. The academic year configuration is designed to allow students to proceed through the process in the most expeditious manner, allowing for factors such as processing applications, marking examinations and reviewing assessments.
Can I take CPS courses part time?
The IPG program In-Class CPS courses are offered full time only. They are offered Monday through Friday 9am-4pm with a one hour lunch break and labs every other Sunday. CPS Online courses are offered on a part time format.
Can I attend CPS II first and then complete CPS I?
No. You can only enroll in CPS II after successful completion of CPS I.
FAQs ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Is there an expiration date on the PEBC Evaluating Exam results?
There is no expiry on the PEBC Evaluating Exam results. You may submit a results letter that was taken in any year, showing that you have passed the PEBC Evaluating Exam, with your application for the IPG program.
Can I get a supporting document from the IPG office for my student visa application?
Once you have met the admission requirements, we will be able to provide you with a conditional offer of acceptance to attend CPS provided there are still spaces available. This letter is required for your application for a Student Visa. For more information about obtaining a student visa, you may visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca.
I will not be able to submit all of my application documents before the deadline date of the session I would like to attend. What should I do?
All CPS seats are offered on a first-come first-served basis. As such, once we receive your complete application it will be put on a Waiting List and you could be offered a place if and when there are vacancies.
FAQs ABOUT PROGRAM COSTS and FINANCING
How can I afford the tuition?
Eligible students may apply for a loan through the ScotiaBank Professional Loans Program or the Royal Bank Financial Services for Students in Professional Practice program. Links to additional information about these programs can be found on the IPG website at http://www.ipgcanada.ca/pricing.html.
The IPG program is considered a professional development program and is not an OSAP eligible program.
What is the refund policy?
The $250 application fee is non-refundable. For the $6500 tuition fee, a full refund is possible until the end of the first week of classes. A 50% refund is possible until the second week of classes, and a 75% refund can be processed until the third week of classes.
Does the Program help students find a preceptor?
The IPG program invites all interested employers to contact Program staff to organize information sessions and recruitment opportunities. Training of preceptors and providing lists to students is an OCP function. IPG program staff facilitate the distribution of preceptor lists to IPG students and are in close communication with OCP staff regarding the need for preceptors.
FAQs ABOUT THE NEW ONLINE PROGRAM
Course Times
When will the course be offered?
CPS I online course modules are offered in the spring and fall each year. CPS II courses are offered in the summer and winter each year. You can register online at: http://www.ipgcanada.ca/registration.cfm
Are there particular times during the day that I must be online to complete course activities?
The advantage of the online course is that the readings and activities in each topic may be completed at your convenience within the time that the unit is open. Students will have ample opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from the facilitators through discussion forums.
Online Learning Format
I'm interested in the online course but am not too sure about whether it's right for me.
Online learning offers the advantage of convenience and flexibility. It may be more convenient for you if you have work and family responsibilities that prevent you from participating at a set time every day. The course may be completed wherever you have a computer with internet access - there is no need to spend time travelling to and from class. Finally, it allows access to the course and collaboration between learners who are located far from one another physically and would not normally interact. There will be interaction in the online course through the use of discussion forums and feedback from your facilitator. You should be aware online learning does not take place in "real time", so it can take longer than a classroom based session, and unfolds differently. For example, you will read and respond to classmates' comments at your own pace, which may mean that your classmate is offline and not immediately available to respond. But this can be an advantage too; you can think about your response and take time to compose it. Additionally, everyone has a chance to contribute, which does not always happen in a classroom setting.
Is there any homework?
In order for learners to benefit fully from the course there will be some self-study. The reading and research activities that will be assigned will be meaningful, will help you to be prepared for future sessions and allow you to reflect on what you have learned.
I'm not sure if I have the right combination of skills and computer equipment to succeed in this learning environment. What type of support can you suggest?
When you apply, we will ask you to complete a brief survey of your computer skills, access to equipment, and other factors necessary to succeed as part of your Online Learning Assessment. We will ask you to provide us with a summary (on a form we provide) of the areas where you feel you need help and we will work together to make sure this is the right option for you. We want you to be ready to go on the first day of class online!
These are the minimum computer equipment requirements that you would need in order to do the online course:
- Screen Resolution: 1024 X 768
- Browsers: Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3, Safari, or Google Chrome
- Plug-ins: Adobe Flash 9 or greater
- High Speed Internet Connection
- Hardware: Speakers or headphones
- Software: Adobe Reader
Can you suggest options for short-term housing while attending the CPS online week-long workshops in Toronto?
If you require short-term housing during your time in Toronto, there are many options available to you. The IPG Office is located centrally downtown, and there are many hotels in the area which will accept 1-week bookings. For a less expensive option, you can look into local hostels, which can offer a wide variety of housing types including single, double, quad, and multi-person room sharings. Some of these hostels include amenities such as laundry facilities, breakfast, and security lockers to store your luggage and valuables. Another alternative would be to stay on campus at one in one of the University of Toronto student residence buildings at one of the Colleges: Victoria College, St. Michael’s College, University College, Innis College, New College, and Trinity College. During the summer months, some of these buildings operate as “hotels” and accept bookings from the general public, and more information can be obtained directly from the Colleges themselves on the University of Toronto website. Please note that it is your responsibility to secure your own housing for the duration of your stay.
QUESTIONS ASKED BY STUDENTS ACCEPTED TO THE IPG PROGRAM
Before classes begin
I’ve confirmed my acceptance and paid my tuition fees. What do I need to do now?
The final step before classes begin is to attend the Orientation session. This is generally held two weeks before classes start. You will be informed of the exact date, time and location through email.
What can I do to prepare for CPS?
Participating in the CPE mentorship program is excellent preparation. There is no extra tuition associated with participation in CPE and application forms will be available at the Orientation session which is held two weeks before the start of classes.
What is the CPE program?
The CPE program is a mentorship program offered at no extra cost to IPG students. More information can be found here: http://www.ipgcanada.ca/cpe.html
The CPE mentorship program will help you become familiar with Canadian drug names and products, translation of Latin abbreviations, interpreting directions and dispensing will be valuable skills for assessment of the Drug Distribution portion of the Professional Practice Laboratory.
All new IPG students will receive further details about applying to CPE before program Orientation, which is generally held two weeks before the start of classes.
I'm not really comfortable using computers. Do you have any suggestions?
We can assist you with accessing initial Internet training. Many community agencies provide free Internet training and information on how to set up an e-mail account. We can refer you to these programs. You will be expected to be able to navigate around the Internet in CPS I.
Specific pharmacy software programs are an important technological tool in pharmacy practice in Canada. We will provide training in the program on one pharmacy software system.
Housing
I am moving to Toronto to attend the course. Can you help me to find housing?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources to help you find housing in Toronto. Housing resources are available at the University of Toronto Housing Office: http://housing.utoronto.ca/. To become a member here, you have to pay a small fee. Please contact them directly to enquire.
After classes begin
Textbooks - What textbooks do you use in the IPG program?
Details of the textbooks required will be provided at the Orientation session before classes start. The textbooks that were used in the past for the CPS session are:
- CPS - Canadian Pharmacists Association
- Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach (7th ed). DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey LM. McGraw-Hill (2008)
- Communication Skills for Pharmacy Practice – Tindall and Beardsley, 5th edition
- Patient Self Care – Canadian Pharmacists Association – 2nd edition
- Pharmaceutical Calculations, 13th Ed. Howard Ansel and Mitchell Stoklosa
Do I have to let the College know that I've passed the courses?
We will forward proof of successful completion of CPS I and II to the College promptly so that you may begin your Structured Practical Training.
What happens if my studies are interrupted due to personal or unavoidable reasons?
Individuals can withdraw from the program at any time with written notice. A fee refund schedule is available. Should a student withdraw from CPS II, promotion results of successful completion of CPS I will be valid for 3 years from the completion date of the course.
What happens if I fail a CPS course?
You are able to take supplemental exams in the course/s you failed during the next applicable exam session. Full details of the promotions policy will be presented at the Orientation.
Find out more about:
