THE Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) has opened consultation on the revised Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Programs (2020), and is seeking feedback from health professionals, consumers, educators and other stakeholders.
The standards, which are reviewed every five years, play a critical role in ensuring pharmacy programs produce graduates and interns who are fully prepared with the skills and knowledge required for safe and effective practice upon registration.
They form the foundation of APC's accreditation processes for pharmacy education programs that lead to registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, and will align with the forthcoming Pharmacist Capability Framework that APC is developing with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PD 30 Oct 2025).
APC chief standards officer, Kate Spencer, stated that these standards support innovation and are fundamental to ensuring that graduates and interns enter the profession equipped for safe, confident and effective practice.
"Pharmacy education is rapidly evolving in response to changes in healthcare delivery, expanded professional scope, and workforce needs," Spencer said.
"New degree structures are emerging, with different program types that lead either to completion of an internship or directly to eligibility for general registration.
"The revised accreditation standards will continue to support innovation in pharmacy education design and delivery," she added.
APC CEO, Bronwyn Clark, noted that the updated standards are being developed with extensive stakeholder consultation to ensure they remain current, competency-focused and responsive to the profession's needs.
"They will facilitate innovation by education providers and support the delivery of high-quality, integrated programs that prepare graduates to meet the current and future needs of patients, communities, and the profession," Clark said.
"Public consultation is central to the way we work at APC, and I strongly encourage our stakeholders to participate.
"Your insights help us shape highquality, futurefocused standards that strengthen pharmacy education and support the profession well into the future," she concluded.
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