Note: The Pilot Program to Prepare for Practical Training (P4T) concluded in December 2022. NAPRA thanks all P4T mentors and mentees for making the project a success. While the mentorship component is now completed, the Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules (DTLM) introduced as part of P4T continue to be available online to pharmacy professionals and other interested participants, with no prerequisites or requirements. To learn more: NAPRA Diagnostic Tool and Learning Modules.

The Pilot Program to Prepare for Practical Training (P4T) includes a national mentorship program that matches experienced pharmacists with international pharmacy graduates to create a dynamic learning experience. Mentees gain valuable practical knowledge and the skills needed to pursue licensure as a pharmacist in Canada. Faten was one of those mentees. Here is her experience. 

Faten worked as a pharmacist in Lebanon. In Canada, she is currently employed as a pharmacy assistant while she prepares for the challenge of the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE). It was while preparing for PACE that she heard about the P4T mentorship opportunity; because the PACE assessment measures the ability of a pharmacist to practice, she felt that the practical setting of the mentorship could help her prepare for that next step in her licensure process.

Faten noted, “this is a great opportunity for us as international pharmacy graduates, because we do not have previous experience in the [Canadian] healthcare system so this mentorship program helps us get hands-on experience in a practical setting.”

During the mentorship program, she felt that her mentor helped her learn by answering questions, involving her in activities that took place in the pharmacy, and especially by observing her while she counselled patients about their medications. Now that her mentorship program is completed, she feels that she is much more comfortable speaking with patients over the phone and at the counter, and during her interactions with physicians. She feels that the best thing about being a pharmacist in Canada is helping people, helping patients, answering all their questions, and helping them with their medication. 

Faten recommends the P4T mentorship program to everyone and mentioned it is a great opportunity and that the exposure to the pharmacy environment was very beneficial for her. 

To learn more about the P4T mentorship program, follow this link.