Pharmacy Technician

Program overview

The Pharmacy Technician program at Medicine Hat College offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This diploma program focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as regulated pharmacy technicians. Students will learn to dispense prescriptions, prepare compounded medications, manage inventory, and provide patient care. The program emphasizes a learner-centered approach, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

Program structure

The Pharmacy Technician program is structured as a two-year (five-semester) diploma, with classes commencing each Fall. The program is designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring students are ready for the workforce upon graduation. Key features of the program structure include:

• Innovative, learner-centered education focused on competency and skills.
• Preceptor supervised clinical experiences to enhance practical learning.
• Access to modern technologies used in the pharmacy profession, such as laminar airflow hoods and pharmacy management software.
• Clinical experiences may require travel to various locations within the region.
• Some lab courses are conducted off-site, within a five-minute drive of the Medicine Hat campus.

Featured Experiences

The Pharmacy Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

• Hands-on lab work using current technologies and equipment found in the pharmacy field.
• Preceptor supervised clinical experiences that provide real-world exposure to pharmacy practice.
• Opportunities to work closely with pharmacy assistants, ensuring a collaborative learning environment.
• Engagement in community pharmacy settings, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
• Access to a supportive faculty dedicated to student success and ethical practice.

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, dispensing medications and providing patient care.
• Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists in hospitals, preparing and dispensing medications for inpatients.
• Long-term Care Pharmacy Technician: Provide pharmaceutical care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals.
• Pharmacy Educator: Teach and train future pharmacy technicians in academic or clinical settings.

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