Pharmacy Technician

Provides students with a foundational understanding of pharmacology by introducing the general principles of drug use. Students will learn about the principles of pharmacology and therapeutic and medical terminology as it relates to the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems. Students will explore therapeutic and chemical drug classifications, learn about medications used to treat conditions across various body systems, and understand the mechanism of action of common drug groups.

Explores the anatomy and physiology of the human body, focusing on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, sensory, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Students will learn fundamental principles of pharmacology by studying therapeutic and chemical drug classifications, and the specific medications used to treat conditions within these systems. A key focus is understanding the mechanism of action of common drug groups.

Students will be introduced to non-sterile compounding techniques and processes used in pharmacies to make topical and oral preparations.

Provides learners with a practical and immersive introduction to the dynamic role of Pharmacy Technicians in institutional pharmacy environments, including hospitals, correctional facilities, and long-term care centers. These settings demand high levels of accuracy, safety, compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration across differentiating medication workflows.

Provides a combination of hands-on labs and theory in a simulated pharmacy lab, teaching such skills as dispensing procedures, the workflow of a community pharmacy, customer relations, pricing/ordering/receiving, overview of pharmaceutical software, and third-party plans and billing.

Familiarizes the student with the roles of the Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, and Pharmacy Assistant, the profession of pharmacy, and its place within the health care delivery system. The course encompasses both a historical and current perspective and introduces the student to legislation governing the practice of pharmacy and to the Code of Ethics of the Provincial Regulatory Authority.

Introduces the student to the concepts of sterile drug preparation and IV admixtures. The student will acquire knowledge and practice aseptic technique in a simulated hospital setting through both demonstrations and practical laboratory experiences.

Prepares students to be successful in the Pharmacy Exam Board of Canada’s Qualifying Exam. Students get familiarized with the application process, the format, and the timelines of the exams. They will have the opportunity to practice for Parts 1 and 2 of the exam, including interactive and non-interactive stations in a simulated setting.

Introduce students to the basic concepts of checking products before they leave the pharmacy in a simulated pharmacy lab, teaching such skills necessary to ensure consistency and accuracy. It will introduce systematic checking processes to help detect common errors.

Explores the principles of culturally responsive care, with a specific focus on marginalized populations, including Indigenous Peoples and health equity within pharmacy practice. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide respectful, safe, and effective care to marginalized populations, contribute to reconciliation, and reduce health disparities. This includes understanding historical contexts, social determinants of health, and culturally appropriate communication strategies essential for a pharmacy technician’s role.

Equips pharmacy technician students with the principles and practices of stewardship, focusing on responsible medication use and resource management. Students will focus on contributing to optimizing health outcomes and efficient healthcare delivery through informed stewardship practices.

Introduces Pharmacy Technician learners to the ethical and professional responsibilities that shape effective communication with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Learners will explore the origins and impacts of personal and systemic biases, and develop strategies to recognize, manage, and overcome communication barriers in diverse practice settings.

Introduces pharmacy technician students to the essential functions and practical applications of pharmacy management systems (PMS). Students will develop the necessary technical skills to optimize workflow and enhance patient care, and ensure privacy and security within a digital environment.

Provides students with a hands-on, immersive experience in a community pharmacy setting. Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and experienced pharmacy staff, students will integrate and apply the theoretical knowledge and technical skills acquired throughout the program.

Provides students with a hands-on, immersive experience in an institutional pharmacy setting. Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist and experienced pharmacy staff, students will integrate and apply the theoretical knowledge and technical skills acquired throughout the program.

This course introduces students to career preparation strategies. Students will be introduced to job search strategies, interviews and other career management strategies.