Pharmacy Technician

Course Outline

(36 week program)

This 9 month program is well suited for students wishing to pursue a career in the rapidly growing field of Pharmacy Technicians. Students learn computer skills, drug terminology and basic pharmacology in a simulated work environment. Graduates are working with Pharmacists in retail and institutional pharmacies throughout Manitoba.

History, Law and Ethics
Learn the profession's history, role and industry ethics within a changing environment.

Pharmacy Math
Calculations to determine dosages as well as prepare and dispense medications using imperial, metric, apothecary and household systems.

Basic Pharmacy Science
Physiology and anatomy of the human body. Knowledge of medical terminology.

Institutional Pharmacy
Hospital and personal-care home practices.

Basic Pharmacy Practice
The therapeutic and chemical classifications of drugs, and their use in the treatment of disease states in the various body systems.

Dispensing in Community Pharmacy
Using hands-on and theoretical excercises in a lab environment, students learn dispensing practices, software and workflow.

Sterile Drug Preparation
Introduction to concepts of sterile drug preparation and use.

Therapeutic Terminology
The study of generic and brand name drugs, along with their therapeutic use.

Intro to Keyboarding
Introduce students to the proper use of a keyboard and develop students' keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pacing drills are utilized to develop rhythm and precision in the students' techniques.

Intro to Microcomputers
Covers the history of computers, the computing system and the information processing cycle.

Word Processing
Word processing software is used to create, store and retrieve documents (such as letters, memoranda, news releases and business reports) that can be edited anytime.

Human Relations
Familiarizing students with effective oral communication, customer service and written communication skills.

Job Search Techniques
Teaches students the basic skills needed* to successfully search for career related employment. (*through practice, role-play and feedback).

Practicum
Placements (2x4 week practicums) in a community, internet or hospital pharmacy. The placement enables students to apply the skills and procedures learned in the classroom, (on-the job) and develop valuable job contacts.