Course Dates and Deadlines 2010

CPS II
Summer 2010
July 26 - Sept 17, 2010
Final exams: September 20 – 27, 2010

CPS I
Fall 2010
October 25 to December 17, 2010
Final exams: January 4 to 10, 2011

Application Deadline: August 23, 2010
Fee Deadline: September 27, 2010

Who is qualified? | FAQs | Enhanced Language Training | Contacts and Resources

What can I do to prepare for CPS?
Participating in the CPE program is excellent preparation. Familiarity 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.

Consider a Guided Question Discovery. This task is suggested to allow you to explore current Canadian Pharmacy practice. The process of research, self-assessment and reflection is intended to prepare you for the culture of pharmacy practice in Canada. Please click here for the Guided Question Discovery.

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.

Are the dates for CPS I and CPS II fixed, or will they change to meet my specific needs?
We offer four annual intakes on three campuses 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.

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?
Results of successful completion of CPS I and II will be valid for 3 years from the completion date of the course. Individuals can withdraw from the program at any time with written notice. A fee refund schedule is available.

Why are CPS I and CPS II so expensive?
The course registration fees are based on a cost-recovery principle and are comparable to tuition charged in the undergraduate program. In fact, the IPG program is less expensive than several 'other' programs. Many participants tell us that the program is an invaluable part of their licensing journey and an investment in their success.

How can I afford this?
The Program has set up access to financial assistance programs. The first one is the ScotiaBank Professional Loans Program, available to U of T students in professional faculties. The second is through the Maytree Foundation, which administers a loan program designed for individuals unable to access the ScotiaBank program (such as refugees and individuals with no assets or credit-rating). The third option is through corporate sponsorship, in which we will refer you to specific employers for financial support.

Many IPGs who have taken the program tell us that it was a superb investment in their futures here. Experience to date has demonstrated that costs have not been a barrier to attending the program. Current labour market conditions present a favourable environment for loan repayment.

There are other programs available that claim to offer preparation for the PEBC exams. Why should I attend the IPG program?
Although other programs and alternatives may exist, no other program offers the same depth and breadth of experience and our superior success rate. Moreover, many employers consider IPG Program graduates to be preferable in the current labour market. Finally, the IPG Program is not simply 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.

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. However, the Program staff facilitates the distribution of preceptor lists to IPG students and are in close communication with OCP staff regarding need for preceptors.

What is the CPE Program?
Click here for more information about the Canadian Practical Experience (CPE) Program.