Pharmacy Technician

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Pharmacy Technician program at Niagara College, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required courses:
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
  • Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is essential to meet the specific language proficiency requirements set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). These requirements include:

• IELTS Academic – Reading 7.0, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Writing 6.5
• OET – Reading B, Listening B, Speaking B, Writing C+

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is important to note that applicants whose first language is not English must complete the language proficiency test within two years of the program start date.

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

Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you can meet Niagara College’s admission requirements by submitting one of the accepted language proficiency test scores listed below.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted for the Pharmacy Technician program:

• Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): 169 – No skill under 162.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
  • 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
  • Minimum scores for Pharmacy Technician program:
    • Reading – 7.0
    • Listening – 7.0
    • Speaking – 7.0
    • Writing – 6.5
• Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT: 80, Minimum 20 in Writing and Speaking.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
• Duolingo English Language Test: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
• Oxford ELLT and Pre-Sessional English: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.0.
• Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 – No individual band under 50.
• Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP): Completion of EAP Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50%.

* Requirements set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities – NAPRA 2024. The language proficiency requirements listed under this column apply to the Pharmacy Technician program only.

Please check with our team for more details.

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.