THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has signed an agreement to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, marking a significant step for expanding educational offerings and professional and practice support for members and the pharmacy profession.

The acquisition was first proposed in Jan, with PSA members voting in support of the move in Feb.

While there are still steps to be completed before settlement, the PSA is focused on how the acquisition will strengthen its leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim stated the agreement was “a transformational opportunity for the future of pharmacy education”.

“This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to strengthen and unify pharmacy education in Australia,” she said.

“As the custodian for standards and guidelines for professional practice, the acquisition of the College by the PSA is a further strategic step toward building scale, capability and capacity for pharmacy education in Australia, amidst the fast-evolving practice landscape.”

Assoc Prof Sim noted that the agreement demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and supporting professionals throughout their careers, while guiding the industry through major changes, including expanded scope of practice and rising healthcare demands.

“This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for pharmacy education, so we can do more for our members,” Assoc Prof Sim said.

Regarded by the College as a “momentous event in the history of the Australian pharmacy industry”, College CEO, Amanda Seeto, said she looks forward to working with PSA to unite the two organisations.

“Both the College and PSA exist to serve our members, learners and the pharmacy industry, and I’m excited for what we can deliver together,” said Seeto.

“Expanding the scope of the workforce, from the youngest pharmacy assistant to the most experienced pharmacy owner, has been our mission at the College and we will ensure this important work continues with the PSA.

“Over the next few months, our priority is developing a robust plan to ensure a seamless transition for College members, learners and staff over to PSA when the time comes,” Seeto added.

The PSA said it will continue to engage with stakeholders through the transition process. KB

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