Authorization to inject

What are the prerequisites for obtaining authorization to administer drugs by injection?

1. Be registered on the ACP clinical pharmacist register

2. Demonstrate training in at least one of the following:

• successfully complete a CCCEP Competency-Mapped Accredited Immunization and Injection program; 
• successfully complete courses/training as part of a Canadian faculty of pharmacy curriculum; or
• hold authorization to administer drugs by injection in another Canadian jurisdiction.

3. Provide proof of current and valid CPR level C or HCP

• Your certificate must be level C or HCP. Level B will not be accepted.
• You must attend an in-person or blended course. Courses delivered solely online are not acceptable.
• The course must be offered, and taken, in Canada.

Examples of accepted courses include St. John’s, Red Cross, Heart and Stroke Foundation (Healthcare and Basic Life Support), Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

4. Provide proof of current and valid First Aid certification

• You must attend an in-person or blended course. Courses delivered solely online are not acceptable.
• The course must be offered, and taken, in Canada.
• Standard or Emergency First Aid is acceptable.

If you have any questions about fulfilling this requirement, please contact us at registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca.

What are the application details and deadlines?

Alberta pharmacists must apply for the authorization within one year of having successfully completed both the education and practical training portions of a CCCEP Competency-Mapped Accredited Immunization and Injection program.

Authorization to administer drugs by injection granted in other Canadian jurisdictions

This is recognized in Alberta, providing applicants submit an application for this authorization and meet the requirements as outlined on the application form.

Pharmacists transferring from another Canadian jurisdiction (e.g., another province) must apply for the authorization before their authorization expires in the province they are transferring from.

Courses/training provided as part of a Canadian faculty of pharmacy curriculum

This training is recognized, provided an applicant applies for the authorization to administer drugs by injection within six months of graduation and meets the requirements outlined on the application form.

How do I apply for authorization to administer drugs by injection?

Complete the application form and submit to ACP, with the supporting documentation by email to registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca

What happens after I apply?

If authorization is approved, ACP will mail you a practice permit displaying your authorization to administer drugs by injection and update your registrant profile on the website. You may not engage in the restricted activity of administering drugs by injection until your application has been approved by ACP.

Pharmacists should also, at least every 12 months, review

• the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (Standards 7, 16, 17 and 18 including the required policies and procedures for handling emergencies), and
• the Guidelines for Medication and Vaccine Injection Safety.

How do I renew my authorization to administer drugs by injection?

Pharmacists who have been authorized to administer drugs by injection are required to complete a professional declaration annually as part of their registration renewal indicating that they

• have taken action to maintain their clinical and technical competencies
• have and will maintain valid CPR (minimum level C) and First Aid certification (Standard 1.22); and
• have administered an injection within the past three years.

Pharmacists who are unable to sign the professional declaration will have their authorization to administer injections cancelled. Pharmacists who have not administered an injection within the last three years must re-qualify for the authorization to administer drugs by injection by completing a CCCEP Competency-Mapped Accredited Immunization and Injection program.

How do I reapply for my authorization to administer drugs by injection if previously cancelled?

Complete the authorization reinstatement application form and submit to ACP, with the supporting documentation, by email to registrationinfo@abpharmacy.ca.

As a reminder, students and provisional registrants are unable to be granted the authorization to administer drugs by injection. A supervising pharmacist overseeing their activity must ensure that the individual has completed a recognized training program on administering drugs by injection and performs the activity under direct supervision. For more about the responsibilities involved when supervising injections, refer to our page on supervision and our Link article from September 30, 2020.