Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning will establish a high-tech pharmaceutical studies centre at the college’s Kitchener - Doon campus made possible through the generous support of Toronto-based philanthropist Diane Blake.
Conestoga will establish a high-tech pharmaceutical studies centre at the college’s Doon campus made possible through the generous support of Toronto-based philanthropist Diane Blake.
Pharmacy services are integral to the healthcare system, working alongside other providers to optimize patient care. The Centre for Pharmaceutical Studies will support student learning through cutting-edge laboratories equipped with the latest pharmaceutical instruments, tools and infrastructure to facilitate hands-on learning and foster innovation.
As healthcare continues to respond to demands, the role of pharmacy service providers is evolving.
The provincial government has approved regulations that expand the scope of practice for pharmacists in Ontario to ensure patients have enhanced access to safe and quality healthcare, increasing the need for support in the industry. Conestoga is expected to launch pharmacy technician and assistant programs in fall 2024 to address the need for high-quality graduates and plans to extend pharmacy-related programming to include post-graduate programs in pharmaceutical science, pharmaceutical discovery and pharmacovigilance to support research and innovation.
“We are deeply grateful for Diane Blake’s leadership in supporting Conestoga’s efforts to address the growing needs of the communities we serve through the development of skilled pharmaceutical professionals,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “The investment in highly trained graduates will play a crucial role in the optimization of pharmacy service provision and new drug development to the ultimate benefit of patients and the healthcare system.”
In addition to infrastructure to support high-quality instruction and facilitate hands-on skills training, Blake’s gift will also establish bursaries and scholarships to support student development.
“Education is key to the foundation of progress and provides opportunities for individuals to have successful careers,” said Blake. “This new Centre for Pharmaceutical Studies at Conestoga College will address the critical skills shortages we are facing in healthcare. It will also improve healthcare accessibility and will result in better patient outcomes that will impact generations to come.”
The Centre for Pharmaceutical Studies is expected to open in fall 2024.