Program Overview
A pharmacy technician works closely with pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and other health care professionals to promote health, manage medications and chronic disease as well as disease prevention.
Pharmacy technicians, alongside the pharmacy team, work to ensure accuracy in product preparation, patient medication management among other responsibilities.
Students will learn all aspects of pharmacy operations and medication dispensing. Students will gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are necessary for entry-to-practice as defined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). This program will prepare students to successfully practice, as registered pharmacy technicians, within the scope of practice established by pharmacy regulatory authorities in Canada.
Students can expect to participate in discussions and reflective exercises in a safe and supportive environment facilitated by their instructors. They will also engage in hands-on and practical training in clinical skills through various formats such as role plays, skill labs, scenarios, simulations, recorded or live demonstrations, and practicums.
Graduates qualify for direct entry into the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification process and the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CBPC) license registration process. Graduates need to be aware that there are costs associated with the PEBC exam that are not included in the program tuition.
Pharmacy technicians are in-demand in British Columbia and across Canada. Registered pharmacy technicians can move between provinces with relative ease. While the scope of practice may differ between provinces, pharmacy technicians, in general, can work in both the community and in hospitals. Some may decide to pursue work in the pharmaceutical industry.
Learning Objectives
Methods of evaluation vary amongst the courses in the program. Please see the individual course outlines on how students are evaluated for each course.
Standard 7 of the July 2019 CCAPP Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Technician Programs requires that “At suitable points in the curriculum, pharmacy calculation skills and checking skills are assessed using summative assessment(s) with zero tolerance for errors”. Students must achieve a 100% grade on the assessment. Details to be provided on course outlines and during admission procedures.
Students can expect a minimum of one to three hours per day to complete homework and outstanding projects and assignments.
Upon successful completion of the Regulated Pharmacy Technician Diploma program, graduates will be able to:
* Provide safe, ethical, and sociocultural-sensitive care to all patients in any pharmacy setting.
* Practise in a reflective, responsive, accountable, and professional manner as required by legislation, the defined scope and standards of practice, and the code of ethics as described in the Health Professions Act.
* Demonstrate comprehensive and competent knowledge of pharmacy theory and practice.
* Assist in and apply practices that promote the physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and spiritual well-being of patients.
* Work collaboratively as part of an integrated health care team to provide high quality care for patients.
* Engage in evidence-based practice.
* Recognise the benefits, limitations, and contradictions of differing theoretical frameworks.
* Display knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology relevant to practice.
* Recognise and respond to one’s self-assessment, self-development, learning, and health enhancement needs.
* Apply self-reflective and self-appraisal processes to improve one’s effectiveness in one’s pharmacy practice, including, readings, and peer feedback.
* Prepare patient records and reports accurately.
* Utilise various diagnostic and assessment tools.
* Successfully challenge the PEBC examinations as well as the jurisprudence exam in British Columbia.
* Successfully work as a registered pharmacy technician.
Methods of Evaluation
Methods of evaluation vary amongst the courses in the program. Please see the individual course outlines on how students are evaluated for each course.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet their financial obligations to the college at registration, and acknowledge their understanding of SSC’s policies and procedures provided in the Student Handbook, prior to starting classes.
NOTE: Students are provided with a detailed list of books, e-resources, workshop/lab supplies, and lab/tool kits that are included in the program’s fees and will have the opportunity to opt in or out of purchasing from Sprott Shaw College or any other specific source any of these items at the time of registration.
ADMISSION INTERVIEW(S)* Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview
EDUCATION LEVEL (one of the following)*
- Grade 12 or equivalent (GED, Adult Basic Education) with evidence of a ‘true certified copy’ or original transcript
- Mature student status (age 19 and one year out of high school)
MATH REQUIREMENT (one of the following)*
- Mathematics 12 or higher (minimum grade 60%) (Principles, Foundations, Applications or Pre-calculus)
- SSC Math for Healthcare (min. grade 64%)
BIOLOGY REQUIREMENT (one of the following)*
- Any High School Biology (minimum grade 60%)
- SSC Biology Basics (min. grade 60%)
CHEMISTRY REQUIREMENT*
- Any High School Chemistry (minimum grade 60%)
ENGLISH REQUIREMENT (one of the following)
As approved by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and per the consensus statement by the Council of Pharmacy Registrars of Canada (CPRC), admission into a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program should be limited to candidates who provide documentation of one of the following as evidence of language proficiency:
- Graduation from a high school, 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 language courses, depending on the required language. Second language or additional language courses are not acceptable as evidence.
- i.e. Students must show evidence of Grade 10, 11 and 12 English first-language courses with a minimum grade of 60% on English 12 or higher
- If the student does not meet the above English language requirement, they must provide proof of English language proficiency through examination scores as below. Only examination scores from tests written within 2 years of the START DATE of the program will be accepted.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic format minimum scores:
- Reading: 7.0
- Listening: 7.0
- Speaking: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
OET (Occupational English Test) (minimum grades)
- Reading: B
- Listening: B
- Speaking: B
- Writing: C+
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Basic keyboarding skills (minimum 25 wpm)
- Students must provide evidence of a negative TB result OR proof of a scheduled TB appointment within 4 weeks of their program start date
Practice Education Requirements
The practicum is mandatory. Students will be evaluated on practicum performance and are required to receive a passing grade to successfully complete the program. Additional conditions may apply to some practicum placements e.g for international students including obtaining a work permit (C-30).
As practicum placement takes place at the end of a student’s program, students are advised that the location of a practicum may vary depending on the circumstances at the time the student is to go into his/her practicum. Students are also advised that to facilitate practicum placement, practicums and clinical experiences may take place outside the area in which the College is located, outside of local municipalities, and/or in other health regions.
In unusual circumstances, a practicum may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances e.g. hospital based practicum delayed due to flu outbreak, etc.
Students are required to demonstrate a high level of professional responsibility in maintaining successful practicums.
- Criminal record check from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, including clearance to work with vulnerable populations
- Provide evidence of up-to-date Immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Chicken Pox, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Pertussis OR a signed vaccination waiver on file
- Influenza vaccinations (and others), as required by clinical sites OR a signed vaccination waiver on file
- Provide proof of negative TB results
- Provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a signed vaccination waiver on file
- Adhere to the requirements of the BC Practice Education Guidelines
Diploma Requirements
To graduate and receive a diploma, students must have:
- Successful completion of all courses with a 70% overall average
- A minimum grade of 70% in all final exams (theory and practical, when required)
- Met the zero tolerance criteria in pharmaceutical calculations and prescription accuracy criteria, as required by the regulatory body
- Successful completion of all industry-certified courses and third-party training provided during the program.
- Success completion of all practice education (practicum) components.
- Successful completion of all courses that are graded with a ‘pass/fail’.
- Students must graduate within 4 years of admissions into the program.
Certifications Received
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma
- Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ and AED
- WHMIS
- Mask Fit Certification
- Pharmacy Technician Injection Certificate
- Interprofessional Collaboration for Health Professionals Course Certificate
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Courses List
This 49 week Diploma program requires the student to complete the following courses.- This introductory course provides learners with techniques for creating success in their studies and careers. The course emphasises skills and strategies conducive to learning in a college atmosphere, orientation to the college environment, using technology, knowing college policies and procedures, time management, writing and using citations, study strategies, student budgeting, and wellness/self-care/stress management. An orientation to the Pharmacy Technician program and the pharmacy professions is also included to help prepare their upcoming studies, learning environments, and work experience placements throughout the program.
- Pre-Requisite: PHRM201
- This course provides students with basic medical terminology, an introduction to the human body systems and knowledge of various human disease states and the pharmaceutical drugs may affect them
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210
- This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the pharmacy profession, the role of various Canadian Pharmacy Organizations, Standards of Practice, legislation, and ethical best practices and what it means to be a healthcare professional.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211
- This course will introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of pharmacology, dosage formulations and routes of drug administration and OTC medications. It will enable the student to understand the role of drugs in individualized patient care and will introduce the student to the recognition and association of generic and trade names of common and/or important medications, in community and hospital pharmacy practice.
- Students will also learn the usual clinical applications, adverse effects, contraindications, common dosage regimens and administration considerations of various drug classes.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212
- This course is designed to provide students with the mathematical skills needed to prepare pharmaceutical products in the pharmacy. The course will allow the students to become familiar with different systems of weights and measures, the various methods of expressing strengths, calculations required for dosages and compounding, and some basic principles of pharmacy business math.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213
- Jurisprudence is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the legislation and standards that govern the pharmacy profession. This course will introduce the student to the important role that they will play in a career as a Pharmacy Technician. They will also become familiar with provincial and federal laws, regulations, standards of practice and ethical principles.
**Only British Columbia and Federal Law will be covered. If a student resides outside of B.C., they will be given the tools necessary to research and study their specific provincial law.**
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214
- This course will provide a foundation for the Community Pharmacy Practice Lab Module. Students will learn about the pharmacy technician’s role in the community pharmacy setting. Various mixing techniques and standards for commercial manufacturing of medications (i.e. compounding), and interviewing techniques will be taught. Students will also become familiar with Kroll®, a pharmacy medication dispensing software.
- Students will also be introduced and familiarized with various automation technologies available in the community pharmacy setting.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215
- This course will provide a foundation for the Hospital Pharmacy Practice Lab Module. Students will learn about the pharmacy technician’s role in the hospital pharmacy setting. Students will learn the basic principles of aseptic technique and infection control, key drug distribution models, and inventory control in the hospital setting. Students will also be introduced and familiarized with various automation technologies available in the hospital pharmacy setting.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215, PHRM216
- Students will write one written comprehensive final exam prior to the first in-person courses. This course will cover all materials since the beginning of the program. The student must pass the written comprehensive exam to attend any in-person lab components.
- This comprehensive course includes everything covered in Emergency First Aid and CPR as well as a wide range of other first aid topics that will provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills required to prevent further injury.
- Also in this course, WHMIS is a comprehensive Canadian hazard communication system that provides health and safety information about hazardous products in Canadian workplaces. After completion of this online course, students will obtain the WHMIS certificate and students will better understand workplace hazardous materials as well as proper handling techniques.
- This is a two-part course consisting of an online and in-person component.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215, PHRM216, PHRM217.
- This is a certificate course made up of two parts:
- 1) An online independent study module title BCCDC Immunization Competency Course
- 2) In-person course for practical administration of injections.
- After completion of this course, students will be able to safely administer vaccinations in various routes according to their scope of practice in Canada.
- Pre-requisite: All courses, except practicum, in this program
- This course builds on the skills learned in the Student Success Strategies course or its equivalent. It provides information on how to use the communication skills learned to make a successful presentation to a prospective employer. Students also learn how to uncover the hidden job market and identify employment opportunities. Self-assessment during this course allows students to identify their personal skills that are transferable to the workplace and to describe these skills to a prospective employer. Students may be videotaped during a mock interview and will participate in the analysis of their performance in the “interview.”
- An orientation to the PT Practicum courses is also included.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215, PHRM216, PHRM217 Co-Requisites: PHRM220, PHRM226
- Students will put to practice the techniques and skills learnt during PHRM215 (Theory of Community Pharmacy Practice). This includes the preparation of compounded medications (everything from accurate calculations to utilizing correct technique, while maintaining a clean workspace), the preparation of prescriptions using Kroll® while adhering to provincial legislation, and other various pharmacy technician roles, including, but not limited to, receiving verbal prescriptions, training of point-of-care devices, and patient interviewing.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215, PHRM216, PHRM217 Co-Requisites: PHRM220, PHRM225
- Students will put to practice the techniques and skills learnt during PHRM216 (Theory of Hospital Pharmacy Practice). This includes the aseptic preparation of compounded medications (everything from accurate calculations to utilizing correct technique, while maintaining a clean workspace), the preparation of prescriptions using Kroll® (and other relevant software) while adhering to provincial legislation, and other various pharmacy technician roles, including, but not limited to, receiving verbal prescriptions, training of point-of-care devices, and patient interviewing.
- Pre-requisite: PHRM201, PHRM210, PHRM211, PHRM212, PHRM213, PHRM214, PHRM215, PHRM216, PHRM217, PHRM220, PHRM225, PHRM226
- Students will write a series of final exam in the last week of the Pharmacy Technician program, prior to leaving for practicums. The examination will include both written and practical exams. The practical exam includes all skills taught throughout the program, including but not limited to compounding as well as an observed structure practical exam (OSPE). The student must pass this comprehensive exam to progress to their practicum training.
- Pre-Requisite: All PHRM 200-level courses This 5-week, full-time practicum is one of two practicums in the Pharmacy Technician program. This practicum takes place in a community pharmacy.
- This is an opportunity for students to assimilate their knowledge and skills from the classroom portion of the program and apply it to practice in a typical work environment. The variety of tasks to perform in the work environment will vary from place to place depending upon several factors.
- Pre-Requisite: All PHRM 200-level courses
- This 4-week, full-time practicum is one of two practicums in the Pharmacy Technician program.
- This practicum takes place in a hospital pharmacy.
- This is an opportunity for students to assimilate their knowledge and skills from the classroom portion of the program and apply it to practice in a typical work environment. The variety of tasks to perform in the work environment will vary from place to place depending upon several factors.
