Pharmacy Technician Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Program Overview

The Pharmacy Technician Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students for a rewarding career in a high-demand field. As a Pharmacy Technician, you will play a crucial role in supporting patient care and health maintenance efforts. This program emphasizes applied learning through classroom instruction, laboratory work, and practicum placements, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the needs of employers in various healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs, which enhances the credibility and recognition of the diploma.

Program Structure

The Pharmacy Technician Diploma is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. The program includes:

Classroom instruction covering essential pharmacy practices.
Hands-on training in simulation lab facilities that replicate real-world environments.
A four-week (160 hours) community pharmacy practicum placement.
A five-week (200 hours) hospital pharmacy practicum placement.

Students will benefit from partnerships that enhance their learning experiences and provide opportunities for practical application of their skills. The program also offers pathways for further study, including transfer credits to Bachelor programs at institutions like Thompson Rivers University and NAIT.

Featured Experiences

Accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs.
Hands-on training in simulation labs that mimic real pharmacy environments.
Work-integrated learning through community and hospital pharmacy practicums.
Partnerships with local pharmacies and hospitals for enhanced practicum experiences.

Career Options

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Diploma can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Hospital Pharmacy Technician: Work in hospital settings, assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications to patients.
Community Pharmacy Technician: Provide support in retail pharmacies, managing prescriptions and customer service.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals.
Medication Management Technician: Assist in managing patient medication regimens and ensuring compliance.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Work with pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

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

Visit Red Deer Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. The following outlines the necessary qualifications:

Academic Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 60% in each of the following courses:
- Biology 30 (or BIOL 0300 or equivalent)
- Chemistry 30 (or CHEM 0300 or equivalent)
- ELA 30-1 (or ENGL 0301 or equivalent) or ELA 30-2 (or ENGL 0300 or equivalent)
- Mathematics 30-1 (or MATH 0301 or equivalent) or Mathematics 30-2 (or MATH 0300 or equivalent)
OR: Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree.

Note: Students entering the program are expected to possess basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, conversion of fractions, percentages, decimals, ratios, and the ability to perform other related calculations.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must have either a MAC or PC laptop that meets specific technical specifications.
Students are required to successfully complete a keyboarding assessment and obtain at least 30 wpm by December 1 of their first year of studies in the program.

For international students, it is essential to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for support.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

For the Pharmacy Technician program, a CCAPP-accredited program, the following English Language Proficiency requirements apply:

Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
Graduation from a Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English or French; or
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test:
- IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 7.0 in Reading, Listening & Speaking, 6.5 on Writing
- OET – Occupational English Test: B grades on Reading, Listening & Speaking, C+ grade on Writing
- TEF Canada – Test d’evaluation de francais: B2 in Reading & Writing, C1 in Listening & Speaking

Pharmacy Technician applicants must also meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) ELP Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada.

*Applicants who meet these NAPRA requirements must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements for RDP Health & Wellness programs. See the Health & Wellness programs section above 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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!