LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS
Metropolitan Toronto Pharmacists Association
The MTPA is a local, member-driven, professional association whose mission is to promote pharmacists as primary health care providers to the community, government and other stakeholders through education, representation, and the formation of strategic alliances.
Membership Information:
- Student membership cost: Free as a U of T Pharmacy student!
- How to register: Online
- Student Membership benefits:
- Students are admitted free of charge to all MTPA continuing professional development programs, a great way to network
- An online summer employment registry planned for the new year.
PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATIONS
Ontario College of Pharmacists
The Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is the registering and regulating body for pharmacy practice in Ontario. All persons within Ontario who wish to dispense prescriptions and sell products defined as drugs to the public must first have met the professional qualifications set by the College, and be registered as a pharmacist. Likewise, all pharmacies must meet certain standards for operations and be accredited by the College. In addition to setting initial standards, the College ensures ongoing adherence to the professional and operational standards.
OCP, originally incorporated in 1871, is set up under the Pharmacy Act, one of many health profession specific acts established under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) of Ontario. The RHPA is the umbrella legislation of the provincial government which bestows to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the duty to ensure that health professions are regulated in the public interest.
Membership Information:
- Student membership cost: Varies
- How to register: Online
Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA)
OPA is a volunteer organization with over 6000 members. It advocates for the profession of pharmacy and for the quality care and well being of the people of Canada’s largest province. The OPA is also one of the only organizations that provides professional liability insurance, which is mandatory for any practicing student or pharmacist.
Membership Benefits:
- The Ontario Pharmacist (mailed publication)
- Pharmacist’s Letter
- OPA membership card to access retail savings and rewards through the TruCa$h program
- Order pharmacy publications through OPA at discounted rates
- Borrow OPA audio/visual materials for your pharmacy events
- Communication broadcasts
- Members-only access to the OPA website
- Discounted rates at attractions across Ontario
- Competitive corporate cell phone program
- Insurance discounts
- Continuing education programs at a reduced registration fee
NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI)
Developed to promote and represent the interests of Canadian pharmacy students before organized bodies in pharmacy, other professions, government, industry, hospital and the community. CAPSI also serves to prepare them as professionals ready and willing to provide the best health care possible within pharmacy’s realm of expertise, and to enhance the profession of pharmacy by providing guidance and information to all members.
Membership Information:
- Student membership cost: Included in our tuition (we are ALL members!)
- Student membership benefits:
- Price discounts on textbooks and CAPSI events
- Symposia/educational seminars
- Drugs Fairs/Trade Shows
- CAPSI competitions
- Various social activities
- Ways to be involved:
- Attend the 4-day PDW conference, hosted by a different Faculty of Pharmacy each year
- Express your thoughts and concerns to over 3,000 student colleagues through submissions to the CAPSIL
- Attend the Annual General Meeting and have your voice heard (it runs concurrent with PDW)
- Be a member of the National Executive Council (Talk to your local CAPSI Representatives, or a member of the current Executive Council, for election details)
Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA)
CPhA is the national voluntary organization of pharmacists committed to providing leadership for the profession. Our vision is to establish the pharmacist as the health professional whose practice, based on unique knowledge and skills about drug therapy, ensures optimal patient outcomes. CPhA achieves its vision by serving its members through advocacy, facilitation, provision of knowledge, participation in partnerships, research and innovation, education and health promotion.
Membership Information:
- Student membership cost: Free
- How to register: Online
- Student membership benefits:
- Free, universal membership with easy online sign up
- Student member discounts on CPhA products and services, including Therapeutic Choices, Patient Self-Care and e-products, plus a special pharmacy student price on the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS) of only $99 (regular price $255)
- Subsidized student pricing on CPhA Annual National Conference registration
- Half-price subscription ($37.50) to the Canadian Pharmacists Journal, your source for current, peer-reviewed articles, research and more, plus universal online access at www.cpjournal.ca
- On-campus activities including seminars and workshops on professional topics
- Access to the Scotia Professional Plan for students, providing significant savings while you’re in school and for up to 12 months after graduation; Plan includes a no-fee chequing account with overdraft protection, an interest-only line-of-credit, choice of VISA card with a $5000 pre-approved limit and an Registered Savings Plan (RSP) account with the administration fees waived
- Monthly member updates through Student ClikInfo
- Access to up-to-date pharmacy practice research through the Translator and Live Links
- Voting privileges for electing the student representative on the CPhA Board of Directors
Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP)
The Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists is the national voluntary organization of pharmacists committed to the advancement of patient-centered pharmacy practice in hospitals and related health care settings. CSHP supports its members through advocacy, education, information sharing, development of standards, facilitation of research, and recognition of excellence.
Membership Information:
- Student membership cost: ~$70.00
- How to register: PDF form Online
- Student membership benefits:
- Personal subscription to the Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
- CSHP News and Employment Opportunities Bulletin (EOB)
- Ability to join the CSHP Pharmacy Specialty Networks (PSNs)
- Discount on CSHP CE events & publications
- Access to the members’ area for the CSHP website
- Eligibility for CSHP awards and practice recognition
National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA)
NAPRA is the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. We are a voluntary association of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory bodies as well as the Canadian Forces Pharmacy Services. Our members regulate the practice of pharmacy and operation of pharmacies in their respective jurisdictions in Canada and their primary mandate is to protect the public.
NAPRA provides a platform to discuss issues and to take a national approach in addressing common issues in the practice of pharmacy in Canada. Working closely with Canadian and International pharmacy organizations allows us to fulfill our goals and objectives. NAPRA usually determines what schedule drugs are in Canada (i.e. Schedule I – prescription only, or Schedule II – OTC with pharmacist intervention, Schedule III – OTC)
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
International Pharmacy Students Federation (IPSF)
IPSF is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious organization that aims to study and promote the interests of pharmacy students and encourage international co-operation amongst them. If you’re interested in practicing abroad or getting exchange program experience, take a look into IPSF.
Membership Information:
- How to become a member: Yearly application process
- Student membership benefits:
- Participate in IPSF Congress, General Assemblies
- Receive IPSF publication and newsletters
- Opportunity to apply for Grants, Awards, and Internships