The move will enhance education and training opportunities for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians — supporting consistent, high-quality professional development across the country.
For the College, the acquisition represents a continuation of its mission to unify the profession through education.
Community pharmacist and College President Aaron D’Souza said the College Board recognised unity matters.
“It empowers our industry,” he said.
“With synergy, we will see even better education and training opportunities for pharmacy professionals resulting in enhanced patient outcomes.
This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to strengthen and unify pharmacy education in Australia
National President and PSA Board Chair Associate Professor Fei Sim
“We are proud to see the heritage of the Australian Institute of Pharmacy Management (AIPM) and Australian College of Pharmacy Practice (ACPP) carried forward for the advancement of our profession and industry.”
He also highlighted the College’s leading role in education.
“The College’s industry-leading education in full scope and pharmacy assistant training, as well as its high quality CPD [continuing professional development] content and its strength as an intern training provider will provide excellent value to everyone.”
Joining forces
College CEO Amanda Seeto said she was excited about joining forces with PSA, emphasising the shared commitment to members and learners across all levels of the workforce.
“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,” she said.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with PSA to ensure the profession is supported through this transition and beyond, and to championing the role of community pharmacy in delivering accessible healthcare to all Australians
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Senior National Vice President of Australia Simon Blacker
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.”
Ms Seeto said over the next few months, their priority would be developing a robust plan to ensure a seamless transition for College members, learners and staff over to PSA.
Major milestone
The PSA said the acquisition supported the organisation’s broader strategy to strengthen pharmacy education and professional standards.
National President and PSA Board Chair Associate Professor Fei Sim said the agreement represented a shared vision for the future of pharmacy education.
“This agreement is a major milestone in our journey to strengthen and unify pharmacy education in Australia,” Prof Sim said.
“As the custodian for standards and guidelines for professional practice, the acquisition of the College by the PSA is a further strategic step towards building scale, capability and capacity for pharmacy education in Australia, amidst the fast-evolving practice landscape.
Stronger future
Prof Sim said the agreement reflected a shared intent and commitment to invest in the future of the profession and ensure pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians are supported at every stage of their careers.
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
College CEO Amanda Seeto
“The acquisition aligns with PSA’s broader strategy to support the profession through a period of significant transformation, including the expansion of scope of practice and increasing demands on the healthcare system.
“This is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for pharmacy education, whilst continuing our ongoing commitment to advocacy and absolute commitment to upholding high standards of practice across our profession,” Prof Sim said.
“We are proud to lead this work and look forward to continuing to support our members with the highest quality education and professional development.”
PSA will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the transition, prioritising continuity, quality, and innovation in education delivery to ensure the benefits of the acquisition are realised across the profession.
Pivotal time
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Senior National Vice President of Australia, Simon Blacker, welcomed the acquisition, highlighting the College’s long-standing contribution to the profession.
“The Australasian College of Pharmacy has been instrumental in delivering outstanding training and support to our profession since its inception and I’d like to recognise the team’s incredible work,” he said.
Mr Blacker said the transition came at a pivotal time for the pharmacy profession.
“With scope of practice expanding across jurisdictions, community pharmacists are now increasingly recognised as the frontline health professionals that they are.”
Mr Blacker also said the consolidation of education under PSA would support consistent, high-quality training which would empower pharmacists to deliver safe, effective care in areas such as contraception, minor ailments, and chronic disease management.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with PSA to ensure the profession is supported through this transition and beyond, and to championing the role of community pharmacy in delivering accessible healthcare to all Australians,” he said.
