Pharmacy Connection
In fall 2024, the College will be transitioning from the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to the Practice Assessment of Competence of Entry (PACE) model for pharmacy technician applicants. To help support this model, we are looking for frontline pharmacy professionals in community or hospital practice to be PACE assessors for pharmacy technician applicants. PACE assessors ensure that applicants meet the College’s practice-based requirements to deliver safe, quality care. For details on how to apply to become a PACE assessor, please review the information at the end of this article.
Pharmacist Aaron Nixon has been a PACE assessor for pharmacist applicants since 2018 and is now transitioning from SPT preceptor to PACE assessor for pharmacy technician applicants. He shares with Pharmacy Connection how he sees the role of PACE assessor, what he’s proud of and why other pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should consider becoming assessors.
PC: WHY DO YOU THINK BEING A PACE ASSESSOR IS IMPORTANT?
To me, helping prepare our up-and-coming pharmacy professionals for their future careers is part of our role. I was fortunate that I worked in pharmacy from the time I was 16 under some incredibly experienced pharmacists who taught and challenged me and helped me become the pharmacist I am today.
While PACE is an evaluation and not an educational experience, part of our role as pharmacists is to ensure the protection of our patients and the public from medication related harm. I see being a PACE assessor as part of this duty by helping to ensure pharmacy professionals who are starting to practice can safely care for patients.
PC: CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT YOU ARE PROUD OF FROM YOUR TIME AS A PACE ASSESSOR?
I think one of my proudest moments as a PACE assessor came after one of my candidates had gotten her full license. She called me from her new place of employment about a week later to let me know that she had become licensed and then immediately asked me for a prescription transfer. Putting her name as the receiving pharmacist made me exceptionally proud as I knew she was going to continue providing excellent care to the patient.
PC: WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU’VE LEARNED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?
I’ve learned how to communicate better. When teaching, such as in the SPT program, it is easy for a pharmacist to communicate with their student, as teaching patients is a large part of our profession and what we do most of the day.
Being a PACE assessor, however, you cannot teach, but you still need to provide guidance. This is a skill that we as professionals should be working on as well. We know that sometimes patients need guidance from us rather than education, to help support them in their understanding of their health and medication.
PC: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUR PEERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING BECOMING A PACE ASSESSOR FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIAN APPLICANTS?
Being a PACE assessor is a rewarding experience whether you are evaluating pharmacists or pharmacy technicians. You get to see the future of our professions and help contribute in a unique and meaningful way to patient care and safety. Without PACE assessors our professions will not grow and allow us to perform to our best standard.
Apply to Become a PACE Assessors for Pharmacy Technician Applicants
Do you have four or more years of practice experience and are interested in evaluating pharmacy technician applicants’ entry-to-practice readiness?
The College is seeking qualified frontline pharmacy professionals to be PACE assessors for pharmacy technician applicants. PACE assessors ensure that applicants meet the College’s practice-based requirements to deliver safe, quality care. Being a PACE assessor is a voluntary role.
If you are interested in being a PACE assessor, please complete the application form for your primary place of practice:
For more information on the PACE model, please visit the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) for Pharmacy Technician Applicants webpage.
