Resident Training Programs

SHPA’s Resident Training Program (previously known as the Foundation Residency Program) is Australia’s first and only structured, formalised, supported and accredited national pharmacy residency program.

The importance of foundation training infrastructures is emphasised in Goal 2 of the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP) ‘Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals’.

To find out more about becoming an SHPA accredited Resident Training Program site, view the accreditation information

What does the program offer Resident candidates?

This two-year professional development program provides:

  • practice-based experiential training targeted at early career pharmacists, or pharmacists entering hospital pharmacy practice via other pharmacy environments
  • pharmacist practitioner development towards competence and performance aligned with ANZCAP Resident recognition, in line with the Australian Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework
  • an important springboard to other professional development pathways, such as the Registrar Training Program or further recognition through ANZCAP.

How are Resident Training Programs structured?

SHPA has developed the Resident Training Program Framework which supports development across all practice areas.

The framework includes:

  • an outline of the core features pharmacy departments require in order to deliver a Resident Training Program
  • activities and workplace-based assessments to support and demonstrate a Resident candidate's attainment of the required knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours at the required performance level

Access the Resident Training Program Framework (SHPA members only).

How do I join a Resident Training Program?

Your first step is to obtain a position in an accredited workplace. SHPA does not allocate or appoint Resident candidates in Resident Training Programs. Some sites advertise Resident candidate positions specifically, while others appoint Resident candidates from a pool of existing staff members.

You must be an SHPA member throughout the duration of your Resident Training Program.

If you are a Resident candidate, click here to register with SHPA.

Registration provides you access to a suite of resources and tools through SHPA’s Residency Program Hub (see 'Resources and tools')

Compulsory education components

There are two compulsory education components Resident candidates must complete while in the program:

  1. In their first year, Resident candidates are required to attend the SHPA Extension Seminar (or Masterclass if deemed appropriate by the Resident Training Program Leader) in Clinical Medication Management, and
  2. an SHPA seminar relevant to their CPD plan in their second year.

Book a place at one of our seminars or find out more at SHPA Events.

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