Pharmacy Technician

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A pharmacy technician can work in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialized healthcare settings where medications are prepared and dispensed. 

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.

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.

A pharmacy technician prepares and verifies prescriptions, performs sterile and non-sterile compounding, manages inventory, processes insurance claims, and ensures compliance with regulations. 

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. 

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.