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. The learner-centered environment fostered in this pharmacy diploma program will allow you to gain the necessary skills based on the nine NAPRA competencies, which include:

• 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, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exams, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists jurisprudence exam in order to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.

Program Structure

The Pharmacy Technician program at Centennial College is designed as a compressed program, which means it can be completed in a shorter time frame. The program length is 4 semesters, or 1.5 years, and is delivered in-person at the Morningside Campus. This program includes:

• Hands-on practical laboratory experiences in state-of-the-art labs
• Three work experience placements, ensuring a minimum of 160 hours in both hospital/institutional and community pharmacy settings
• Summer semesters to facilitate the compressed delivery format

This structure is aimed at providing students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing them for a successful career in pharmacy.

Featured Experiences

• Mix of classroom and hands-on practical laboratory experiences at Centennial's Morningside Campus
• Access to three state-of-the-art labs, including community dispensing, institution/long-term care, and sterile and non-sterile compounding
• Opportunity for three work experience placements to meet CCAPP standards and pharmacy competencies

Career Options

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

• Community Pharmacy Technician: Works in retail pharmacies, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care.
• Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Supports pharmacists in hospital settings, managing medication distribution and patient medication records.
• Institutional Pharmacy Technician: Works in long-term care facilities, ensuring proper medication management for residents.
• Sterile Pharmacy Technician: Specializes in preparing sterile medications, such as injections and IV solutions, in compliance with safety standards.
• Medication Reimbursement Specialist: Assists patients with insurance claims and reimbursement processes for medications.
• Pharmacy Software Technician: Provides technical support for pharmacy management software and systems.
• BPMH Pharmacy Technician: Conducts Best Possible Medication Histories to ensure accurate medication records for patients.
• Medication Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician: Reviews and reconciles patient medication lists to prevent errors and ensure safety.

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