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.

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.

Under the University of Calgary’s existing credit transfer policy, students with a diploma may be awarded one year of credit toward a degree program. Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Grade 12 diploma with a minimum of:
  
  
  • 60% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s ENGL 2550)
  • 60% in Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 or equivalency or grade of B+ in Math 1000 (Pharmacy Math)
  • 60% in Biology 30 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s ANPH 1001 and ANPH 1002; or ANPH 1000; or GSCN 1000)
  • 60% in Chemistry 30 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s PCHM 1000)
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin
• English and math skills assessment
• Keyboarding speed of 20 wpm
• 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.)
  
  
  • Up-to-date immunization record
  • Health status questionnaire
  • Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
  • Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are an asset.
  • Mature students (age 19+) must meet all requirements except for the Grade 12 diploma.

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 (with no skill score below 7)
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84 (no section score below 21)
3. Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band scores below 6.0)
4. CAEL 60 (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. Please see page 65 for the requirements of this 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) of 3.7
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.
• The student has not had a learning improvement plan.

Tuition and Fees

2009/2010 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

Funding Your Education

Students in this program may be eligible for Alberta government funding including costs for tuition, books, and living expenses.

Program Outline (2009/10)

Courses may be adjusted within the terms specified. A final schedule will be provided to learners during registration.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: April 29, 2008