College Diploma - Pharmacy Technician (07731)

Program Overview

Humber’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program is designed to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in various pharmacy settings, including community, hospital, industry, and long-term care. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through simulated labs, ensuring low student-to-teacher ratios and access to expert faculty who are active in the pharmacy profession. Students benefit from learning directly from guest speakers who are industry experts. The curriculum is developed in consultation with practicing pharmacy professionals, focusing on key competencies such as legal and ethical responsibilities, patient care, and effective communication. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges in the pharmacy field.

Program Structure

The Pharmacy Technician program at Humber spans 4 semesters, providing a structured and intensive learning experience. Students can choose to start in either January or September, with the following options:

• September start: Complete the program in two academic years, including a summer break after the second semester.
• January start: Complete the program in four consecutive semesters without breaks.

This program also offers an online option, allowing for flexibility in learning. A key component of the program is the mandatory professional practicum, which provides students with valuable workplace experience and industry contacts. Students will complete two unpaid five-week practicums under the supervision of a pharmacist or technician, one in a retail/community pharmacy and another in a hospital pharmacy setting. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills and enhancing employability.

Featured Experiences

• Mandatory professional practicums that provide real-world experience in both community and hospital pharmacy settings.
• Hands-on learning in fully equipped labs designed exclusively for Pharmacy Technician students.
• Injection training as part of the curriculum, allowing students to administer injections upon graduation.
• Interprofessional Education (IPE) courses that foster collaboration with students from other health disciplines.
• Opportunities for field experiences that enhance skills and knowledge related to pharmacy practice.
• Optional co-operative education that allows students to gain paid work experience in their field.

Career Options

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

• Community Pharmacy Technician: Work in retail pharmacies, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care.
• Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Support pharmacists in hospital settings, managing medication distribution and patient medication therapy.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals and institutions.
• Medication Reconciliation Technician: Ensure accurate medication lists for patients during transitions of care, improving patient safety.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Work with pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

The demand for pharmacy technicians is strong, driven by an aging population and the increasing need for medication management. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians in various healthcare settings.

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