PSA announce intent to acquire Australasian College of Pharmacy
28 January 2025
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Board has today announced plans to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, further growing PSA’s leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.
The Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College) is a member-based organisation developing and delivering education, training, and research programs to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants since 1976.
The decision to acquire the College is part of the PSA Board’s broader plan to maximise member value through growth, expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.
PSA’s acquisition of the College builds on its long history of high-quality, nation-leading education and training for pharmacists, allowing further investment in professional and practice support for members.
The PSA Board has carefully considered the impact of acquiring the College, and alongside independent advice from third-party experts the Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members, and the broader profession.
National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the acquisition will be a transformational opportunity to grow PSA’s industry-leading education and workforce development offer.
“The PSA Board’s strategic decision to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy secures a long-term future for pharmacy workforce education. It puts PSA in a stronger representative and financial position to support and advocate for our members during this pivotal time of practice change in pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“Along with the PSA Board, I fully understand the challenges pharmacists are facing, as we transition to full scope of practice and our roles become increasingly demanding.
Growing our footprint within pharmacy education means we can further invest in not only education, but also the professional and practice support PSA provides. As our profession continues to mature, this unity will provide the necessary strength our profession needs at this critical time of change to fully utilise our skills and expertise.
“We are ambitious about our future growth as an organisation, as the peak education and representative body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice.
“We look forward to being able to provide even more education opportunities and support to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians, strengthening our pharmacy profession and ultimately improving care for our patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.
ACP Chief Executive Officer Amanda Seeto said the College and the PSA had always shared a commitment to providing contemporary education and training in a format that is accessible, efficient, and most importantly – highly relevant to Australian pharmacists.
“This exciting and pragmatic change maximises the focus on world-leading professional development for Australian pharmacists, no matter their practice setting or career stage.
“The move will set our sector up for success, at a time when pharmacy is becoming an increasingly valued frontline health service.”
PSA members are set to vote on matters relating to the acquisition at an upcoming meeting.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
