Pharmacy Technician – Diploma

Program Details

Length: 15 months

Total Credits: 60

Intake Terms: Fall

Delivery Method: Blended

Campus: Online

Credential: Diploma

Cost:

Approximate program cost

Student Loans:

This program is eligible for student loans

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 long-term care 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 Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).

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 relocate to Castlegar, Duncan, or Prince George for eight 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:

Anatomy and Physiology 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 Requirement 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, or province of residence.
College Readiness Tool (CRT) Assessment
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.
Official transcripts from high school and all post-secondary institutions attended (sent directly from the Ministry of Education and educational institutions)
Official transcripts, equivalence reports and English proficiency test results for internationally educated applicants
HHS Participation Agreement

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

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Before an application is considered complete, the following must be received by the Admissions Office:

a) Selkirk College Application Form

b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable for conditional acceptance)

2. The Admissions Office will acknowledge receipt of application forms. Program seats will be offered on a first qualified, first served basis with the following exceptions:

Priority registration and reserved seating for qualified Indigenous applicants. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify their ancestry when applying for admission.
Priority registration and reserved seating for qualified students registered with Selkirk College Academic Upgrading pathway program. Candidates are encouraged to self-disclose this information to the program coordinator or school chair.
The number of seats reserved for either of the above groups of applicants will be determined by the school chair prior to opening applications for each cohort.

3. Fully qualified applicants will be offered admission based on application date.

4. Partially qualified applicants may be offered a conditional acceptance; an interim statement of grades will be used for the purposes of conditional acceptance. All program admission requirements must be met prior to starting program courses.

5. Once the seats have been filled, a waitlist will be created and maintained for 12 months after which applicants who are not admitted or have deferred a seat must reapply to affirm their continued interest in the program.

6. Applications and supporting documents must be received by June 30.

7. This program offers lab courses in 3 locations: Castlegar, Duncan, and Prince George. Seats are offered on a first qualified, first served basis for the applicant's location of choice as indicated on the Applicant Questionnaire. If the location of choice is full, the applicant may choose to accept a seat at the Castlegar location and be kept on a waitlist for the other location.

PRE-PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

Evidence of completion of the following must be submitted to the Admissions office or program designate before the first practice education experience. All evidence must be current and valid.

a. Emergency First Aid Certification

b. CPR Level "C" Certification

c. WHMIS 2015 Certification

d. Completion of the Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) checklist

e. Completion of the Selkirk College Health & Human Services immunization form

Graduation and Promotion

PROMOTION

1. Eligibility for course registration for part time studies will be determined by course pre-requisite requirements, in consultation with the program coordinator.

2. 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 and PTEC 216 Pharmacology II).

GRADUATION

1. Credentials: To qualify for graduation with a Pharmacy Technician Diploma, a student must successfully pass all courses in the program.

Program Courses

Term 1

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours

Required courses

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours
PTEC101	Introduction To Program & Online Learning For Success	1.00	30
PTEC102	Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology	4.00	120
PTEC103	Introduction to Professional Practice	4.00	120
PTEC111	Interpersonal Communications in Pharmacy	3.00	90
PTEC117	Fundamentals of Product Distribution	4.00	120

Term 2

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours

Required courses

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours
PTEC122	Pharmacy Calculations	4.00	120
PTEC123	Professional Practice II	3.00	90
PTEC126	Pharmacology I	4.00	120
PTEC127	Community Pharmacy Theory	3.00	90
PTEC128	Communications In Pharmacy II	3.00	90

Term 3

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours

Required courses

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours
PTEC213	Transition to Professional Practice	2.00	60
PTEC216	Pharmacology II	4.00	120
PTEC217	Institutional Pharmacy Practice	3.00	90

Term 4

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours

Required courses

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours
PTEC220	Technology for Product Distribution	2.00	60
PTEC221	Prescription Dispensing	2.00	60
PTEC223	Institutional Dispensing and Sterile Product Preparation	3.00	90
PTEC224	Non-Sterile Compounding	2.00	60

Term 5

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours

Required courses

Code	Title	Credits	Total Hours
PTEC230	Community Practicum	4.50	180
PTEC231	Institutional Practicum	4.50	180

Additional Program Policies

Effective Term: Fall

Effective Year: 20240801

Advanced Standing:

1. Application for advance or transfer credit must be made prior to entry into the program as per Policy 8614: Advanced Standing – Course Challenge, PLA, Transfer Credit and approval obtained from the Registrar.

2. A student who applies for advanced standing from another Pharmacy Technician Program will be considered on an individual basis.

3. A student who wishes to prove mastery of part or all of a course’s content must submit an application for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The School Chair in consultation with program instructors will determine whether PLA credit is assigned.

4. Lab and practicum courses are not eligible for advanced standing application or PLA.

5. Students accepted into the lab cohort at VIU Cowichan or CNC Prince George will be eligible for direct transfer credit under the partnership agreement for PTEC 220, PTEC 221, PTEC 223 and PTEC 224 in the same year. Request for transfer credit must be submitted by the student upon completion of the lab semester.

Re-Entry Instructions:

1. Full time students who fail to successfully complete all courses in a given semester will be required to decrease to part time study. Normally, there is a waiting period of 12 months between offerings of the same course or semester.

2. Re-entry to the Pharmacy Technician Program is permitted only when seats are available. Applications for re-entry must be received six months in advance of the semester the student wants to re-enter.

3. Priority for re-entry will be given as follows:

a) Students in good standing who interrupted their program for illness or other personal reasons.

b) Students who failed to meet program requirements for promotion.

c) Students transferring from another program

4. Students must complete the entire program within 48 months of initial entry.

5. Students who have been required to withdraw from the program due to unsatisfactory performance may be readmitted with the approval of the School Chair in consultation with the program instructors.

Assessment:

a) Grading in theory and lab courses will be as per the Standard Pharmacy Technician Program Grading Table as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.

b) Grading in practicum courses will be as per the Competency Based Grades as defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 – Grading.

c) Students must achieve 86% or higher in the PTEC 122 Calculations midterm and final exams and all assignments to receive credit for the course.

d) As required by CCAPP, at selected points during the program, students will be assessed in pharmacy calculations and prescription verification using summative assessments demonstrating that student performance is error-free (100% accurate).

Grading Table: Other

Grading Table: Both the Standard Pharmacy Technician and the Competency Based Grading tables will be used.

Types of Assessments:

a) Students are evaluated and graded in each theory course as indicated in the respective course outlines. This may include, but is not limited to, exams, quizzes, written papers, discussion forums, case studies, individual and group projects, and presentations.

b) Competency appraisals and simulations are used to assess competence in psychomotor and practical skills in the lab.

c) In the practicum course, assessment occurs on a continual basis and uses the Practicum Evaluation Tool. All activities in which students participate may be considered assessment. Students are provided opportunity for reflection and self-assessment. Preceptors provide verbal and written feedback to the student and instructor; instructors are responsible for final assessment and assignment of CRG/NCG in the course.

Supplemental Assessment(s)

a) Supplemental exams and assessments are offered at the discretion of the instructor in consultation with the Program Coordinator and School Chair.

b) The maximum mark on a supplemental assessment cannot exceed 80% except for PTEC 122 requirements of 86%.

c) In PTEC 122 Pharmacy Calculations, one re-write will be offered for the mid-term and final exams for students who do not achieve 86% or higher on the first attempt.

d) Supplemental exams and assessments must be written within seven calendar days of the final examination date and prior to the final day of the course.

Examinations for Distance / Online Programs - Examinations will follow the procedures established and documented in the courses outline of each course.

Attendance:

1. Student attendance in class supports their progress toward meeting the course learning outcomes and contributes to the learning community. They will gain valuable insights and opportunities that would not be possible without the conversations and activities they will participate in. If a student finds themselves in a situation where they are not able to get to class or will be late, they will need to contact the relevant instructor so that they can collaborate on a plan for continued student success. When students miss class, the chances of successfully meeting the learning outcomes may be reduced and/or prevent the student from passing the class.

2. Students absent from an PTEC class, for any reason, are responsible for the course material they have missed. As part of the plan for success, they may be required to make up missed assignments, activities, lab and/or practice education hours to successfully meet the learning outcomes.

3. Online courses are delivered asynchronously with published start and end dates. Participation in online learning activities as outlined in the course schedule/Moodle learning platform is required and monitored regularly by the instructor.

4. Dates and times are set for written and competency/skill-based assessments. These dates and times are shared with students at the beginning of the program for them to plan and organize themselves accordingly. If a student is absent from a written or competency/skill-based assessment for reasonable cause (e.g., illness, family emergency, adverse weather conditions, etc.), they may be allowed a make-up assessment on the first day the student returns to the program (please check the course outline for specific details). A physician's note for illness, or a note substantiating the family emergency, may be required prior to arranging the make-up testing.

5. Students are expected to notify the course instructor before the scheduled written or competency/skill-based session if they are unable to complete the assessment. Whether they can reschedule your assessments will be addressed case-by-case. If the student does not notify the instructor, they may forfeit their opportunity for a make-up assessment.

6. Students who must be absent from a lab or practicum learning experience due to illness or extenuating circumstances must notify the instructor and/or preceptor at least one hour prior to the experience’s scheduled time.

7. Students not meeting 360 hours of practice experience may be required to repeat the course or complete extra hours at an additional cost to the student. The School of Health and Human Services cannot provide substitute or “make up” learning experiences outside of regularly scheduled practice education courses when students have been absent.

Assignments:

1. Students are required to submit all assignments on the date published in the course schedule and communicated by the instructor.

2. When a student is unable to meet the published deadline for an assignment, she or he must notify the instructor prior to the published due date and request an extension.

3. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the instructor in consultation with the individual student for extenuating circumstances. The student is expected to observe the negotiated due date. Further extension of the deadline without penalty may or may not be permitted by the instructor.

Professional Requirements:

1. Students will adhere to the Professional Code of Conduct contract, which will be reviewed and signed during PTEC 101.

2. Lab course and practicum placements must be completed full time, 35 to 40 hours per week. Students shall be of sound physical and mental health to perform the daily tasks safely, including but not limited to standing for 8 hours per day, walking to different hospital units daily, bending to pick up objects below the knees and reaching objects with arms extended above the head, and communicating with clients and other healthcare team members in person.

3. Students shall acknowledge that Indigenous specific racism and colonialism exist and that students will integrate trauma-informed practice and work towards reconciliation of indigenous health and wellness. (See also In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care, 2020).

4. Students will conduct themselves in an informed way to be inclusive, culturally safe, and always striving towards cultural humility. (See also Selkirk College Policy 6040: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity).

Other regulations:

A. PROBATION (See Policy 8619 Student Probation and Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct))

1. Students may be placed on probation if they fail to adhere to the Program Professional Code of Conduct and/or the Selkirk College Student Code of Conduct.

2. Students will be limited to two probation periods while enrolled in the PTEC program. Subsequent unacceptable behaviours / practice will result in required withdrawal.

B. REQUIRED WITHDRAWAL (See Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct)

1. Breaches to confidentiality are grounds for dismissal from the program.

2. Students who compromise the safety of clients in practice courses will be required to withdraw from the PTEC program.