Our Organisation
There’s over 34,500 registered pharmacists currently in Australia.
Our job is to ensure that they have the knowledge and competencies required for safe and effective practice at the point of general registration and beyond. Whether their journey is through Australian universities or from overseas, they must meet the high standards that we set.
What we do
At the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), we focus on pharmacy education and standards.
Our main functions are to:
- develop accreditation standards for pharmacy education programs and organisations
- accredit pharmacy degree and intern training programs
- accredit organisations who accredit continuing professional development activities
- conduct written examinations for pharmacists and interns wanting to register in Australia and New Zealand
- assess the knowledge and experience of overseas trained pharmacists who want to migrate or practise in Australia
Pharmacist roles are evolving within an ever-changing healthcare environment. We progressively see advancing technologies, strong patient partnership and interprofessional collaboration. The standards we set produce socially accountable pharmacists who can address individual needs in this evolving healthcare system. This includes:
- enabling them to use skills fully as medicines experts to enhance patient health outcomes
- ensuring cultural safety (spiritual, social, emotional and physical)
- improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes
- helping people with a disability
- working with other health professions
- developing a sustainable practice
Who we are
We are a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.
APC has a long and proud history of nearly 40 years of operation serving the community. We work under assignment from the Pharmacy Board of Australia within the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).
Our mission
Advancing and assuring quality in pharmacy education.
Our vision
To lead accreditation and assessment of education of the pharmacy sector nationally and internationally.
We put this mission and vision into action through our strategic priorities:
- reputation and leadership
- accreditation and assessment
- an accountable business model
- improving Indigenous health
- capability and innovation
Our core values
Respect
We treat all people with courtesy, compassion and tolerance, and all situations are handled in a timely manner.
Fairness
We treat everyone in an impartial, equitable, ethical, sensitive and just manner.
Transparency
We are open, honest and trustworthy in all we do. We take responsibility for our actions.
Creativity
We encourage originality, enquiry, risk-taking, critical thinking and diversity. We are constantly striving for excellence.
Support
We care about our fellow team members and stakeholders. We own and learn from our mistakes, build resilience and celebrate success.
Life Long Learning
We encourage intellectual curiosity and ongoing personal and professional development.