Postgraduate Diploma

Cannabis Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Program code:

Credential:

Postgraduate Diploma

Duration:

1 year

Delivery Mode:

Start Date(s):

NACPT Pharma College is proud to be the first college in Canada to offer a government-approved Cannabis Post Graduate Diploma, recognized by both Canadian and international cannabis industries and regulatory bodies. As cannabis legalization and commercialization continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in the field has significantly increased. This includes roles such as Quality Assurance Persons (QAP), Quality Control Analysts, QA Consultants, QA Coordinators, and QA Auditors. The nine-month diploma program is designed to prepare students for these in-demand positions by equipping them with career-focused knowledge and technical skills.The curriculum covers essential areas such as cannabis Good Production Practices (GPP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), quality assurance auditing, quality control cannabis testing, scientific technical writing, quality management systems (QMS), and a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis regulatory framework. Students will also learn how to develop and manage Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs for cannabis and related industries, including implementing systems such as GPP, EU-GMP, and QMS. Training includes the use of analytical instruments like HPLC, GC, and dissolution systems, as well as relevant software applications for testing and data analysis.Throughout the program, students will be trained in procedures for approving or rejecting products, establishing product specifications and testing methods, managing documentation and sampling plans, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards that affect the purity, quality, and composition of cannabis products. Additional topics include sanitation, record keeping, complaint and recall handling, audit and inspection processes, change control, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions), and gap analysis.The program also provides an interactive learning environment where students can engage directly with instructors and peers for additional support and clarification. Upon successful completion, qualified graduates will be awarded a post graduate diploma. Employees already working in cannabis companies can use this diploma to fulfill their training requirements as mandated by Health Canada.

JOB ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OPTIONAL)

NACPT offers a specialized Job Development Program exclusively for its graduates. This optional program is designed to provide individualized support by pairing each graduate with an industry professional, helping them access the best possible job opportunities within the cannabis QA/QC industry. Through this initiative, NACPT9s Career Development Team assists graduates in tailoring their resumes, preparing for specific job roles, conducting mock interviews, and building valuable connections with industry experts. Participants also gain exclusive access to hidden job opportunities not commonly advertised in the market.Qualified students will receive professional references based on projects completed as part of the program, enhancing their credibility in the job search process. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to connect with NACPT alumni currently working in the pharmaceutical and related industries, expanding their professional network and gaining further industry insights.This Job Development Program is crafted to help students develop a clear and realistic career plan by understanding the job market through expert guidance. Please note that participation in the Job Development Program is entirely optional and is not a requirement for graduation.Learn More.

Skills Acquired

Following are some of the skills you learn through this program:
  • Develop licensing processes by Cannabis Regulations Act
  • Develop QA (Quality Assurance) practices
  • Develop cannabis technical procedures, policies and protocols
  • Design self-inspection and regulatory inspection methods
  • Implement Quality Assurance Systems
  • Establish quality and risk management systems
  • Prepare and perform audit and inspection for cannabis companies
  • Perform cannabis product-tests
  • Review and approve procedures, protocols and Certificate of Analysis
  • Ability to perform product release
  • Conduct investigations
  • Perform Gap analysis
  • Ability to work with regulatory agencies
  • Ability to respond to inspection comments
  • Deal with customers complaints, returns, recalls and destruction
  • Review and approve change control procedures
  • Implement GxP into the cannabis process and systems
  • Make appropriate recommendations for improvements
  • Understand QAP roles, QA and QMS systems, and all regulatory requirement protocols
This program is Approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005
  • CANQ001 – Cannabis Good Production Practices
  • CANQ002 – Introduction to Cannabis Laboratory Testing
  • CANQ008 – Cannabis Plant Science
  • CANQ013 – Cannabis Regulations
  • CANQ009 – Cannabis Quality Assurance System
  • CANQ005 – Development of Cannabis Standard Operating Procedures
  • CANQ006 – Cannabis Good Documentation Practices
  • CANQ007 – Cannabis Scientific Technical Writing
  • CANQ003 – High Performance Liquid Chromatography
  • CANQ004 – Gas Chromatography
  • CANQ010 – Cannabis Audit and Inspection
  • CANQ011 – Quality Assurance for Cannabis Plant Biotechnology
  • CANQ012 – Cannabis Licensed Producer Application
  • CANQ014 – Cannabis Quality Management System

Admission Requirements

  • Student with a minimum of Grade 12 Diploma with required Science and Math courses or equivalent.

Prerequisite Program

English as a Second Language (ESL) International program – Level 5 Prerequisite program for enrolling into an academic vocational diploma program.Duration: 8 Weeks Mode of Delivery: In personESL – Level 5 is the prerequisite program to enroll into any academic program for temporary residence students in Canada. Integrates intermediate grammar to advanced levels of speaking, writing, listening, and written communication.
Careers to pursue after graduation:
  • Responsible Person (RP)
  • Qualified Person in Charge (QPIC)
  • Quality Assurance Person (QAP)
  • Policy Makers / HR Associates
  • Cannabis Consultants / Educators
  • Cannabis Auditors
  • Cannabis Inspectors
  • Cannabis Technicians
  • Cannabis Analysts
  • Cannabis Technical Writers
  • Cannabis Extractors