Pharmacy Technician

Program Overview

Our nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician program prepares graduates for positions across Canada. As a qualified technician, you will be involved in assisting with the preparation of prescriptions for dispensing, preparing compounded medications, preparing sterile products, repackaging pharmaceuticals, managing inventory, and providing customer care. Our diploma program thoroughly prepares you for this fast-paced and highly respected occupation. The two four-week practicum experiences give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in both retail and institutional pharmacy settings.

Before applying to this program, you are strongly advised to meet with the coordinator of Allied Health Careers and complete a career investigation report. During this interview, you will learn about the program and the career opportunities available to you as a pharmacy technician. The coordinator will assist you to determine whether the program is a proper fit for you and your career goals. Please contact Allied Health Careers at 780.644.6395 for more information.

Career Potential

Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies.

For information on related occupational profiles (keyword pharmacy), see www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.

Transferability

The following Pharmacy Technician diploma courses have university transfer credit:  COMM 1011, COMM 2011, ENGL 2550, HEED 1000.

Diploma graduates are eligible for block transfer credit into the Bachelor of Professional Arts program with a major in Human Services, Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) program, and Bachelor of Health Administration program at Athabasca University. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program. NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) in Human Services program at Athabasca University.

Diploma graduates are eligible to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management degree program at NAIT.

NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Health Science program and the Bachelor of General Studies program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, and the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program at the University of Calgary. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program.

Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• Grade 12 diploma*
• 60% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalent
• 60% in Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 or equivalent
• 60% in Biology 30 or equivalent
• 60% in Chemistry 30 or equivalent
• English and math skills assessment
• Keyboarding speed of 20 wpm
• Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, and databases) an asset
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin
• Clear criminal record check; must include vulnerable sector check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with practicum requirements.)**

English Language Proficiency

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency (ELP) prior to admission. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:

1. CLBA, with an average score of 8 and no skill score
   below 7
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84, with no section score below 21
3. Academic IELTS 6.0, with no band scores below 6.0
4. CAEL 60, with no subtest below 60

Provisional Admission

An applicant may be granted provisional admission to this program. A student who has provisional admission must satisfy certain conditions within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer of admission. Conditions will be stipulated in the admission letter. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance.

Prep for Pharmacy Technician Admission Route

An alternative admission route to this program may be obtained by successful completion of the Prep for Pharmacy Technician program.

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credential

After successfully completing all program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest Pharmacy Technician diploma. Graduates of the NorQuest College Pharmacy Technician Diploma program will be recognized by the Alberta College of Pharmacists as eligible for registration as pharmacy technicians.

Honours Criteria

• Overall grade point average (GPA) greater than or equal to 3.7
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.

Tuition and Fees

2010–11 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

2010-11 Program and Supplies Fee & Textbook Rental Fee (pdf)

Program Outline (2010/11)

Cross-over domain options may be taken any time during the program.

Year 1

Year 2

* Note: Not all courses may be offered. Please consult the academic program for final course selection.

Last updated: April 29, 2008