In a significant stride towards advancing pharmaceutical compounding education, PCCA Canada proudly announces the reopening of its Learning Center, situated within its home office in London, Ontario, following extensive renovations. These meticulous upgrades have been designed to elevate both theoretical understanding and hands-on proficiency for pharmacy compounders, aligning seamlessly with evolving Canadian regulatory standards.
Amanda Cassel, General Manager of PCCA Canada, emphasized the criticality of these enhancements, stating, “With Canadian regulations changing, it’s imperative for PCCA to provide compounders with state-of-the-art facilities that simulate real-world pharmacy settings.” The renovation effort encompassed a comprehensive overhaul of the clinical training lab, culminating in the creation of 20 nonsterile compounding workstations and an additional 10 workstations dedicated to Sterility Assurance Training. This innovative space serves as a hub for imparting competencies in aseptic compounding techniques, underlining PCCA Canada’s commitment to comprehensive education.
Collaborating closely with industry partners, Kunesa and Nicos Cleanrooms, Sebastian Denison, RPh, FAARM (candidate) from PCCA Canada’s Learning and Education team, spearheaded the design process to replicate in-pharmacy workstations. Denison noted, “We teach pharmacists and pharmacy staff everything they need to know — from appropriate garbing to the art of flavoring compounded preparations — and even provide mock hoods to ensure their training reflects a real-workplace experience.” This meticulous attention to detail exemplifies the dedication to providing a true-to-life learning environment.
Adjacent to the newly transformed training lab is a reinvigorated classroom space, where pharmacy staff members delve into best practices that can be seamlessly integrated into their own facilities. Cheryl Hedrick, a seasoned PCCA course instructor, highlighted the significance of hands-on procedures in bolstering efficiency and minimizing the risk of exposure and cross-contamination. “Here, learners gain the confidence they need to compound preparations in their labs,” Hedrick affirmed, underscoring the pivotal role the Learning Center plays in empowering practitioners.
PCCA Canada extends an open invitation to all compounding pharmacies to experience the revitalized Learning Center firsthand. Cassel encourages industry peers to leverage this opportune platform, stating, “It’s the perfect place to connect with fellow compounders, while acquiring new compounding techniques.”
Additionally, the newly revamped classroom venue is available for rental, accommodating up to 30 individuals. This versatile space can be utilized to host meetings, classes, or other events. Organizations interested in availing this facility are encouraged to reach out to canadaevents@pccarx.com for further details.
Established in 1981, PCCA has been an unwavering proponent of pharmacy compounding for over four decades, providing indispensable resources to independent compounding pharmacies and health system pharmacies across the United States, Canada, Australia, and various other countries worldwide. PCCA Canada, established in 2001, marked a significant milestone when PCCA leadership acquired the Canadian chemical wholesaler, Wiler Fine Chemical, and erected a new facility in London, Ontario.
In conclusion, the reopening of PCCA Canada’s Learning Center heralds a transformative chapter in pharmaceutical compounding education. The meticulously renovated facilities, replete with state-of-the-art workstations and immersive training modules, stand as a testament to PCCA’s unwavering commitment to advancing personalized medicine. With an illustrious history spanning over four decades, PCCA continues to be a cornerstone for independent compounding pharmacies worldwide. The newly revitalized Learning Center serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards excellence in compounding practices.
