Accreditation of Pharmacy Schools and Programs Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Accreditation Committee?
The Accreditation Committee is a standing Committee of the Australian Pharmacy Council. The role of this Committee is to accredit pharmacy schools and programs ensuring that pharmacy graduates have the appropriate knowledge, skills and attributes for entry into pre-registration training programs to achieve recognized competency standards.

2. Who is on the Committee?
Committee members are practicing pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmacists involved in regulation and continuing professional development activities.

3. Are all Australian and New Zealand pharmacy schools accredited?
As at October 2007, 18 pharmacy schools and programs throughout Australia and New Zealand have been accredited. The full list is available here.

4. Does the Accreditation Committee accredit any international pharmacy schools?
Not directly, however some Australian pharmacy schools have ‘twinning programs’ offshore but these courses are not recognized by Australian and New Zealand registering bodies for direct entry into Australian pre-registration programs. These graduates contemplating working in Australia are still required to use the Examining Committee process on completion of their course

5. What happens if I go to a school that is not accredited?
The pharmacy registering authorities in all states and territories resolved in 2006 that they will not recognize a qualification from an unaccredited pharmacy school.  You will not be registered to practice as a pharmacist.  For a list of accredited pharmacy schools click here.

6. I am having difficulty downloading the forms on the website
You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the forms.  Please download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you have not already done so.  If you have already downloaded Adobe Acrobat reader, try clicking on the refresh button at the top of your screen.  If this does not work, please contact admin@pharmacycouncil.org.au