Extended practice certification
There are three areas of practice which are considered extended practice under the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Regulations :
- administering by injection a drug or vaccine prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner;
- administering intranasally or by injection a vaccine for a disease listed in Schedule A;
- administering by injection a vaccine for a disease listed in Schedule B.
The requirements for initial application are outlined below. Proof of completion of the required education programs may be submitted to the College via the document upload function in the member portal at the time the application is submitted.
1. Extended Practice Certificate in Drug Administration
Pharmacy Technicians who hold an Extended Practice Certificate in Drug Administration may administer, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist with an EPC in drug administration, a drug or vaccine prescribed by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner by injection, a vaccine for a disease listed in Schedule A of the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Regulations by injection or intranasally, or a vaccine for a disease listed in Schedule B by injection.
A pharmacy technician applying for an Extended Practice Certificate in Drug Administration must follow the application requirements detailed in RP.07 Application Requirements – EPC Drug Administration and include evidence that they have completed a CCCEP competency mapped accredited program in immunization and injection and CPR/First Aid certification. There is a $50.00 application fee.
Pharmacy technicians are required to renew their EPC each year. Renewals are be completed in the member portal. The fee for renewing an EPC in Drug Administration is $25.00.
The Practice Directives-Drug Administration establish responsibility for pharmacy technicians when administering drugs. Pharmacy technicians will practice in accordance with these Practice Directives, Public Health Immunization Regulations , Code of Ethics , Standards of Practice , as well as regulations established under the Regulated Health Professions Act .