Pharmacy Technician

Program Overview

Centennial College's Pharmacy Technician program offers a dynamic curriculum based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice. This learner-centered environment fosters the necessary skills based on nine NAPRA competencies, including:

• Ethical, Legal and Professional Responsibilities
• Patient Care
• Product Distribution
• Practice Setting
• Health Promotion
• Knowledge and Research Application
• Communication and Education
• Intra and Inter-Professional Collaboration
• Quality and Safety

To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, students must complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exams and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) jurisprudence exam to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.

Program Structure

The Pharmacy Technician program at Centennial College is designed to be completed in 2 years, consisting of 4 semesters. The program is delivered in-person at the Morningside Campus, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience. The program includes:

• Hands-on practical laboratory experiences in state-of-the-art labs.
• Three work experience placements, ensuring students meet CCAPP standards and pharmacy competencies.
• Field placements in both hospital/institutional and community pharmacy settings.

This structure allows students to gain valuable real-world experience while developing the skills necessary for a successful career in pharmacy.

Featured Experiences

• Hands-on training in three specialized labs: Community Dispensing, Institutional/Long-Term Care, and Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding.
• Field placements that provide a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience in various pharmacy settings.
• Opportunities to learn about pharmacology, aseptic techniques, pharmaceutical calculations, and inventory control.
• Collaboration with experienced faculty who bring real-world insights into the classroom.

Career Options

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

• Community Pharmacy Technician: Assists pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care in community pharmacies.
• Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Works in hospital settings, managing medication distribution and supporting patient care teams.
• Institutional Pharmacy Technician: Focuses on medication management in long-term care facilities and hospitals.
• Medication Reimbursement Specialist: Works with insurance companies and healthcare providers to ensure proper medication coverage.
• Pharmacy Software Technician: Manages and supports pharmacy software systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Medication Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician: Ensures accurate medication lists for patients transitioning between care settings.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make significant contributions to patient care and the healthcare system.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.