November 22, 2023: An updated Guideline for the Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder has been published. In response to these changes, we are excited to introduce a new version of the Provincial Opioid Addiction Treatment Support Program course that aligns with the updated guidelines. Follow the links below to access the updated course.

POATSP Education and Training Pathway

The BC Centre on Substance Use’s (BCCSU) comprehensive education and training program provides the tools for prescribing oral opioid agonist treatment (OAT) (buprenorphine/naloxone, extended-release buprenorphine, methadone, and slow-release oral morphine) and injectable opioid agonist treatment (hydromorphone and diacetylmorphine).

A detailed review of the program’s impacts can be found in the BCCSU Annual Education Report.

Overview

In June 2017, the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) became responsible for the education and training pathway for the prescribing of OAT.

While the BCCSU is mandated to provide the education and training pathway for prescribing OAT and clinical care guidance for prescribers, the Colleges continue to regulate health care professionals to ensure client safety.

The education and training pathway

There are three components to the education and training pathway for prescribing opioid agonist treatment (OAT) medications:

For further discipline-specific information about the education and training pathway to prescribe OAT medications, visit:

  • Physicians and Nurse Practitioners’ Education and Training Pathway
  • Registered Nurses/ Registered Psychiatric Nurses Opioid Use Disorder Certified Education and Training Pathway

General learners

The online component is free and available to anyone interested in learning about opioid use disorder care. For general learners, it is not necessary to complete the workbook and preceptorship.

There are two online courses:

Reminder

Completing either of these online courses alone will not enable you to prescribe OAT medications. For discipline-specific information about the education and training pathways to prescribe OAT medications, see the links above.

BC Centre on Substance Use

400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9


E: [email protected] | T: (778) 945-7616 | F: (604) 428-5183

24/7 Addiction Clinician Support Line: (778) 945-7619

Online Addiction Medicine Diploma: [email protected].


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