

Currently Enrolling
Pharmacy Technician
Academic Diploma
Pharmacy Technician
About the Program
The Pharmacy Technician Program at Excel Career College is a comprehensive 52-week training program designed to prepare students for a successful career in pharmacy. This program is aligned with the standards and competencies set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). Tailored to the scope of practice in British Columbia, the program equips students with the essential skills, knowledge, and professionalism required to excel in various pharmacy settings, including community and hospital pharmacies. The program also adheres to the guidelines set by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, the regulatory body overseeing pharmacy practice in the province.
To practice as a Pharmacy Technician in British Columbia, graduates must:
● Complete the College of Pharmacists of BC’s registration process
● Fulfill all regulatory requirements, including structured practical training and licensing exams.
● Follow the official registration steps outlined by the College of Pharmacists of BC.
Pharmacy Technician Diploma was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

This program has received
Qualifying Accreditation

Career in
high demand

Pharmacy Software
Applications

Pharmaceutical Compounding
Techniques
Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Now!
Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Now!
Career Opportunities
Community Pharmacy Technician
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
Courses
Fundamentals of Pharmacy
The Fundamentals of Pharmacy course provides students with a foundational understanding of pharmacy operations, terminology, and essential concepts critical for a Pharmacy Technician’s role. This course aligns with NAPRA and CCAPP competencies and covers topics such as pharmacy practice, medication safety, patient care, and the regulatory environment in British Columbia.
Introduction to Human Anatomy
The Introduction to Human Anatomy course provides students with a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, particularly in relation to pharmacy practice. The course focuses on the structure and function of major body systems, providing essential knowledge for Pharmacy Technicians to understand how medications interact with the human body.
Pharmacology
The Pharmacology course provides students with an in-depth understanding of how drugs interact with the human body. It covers drug classifications, therapeutic uses, side effects, interactions, and the mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects. This course is essential for Pharmacy Technicians to accurately and safely dispense medications and educate patients.
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
The Pharmacy Law and Ethics course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice. The course focuses on the scope of practice for Pharmacy Technicians in British Columbia, including patient confidentiality, professional conduct, and regulatory compliance. Students will explore the critical role that law and ethics play in ensuring safe and effective pharmacy practice.
Dosage & Dispensing Calculations
This course introduces students to the fundamental mathematical skills required for accurate dosage and dispensing in pharmacy practice. Through a focus on calculations related to oral and topical medications, students will gain the confidence and accuracy necessary to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. The course will emphasize theoretical knowledge, practical application, and accuracy adhering to the competencies outlined by NAPRA and CCAPP.
Pharmaceutical Mathematics
This advanced course builds upon foundational pharmaceutical math skills with a focus on intravenous therapy, IV flow rate calculations, and parenteral nutrition. Students will deepen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills while reinforcing accuracy and regulatory compliance. The course will emphasize theoretical knowledge, practical application, and accuracy adhering to the competencies outlined by NAPRA and CCAPP.
Pharmacy Software Applications
This course is designed to equip students with essential skills in using industry-standard pharmacy software KROLL. Students will develop proficiency in managing patient records, processing a wide range of prescriptions, and ensuring accuracy in drug dispensing, all while gaining an in-depth understanding of the software’s role in maintaining compliance with British Columbia’s pharmacy regulations. Additionally, the course will empower students to effectively utilize these software tools for inventory management, prescription verification, and reporting, ensuring they are well-prepared to support efficient and accurate pharmacy operations.
Community Pharmacy Operations
The Community Pharmacy Practice course equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to work effectively in a community pharmacy setting, all within the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians in British Columbia. The course covers essential topics such as inventory management, prescription processing, patient education, and the day-to-day operations of a community pharmacy. This course is vital for preparing Pharmacy Technicians to perform competently in retail pharmacy environments.
Hospital Pharmacy Operations
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of pharmacy technicians in hospital pharmacy settings. Students will develop proficiency in medication distribution systems, ensuring patient safety through accurate dispensing and adherence to best practices. The course emphasizes the application of knowledge from the BC PharmaCare Formulary and eCPS in clinical decision-making, equipping students to make informed and safe choices in patient care. Additionally, students will enhance their communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for effective collaboration within the hospital pharmacy environment.
Pharmaceutical Compounding Techniques
The Compounding (Sterile and Non-Sterile) course provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to proficiently prepare sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products. Emphasizing hands-on lab sessions, this course ensures that students gain experience in aseptic techniques, proper handling of materials, and adherence to NAPRA standards. The course is designed to align with the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians in British Columbia.
Communication and Customer Service in Pharmacy
The Communication and Customer Service in Pharmacy course is designed to equip students with the communication skills necessary for effective interaction with patients and healthcare professionals. Emphasis is placed on mastering techniques for educating customers and patients, ensuring that students are prepared to provide clear, concise, and empathetic communication in various pharmacy settings. This course is essential for developing the interpersonal skills required to succeed as a pharmacy technician within the scope of practice in British Columbia.
Intra and Interprofessional Relationships and Professionalism
The Intra / Interprofessional Collaboration and Professionalism course focuses on developing the skills necessary for effective teamwork within the pharmacy profession (intra-professional) and across different healthcare disciplines (inter-professional). The course emphasizes professional behaviour, communication, teamwork, and collaborative practice, aiming to prepare pharmacy technicians to work professionally and effectively with other healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality patient care and safety.
Comprehensive Final Review
The Comprehensive Final Review course is the capstone of the Pharmacy Technician Program, designed to consolidate and reinforce all key concepts and skills covered throughout the program. This course prepares students for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) entry-to- practice exam through intensive practice tests, Objective Structured Performance Evaluation (OSPE) stations, and guided reviews. The review will cover material from all program courses, ensuring students are fully prepared to graduate and enter professional practice.
Career Strategies
Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited access to the Internet, a job search resource library, fax machine and a phone for contacting prospective employers with their resumes. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students will review core program concepts and learn to market their skills effectively.
Medical Emergency & First Aid
This 20-hour intensive certification course is designed to equip aspiring pharmacy technicians with the essential safety, emergency response, and workplace hazard knowledge required in compliance with CCAPP and NAPRA standards. The course integrates three key certifications—Emergency First Aid, CPR Level “C”, and WHMIS 2015—ensuring that students are fully prepared to respond to workplace emergencies, protect patient and personal safety, and operate within regulated pharmacy environments. Through hands-on training, real-life scenarios, and health care-focused instruction, students will develop critical competencies in patient care, emergency preparedness, and hazard communication essential for safe and effective pharmacy practice.
Upon successful completion, students will receive industry-recognized certifications valid across healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in Canada.
Community Practicum
The Community Pharmacy Practicum provides students with hands-on experience in a community pharmacy setting, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their coursework. Over 200 hours, students will work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to develop competencies in prescription processing, patient interaction, inventory management, and other essential pharmacy practices. This practicum is designed to meet CCAPP standards and competencies, ensuring that students are prepared for professional practice as pharmacy technicians in British Columbia.
Institutional Practicum
The Hospital Pharmacy Practicum offers students an immersive experience in a hospital pharmacy setting, where they can apply comprehensive knowledge and skills gained throughout their academic program. Over the course of 160 hours, students will work under the supervision of a licensed hospital pharmacist, focusing on developing competencies in medication distribution systems, sterile compounding, patient safety, clinical decision-making, and other critical hospital pharmacy practices. This practicum is designed to meet CCAPP standards and competencies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for professional practice as pharmacy technicians in British Columbia. The practicum emphasizes real-world application and critical thinking, preparing students to excel in the dynamic environment of hospital pharmacy practice.
Admission Requirements
Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of:
• Mathematics Grade 11 (minimum grade of C)
• Biology Grade 12 (minimum grade of C)
• Chemistry Grade 11 (minimum grade of C)
All students are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency as suggested by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and articulated by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in one of two ways:
Pathway I: Education as Evidence of Language Proficiency:
Graduation from a high school, CEGEP (general and professional teaching college in Quebec), community college, private career college or university program located in Canada, if the program was of at least three years’ duration and was provided in the language required for licensure, with successful completion of three consecutive English or French language courses, depending on the required language. Second-language or additional language courses are not acceptable as evidence.
Pathway II: Language Proficiency Tests as Evidence of Language Proficiency:
Applicants must complete all four subtests in a single testing session of any approved test and achieve passing scores for each. While IELTS provides an overall score, which is the average score of the subtest scores, OET does not offer such a consolidated score. It is imperative for applicants to achieve the cut score in each subtest, as the overall score is not considered. The minimum passing scores are as follows:
IELTS Academic
Reading: 7.0
Listening: 7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
OET
Reading: B
Listening: B
Speaking: B
Writing: C+
Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of:
• Mathematics Grade 11 (minimum grade of C)
• Biology Grade 12 (minimum grade of C)
• Chemistry Grade 11 (minimum grade of C)
All students are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency as suggested by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and articulated by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in one of two ways:
Pathway I: Education as Evidence of Language Proficiency:
Graduation from a high school, CEGEP (general and professional teaching college in Quebec), community college, private career college or university program located in Canada, if the program was of at least three years’ duration and was provided in the language required for licensure, with successful completion of three consecutive English or French language courses, depending on the required language. Second-language or additional language courses are not acceptable as evidence.
Pathway II: Language Proficiency Tests as Evidence of Language Proficiency:
Applicants must complete all four subtests in a single testing session of any approved test and achieve passing scores for each. While IELTS provides an overall score, which is the average score of the subtest scores, OET does not offer such a consolidated score. It is imperative for applicants to achieve the cut score in each subtest, as the overall score is not considered. The minimum passing scores are as follows:
IELTS Academic
Reading: 7.0
Listening: 7.0
Speaking: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
OET
Reading: B
Listening: B
Speaking: B
Writing: C+
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can a pharmacy technician work?
A pharmacy technician can work in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialized healthcare settings where medications are prepared and dispensed.
Is there a demand for pharmacy technicians in Canada?
Yes, pharmacy technicians are in strong demand across Canada. As the healthcare system expands and pharmacists assume more clinical roles, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in safely preparing and verifying medications, making them increasingly essential in both hospital and community settings.
What skills are needed to succeed as a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician should have excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations, and a solid understanding of drug classifications and regulations. Good communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are essential, as well as proficiency with pharmacy software and technology.
What are the daily duties of a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy technician prepares and verifies prescriptions, performs sterile and non-sterile compounding, manages inventory, processes insurance claims, and ensures compliance with regulations.
Do I need prior work experience to enroll in the program?
No, prior work experience is not required. Our Pharmacy technician program is designed to provide the education and hands-on training needed to prepare students to enter the healthcare field.
What’s the difference between a pharmacy assistant and a pharmacy technician?
A pharmacy assistant typically supports clerical, customer service, and basic dispensing tasks, but does not require a license. A pharmacy technician, on the other hand, is a regulated healthcare professional who must be licensed and carry liability insurance.
Duration
12 Months of Duration
Format
In-class, Distance, Combined
1200
total program
hours
52
weeks
total
12
Months of
DURATION

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