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Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Technician

Our nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician program thoroughly prepares graduates for this fast-paced and highly respected occupation. As a regulated pharmacy technician, you will be involved with dispensing prescriptions, preparing compounded medications and sterile products, repackaging pharmaceuticals, managing inventory, teaching patients to use medical devices, and providing patient care.

Navleen Mavi - Pharmacy Technician

What I like most about the pharmacy technician program is the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills it provides. I appreciate how the program covers a wide range of topics, from pharmacology and pharmacy law to sterile compounding and patient communication. This comprehensive approach has helped me develop a solid understanding of pharmacy operations and is preparing me for real-world scenarios. 

Navleen Mavi

Pharmacy Technician

What to expect from the program

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

  • are detail-oriented
  • have strong arithmetic skills
  • can multi-task and problem-solve effectively
  • have access to a computer with strong computer and typing skills
  • have good written and verbal communication skills
  • have good vision and manual dexterity and can stand and sit for extended periods of time

NorQuest’s pharmacy technician lab provides students with practical, hands-on training in compounding, sterile product preparation, repackaging, inventory management, and dispensing. In the lab, students have the opportunity to use technologies currently employed by those working in the profession, including laminar airflow hoods and Kroll® computer software.

Our state-of-the-art simulation lab prepares students to work collaboratively with other health-care professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Visit the Alberta College of Pharmacy website for more information on becoming a registered pharmacy technician in the province of Alberta.

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

You’ll graduate this program with 360 hours of work experience from two practicums.

Your practicums may be in your community or close by. Your schedule may include day, evening, or night shifts any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. You will work full-time during the practicum and provide your own transportation to the facility.

Choosing your delivery option

NorQuest understands that students have different learning styles and preferences. This program includes two delivery options. When determining how and where you would like to attend classes or complete your program, consider how you learn best.

In person - 2 years

Classes are held in a classroom with face-to-face instruction and regularly scheduled meeting times.  

  • Due to course load, this option is best suited for students who can commit to full-time studies each term.
  • All courses must be taken in the preplanned order.
  • Attendance to all lab components is mandatory.

Blended with in-person labs - 3 years

A method of course delivery where both online and in-person/real-time instruction are required components, with in-person labs at scheduled locations.

  • 2-3 evenings per week, and 1-3 weekends per term.
  • Attendance to all lab components is mandatory.

What to expect as a pharmacy technician

Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the occupation of pharmacy technician.

As a pharmacy technician, you must be able to:

  • work day, evening, and weekend shifts
  • stand and sit for extended periods of time
  • use your knees, back, and arms to move objects that weigh up to 10 kilograms
  • have good manual dexterity and vision, which are essential for some tasks
  • physically and emotionally manage workplace demands
  • function effectively in stressful situations
  • multi-task and problem-solve
  • perform all skills independently
  • work collaboratively with other health-care professionals
  • communicate effectively in written and verbal form with patients, colleagues, and other health care professionals

Upcoming event

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Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician Info Session

June 25, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Online

Join a student recruiter and a program expert to learn everything you need to know about NorQuest’s Pharmacy Technician program.

Have a question about the Pharmacy Technician program?

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