Acronym Index

We get it - all of these acronymns can be really confusing.  Click on any of the tabs below to read more about each.

Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns
A national association of pharmacy students and interns.  CAPSI promotes and advocates the interests of Canadian pharmacy students to organized bodies in pharmacy, other professions, government, industry, hospital and the community.  Local CAPSI at the U of S hosts academic opportunities for extra-curricular learning such as symposia, networking events, mock OSCEs, compounding and counselling competitions, and the chance to attend PDW.

Canadian Pharmacists Association
The national advocacy body that works closely with provincial and national pharmacy associations to provide a strong, unified voice for the profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians.
Umbrella organization over PAS.

Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties
The Canadian standard for drug monographs, offering an unrivalled compilation of product monographs that are developed by manufacturers and approved by Health Canada. CPS contains more than 2000 product monographs for drugs, vaccines and natural health products.  Available in print in the Health Science Library and the Apotex Pharmacy Lab.  Also available online as RxTx through the library.

Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
The national voluntary organization of pharmacists committed to patient care through the advancement of safe, effective medication use in hospitals and other collaborative healthcare settings. CSHP supports its members through advocacy, education, information sharing, promotion of best practices, facilitation of research and recognition of excellence.

Compendium of Therapeutic Choices
A trusted Canadian source for evidence-based treatment information for all health care practitioners involved in therapeutic decision-making.  Practical, bottom-line, clinical information covering more than 200 common medical conditions is referenced and organized in a concise format by therapeutic condition. More than 72 chapters cover drug therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The content is based on the best available evidence, subject to a rigorous peer review process.  Available online as RxTx through the library.

Compendium of Therapeutics for Minor Ailments
A resource that comprehensively covers the full spectrum of therapy for 145 conditions. This quick reference provides the tools you need to confidently assess and manage your patients' minor ailments. Topics include:
  • Pathophysiology
  • Assessment and treatment algorithms
  • Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy
  • Illustrations and photos
  • Drug tables, including brand names and relative costs of recommended therapies
  • Outcomes monitoring
  • Plain-language patient handouts
  • Suggested resources for patients

This resource is available online as RxTx through the library.

Dietitians of Canada
A national organization that works with food and nutrition to advance the health of Canada. DC provides access to legitimate and trusted food and nutrition information to the public and health professionals, develops and provides resources to support practicing dietitians, and accredits education and training programs such as this one at the University of Saskatchewan.

Health Sciences Students' Association

A chapter of the National Health Sciences Students' Association (NaHSSA). The HSSA strives to support and promote interprofessional opportunities, both academic and social, for health sciences students from all health disciplines and to facilitate the development of team-based collaborative practice by fostering respect and recognition for the roles that other health disciplines play in providing patient-centred care.   The U of S Chapter is one of the most dynamic and innovative chapters in the country that engages student leaders and professional mentors to bring interprofessional opportunities to students.

The HSSA's biggest achievement is the organization of I-PASS, an interprofessional symposium for all first-year health sciences students in Saskatoon. It is here that students are introduced to learning with and about each other. 

Inter-Professional Annual Students' Symposium
A one-day symposium organized by the Health Sciences Students’ Association of Saskatchewan (HSSA-SK).  The purpose of I-PASS is to introduce health sciences students to the concept of inter-professional collaboration, giving an overview of some of the issues facing Saskatchewan health services. Students explore inter-professional initiatives being implemented to address these issues and consider the roles that current and future health professionals play in the area of patient-centred care.  The day will feature keynote speakers, smaller breakout sessions with your choice of topics, and various exhibitor booths. Attendance is mandatory for all first-year students.

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation
An international association representing around 350,000 pharmacy students and recent graduates in 70 countries worldwide. IPSF is the leading international advocacy organisation of pharmacy students promoting improved public health through provision of information, education, networking, and a range of publication and professional activities.  Official partner of WHO, FIP & UNESCO. Umbrella organization over CAPSI.

The Medication Assessment Centre
A pharmacist-delivered comprehensive medication management service run through the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan. MAC is focussed on enhancing the learning of students, as well as practicing pharmacists, in the area of comprehensive medication management. MAC’s goal is to optimize therapeutic outcomes through improved medication use and reduction of potential or actual adverse events. Students have the opportunity to volunteer at MAC.

Member of Student Council
A student who is tasked with occupying seats on both USSU council and SPNSS council for the duration of one school year.  The MSC liaises between the SPNSS Council and the U of S Students' Union.  For questions concerning student life on the University campus in general, please email the current MSC.

The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities
A voluntary association of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory bodies as well as the Canadian Forces Pharmacy Services.  NAPRA members regulate the practice of pharmacy and operation of pharmacies in their respective jurisdictions in Canada and their primary mandate is to protect the public. NAPRA provides a platform to discuss issues and to take a national approach in addressing common issues in the practice of pharmacy in Canada. 
Umbrella organization over SCPP.

Nutrition Professional Enhancement Club
A collection of students who fundraise to attend the annual Dietitians of Canada conference.  Throughout the year, NPEC plans and organizes fundraisers, such as taco in a bag sales, soup sales, various item sales, several off campus events, and more, to make it easier for our members to attend the conference. Being a part of the club is a great way to meet other nutrition students, become more involved with the college, and raise money to help the members pay for their conference fees.

Nutrition Resource and Volunteer Centre
A space in Thorvaldson building accessible to second, third, and fourth year Nutrition students and practicing dietitians.  The NRVC is the College's collection of nutrition-related resources, many of which were created by students themselves. In its early days, it also provided outreach to the generalpublic through the training of Healthy Eating Volunteers to promote healthy eating in the community (the origin of the "volunteer" portion of the name). 

Pharmacists’ Association of Saskatchewan
The provincial professional advocacy body that protects the interests of pharmacists in Saskatchewan. PAS aspires to become the united voice for all pharmacists in Saskatchewan, and pledges to provide members with exceptional service including provision of the appropriate level of malpractice insurance based on defined and expanding roles in pharmacy; negotiation of contracts and fair payment for the services pharmacists provide; direct to pharmacist and/or family member counselling services; and timely answers to member questions and issues.

Professional Development Week
A CAPSI National opportunity.  PDW is a multi-day conference attended by students from all ten Pharmacy faculties across Canada.  Each year, PDW is held in a different province.  USask CAPSI is granted a certain number of spots to send U of S students to PDW.  Students may also have the chance to attend PDW if they win a CAPSI competition at the local level or if they hold a position on local CAPSI council.

The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
A national certification body for the profession of pharmacy in Canada.  The purpose of the Pharmacy Examining Board is to assess qualifications for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on behalf of participating provincial regulatory authorities. The Board evaluates qualifications, develops and administers examinations including a national Qualifying Examination, and issues Certificates of Qualification.

Professional Development Day
An opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to network and learn about a relevant healthcare topic from a keynote speaker. The SPNSS is proud to continue to provide this opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and professional development outside the classroom.

Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition
A great resource for all health science students! PEN is an expert-driven, global resource created by Canadian dietitians.  The PEN System provides nutrition practitioners with ready access to timely, current and authoritative guidance on food and nutrition. It offers evidence-based answers to the questions encountered in every day practice. This resource can be accessed free to students through the University library.

Canada's authoritative source for prescribing and managing drug therapy at the point of care, providing health care professionals with online and mobile access to evidence-based, reliable Canadian drug and therapeutic information. RxTx integrates the content from the CPS, CTMA, and CTC into one convenient resource along with other valuable external references.  This resource is available online through the university library.

Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
A self-governing body for the profession of pharmacy in the province. The new Act, The Pharmacy and Pharmacy Professionals Act, enhances the pharmacists' scope of practice and welcomes a new class of pharmacy professionals -- Pharmacy Technicians.  Under authority of our the Act, SCPP regulates pharmacists, pharmacies, pharmacy technicians and drugs.  Once registered as members, pharmacists may be licensed to provide direct patient care upon meeting standards of competency and other requirements. As a student, you will register with SCPP as an intern.

Saskatchewan Dietitian's Association
A self-regulating body established in legislation by the Government of Saskatchewan. The public protection role of SDA and how it is to be governed are set out in the following documents: The Dietitians Act is the legislation that outlines the responsibilities for regulation of Registered Dietitians in Saskatchewan.  This legislation allows SDA to set the standards for education and practical training of Registered Dietitians, enforce continuing competence and ensure professional conduct. The Dietitians Act also protects the public by ensuring that only individuals who are licensed with SDA are authorized to use the protected titles of Dietitian, Registered Dietitian (RD) or Professional Dietitian (P.Dt).

Saskatchewan Pharmacy and Nutrition Student Society
A council of elected student representing both the Pharmacy and Nutrition programs at the U of S.  SPNSS provides academic, social, and athletic opportunities to students of the College.

University of Saskatchewan Students' Union
A non-profit corporation governed by an elected four-member student Executive and University Students’ Council. Membership in the Students’ Union is compulsory for all full-time, part-time and off-campus undergraduate and certificate students. The Students’ Union represents student concerns to the University, city, provincial and federal governments. If you believe student life could be improved, please stop by and talk to an Executive member or speak with the Pharmacy and Nutrition Member of Student Council.