Pharmacy Technician (Saint John) at NBCC - New Brunswick Community College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-15

Program overview

Program Overview

Front line healthcare workers are in demand; find your place supporting healthcare in our community as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy practice helps people manage everything from chronic illness to mild health conditions to vaccinations. Pharmacy technicians work collaboratively with pharmacists and healthcare professionals to achieve optimal pharmaceutical outcomes for patients. Every day, pharmacy technicians work to prepare prescriptions and verify that what was prescribed is dispensed properly and safely to patients. As our population ages, the demand for medication and other pharmaceutical services will also increase, creating a growing demand for pharmacy technicians. If you are a caring person who has been thinking about a career in the healthcare industry, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a prescription for success.

The practice of pharmacy is evolving. Pharmacists spend increasing amounts of time in direct patient care and pharmacy technicians’ responsibility in patient care and product distribution is increasing. This means the need for pharmacy technicians is growing. Registration with the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists assures that our profession is well supported. Our Pharmacy Technician program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Accreditation for Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). Through an exciting blend of classroom, laboratory, simulation activities, and applied workplace experiences in hospital and community pharmacies, you will learn the technical aspects of pharmacy practices that will ensure a high standard of patient care and the safe distribution of pharmaceutical products.

Program Structure

The Pharmacy Technician program is designed to be completed within two academic years of full-time study. This program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. The structure includes:

Classroom instruction
Laboratory work
Simulation activities
Applied workplace experiences in hospital and community pharmacies

Students will engage in various learning methods to ensure they are well-prepared for the evolving pharmacy profession. The program also emphasizes the importance of practical experience, which is crucial for developing the necessary skills to excel in this field. Additionally, students are required to register with the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists by the end of their first term of studies, ensuring they meet the professional standards required for practice.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on laboratory and simulation activities to practice essential pharmacy skills.
Applied workplace experiences in both hospital and community pharmacy settings.
Opportunities to work alongside licensed practitioners during practicum placements.
Engagement in community service to enhance understanding of civic responsibility.
Preparation for certification by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).

The program also includes mandatory clearance requirements for clinical placements, ensuring that students are well-prepared and compliant with health and safety standards. This comprehensive approach to education equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the pharmacy profession.

Career Options

Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Work in hospital settings, managing medication distribution and collaborating with healthcare teams to provide patient care.
Community Pharmacy Technician: Provide services in retail pharmacies, including customer service, medication management, and health consultations.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals, requiring strong communication and sales skills.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and standards, working with government agencies and industry stakeholders.

As graduates gain experience, they can progress to supervisory roles and pursue additional certifications, such as administration of injections training and sterile compounding. The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow, providing numerous opportunities in various healthcare settings across Canada.

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

Visit NBCC - New Brunswick Community College official website

Last updated on 2026-05-15

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Pharmacy Technician program at Saint John, the following academic requirements must be met:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International students, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, should be aware of the following:

Documents must be officially translated into English.
Minimum credentials required are indicated; however, higher education may also be considered.
Proof of language of instruction and grading scale would be helpful and may speed up the evaluation process.
Transcripts must show:
- Last year of Grammar or Literature credit.
- Last year of Math credit obtained.
- Last two years of sciences if required for your profile of consideration.
- Postsecondary credentials may be required for some programs.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

We want our students to be well-positioned for success and be able to participate in all NBCC educational activities. Therefore, all international and Permanent Resident applicants to NBCC must demonstrate adequate academic English proficiency.

NBCC will request evidence of English proficiency on a recognized linguistic test or successful completion of a recognized pathway program from one of our English language training partners. NBCC will only accept tests that were taken within the last 2 years. An applicant may be exempt if:

the applicant's first language is English; or,
a minimum of three (3) years of secondary education has been successfully completed in English within the last 2 years.
successful completion of English 122 or 121, or equivalency to NB high school curriculum, with a minimum mark of 70% (non-modified curriculum) can be submitted to satisfy NBCC’s English proficiency requirement; or,
a minimum of one (1) year of successful completion in a recognized post-secondary institution has been in English within the last 2 years.

Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Assistant Program Language Requirements

International applicants, or those that present with international credentials, must provide proof of English proficiency as per the Registrar’s Council of Pharmacy Registrars of Canada (CPRC). Please check with our team for more details.

The following English proficiency tests can be submitted to NBCC for admission consideration:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic test only
- Minimum score of 6.0 with no subject test score less than 5.5
TOEFL iBT
- Minimum score of 80 with no subject test scores less than 18.
Duolingo English Test
- Minimum score of 100 out of 160 with no subject test score less than 90
Cambridge English
- Overall Cambridge English Scale score of 169
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score of 60
The Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
- Minimum score of 4.5 with no subtest less than 4.0
PTE Pearson Test of English (Academic)
- Minimum score of 65 with no subject test less than 60

If you do not meet the English language requirements for admission to NBCC programs, you can apply directly to one of our English language training partners for a pathway program.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!