Pharmacy Technician – Diploma

Program Details

Credential Received

Diploma in Pharmacy Technician

Overview

Program Summary

Pharmacy Technicians work collaboratively with Pharmacists and members of the health care team in the promotion of wellness, disease prevention, and the management of chronic diseases. Pharmacy Technicians are responsible and accountable for ensuring accuracy in product preparation and release.

Selkirk College’s Pharmacy Technician program prepares graduates for employment as pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings including community, hospital, and residential pharmacies. Graduates have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the entry-level competencies defined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

The program has been awarded the status of Full Accreditation by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia registration process.

The program is delivered using a blend of online theory courses, face-to-face lab classes and practicum hours in both hospital and community.  The program is 15 months in length and consists of three theory semesters, one lab semester, followed by eight weeks of practicum. Students are required to re-locate to the Castlegar Campus for seven weeks to complete the face-to-face labs where they apply theory learned in the online courses and prepare for practicum.

Graduates of the program are eligible for direct admission into the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada certification process and the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia registration process.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Program will meet the competencies and educational outcomes as set out by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA):

• Practice within legal requirements, demonstrate professionalism and uphold professional standards of practice, codes of ethics and policies.
• Participate in meeting the patient’s health goals and drug related needs by establishing caring and professional relationships.
• Contribute to a safe, effective, and efficient product distribution and release in the practice setting.

• Support health promotion activities for patients, communities, and populations in collaboration with the pharmacist and other health professionals.
• Make theory-based and evidence informed decisions in practice ensuring safe and effective product distribution.
• Collaborate with members of the intra and inter-professional health teams to support the delivery of comprehensive services and ensure continuity of care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, the pharmacy team, other health professionals and the public, including the provision of patient education.
• Contribute to quality control and support a culture of safety in practice.

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

BC High School graduation or equivalent with 60% or higher in:

• Biology 12
• English Studies 12
• Chemistry 11
• Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 12

English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to submit documentation of one of the following as evidence of language proficiency:

• Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive first language English courses /credits
• Language proficiency test results that meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada
• An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada whose instruction was provided in English

Additional Requirements

• Criminal Record Check (CRC) from the BC Ministry of Justice
• Applicant Information Questionnaire (found in application package)
• Current computer skills including knowledge/skill in navigating the internet, word processing, file management, and email. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Computer Skills Self-Assessment
• Immunizations for health care workers as established by the BC Ministry of Health prior to starting practicum
• WHMIS, Basic First Aid and CPR (C) completed prior to starting lab courses
• Official transcripts from high school and all post-secondary institutions attended (mailed directly from the Ministry of Education and educational institutions)
• Official Transcripts, Equivalence Reports, and English Proficiency Test results for internationally educated applicants
• Two Personal Reference Forms completed and submitted directly to the Admission Office (found in application package)

Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to progress from one semester to the next, students are required to achieve a minimum of 80% in all published prerequisite courses (e.g. PTEC 126 Pharmacology I/PTEC 136 Pharmacology II.)