PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Each year, Canadians spend nearly $30-billion on prescription drugs, and more than 40% of the country took at least one prescription medication last year, making pharmacies among the busiest businesses in Canada.

If you’re looking to launch a unique, varied, and rewarding career in healthcare, CDI College’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program is the right place to start.

Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists and pharmacy assistants in busy retail, community, and hospital pharmacies.

Throughout your coursework in the program, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful pharmacy technician, including compounding, dispensing, pharmacy mathematics, drug and body interactions, and using pharmacy software programs.

Hands-on Pharmacy Technician Courses

As part of your pharmacy technician training, you will partake in an eight-week, 300-hour practicum placement, split between a community pharmacy and a hospital pharmacy.

Students will have the opportunity to learn in a dedicated lab space outfitted with technologies currently being used in the profession, including a laminar airflow hood and computers with the Kroll® computer software. The spaces students will use include a dedicated classroom, mock community pharmacy as well as a separate aseptic room to help with the preparation of sterile products.

Pharmacy Technician is a regulated health profession under the auspices of the College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC). Graduates of this program will attain competencies specified in the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice and the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) Educational Outcomes for Pharmacy Technician Programs in Canada.Graduates will also be eligible to apply to write the certification examination offered by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) and to register with the CPBC.

Admissions Prerequisites

Graduation from a high school or post-secondary institution in Canada with successful completion of:
- A minimum of Biology 11, Chemistry 11, and Math 11, or equivalent courses.
- Completion of three consecutive English or French language courses (i.e., Grade 10, 11, and 12 English/French).
Passing grade on CDI College’s admission test.
Provide a clear criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act).
Provide completed immunization report showing current immunization and absence of communicable diseases.
Basic competency in computer literacy and basic keyboarding (minimum 25 wpm).
Interview with campus director, program director/coordinator, or designate.
Prior learning MAY be recognized. Please contact the admissions team for more information.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate and receive a diploma, a student must obtain an overall average of at least 70% in this program, minimum grade of 70% in each of the final exams (theory and practical), and meet the zero tolerance criteria in the Pharmaceutical Calculations module as required by the regulatory body.

Students must complete the program within 4 years of admission.

Practicum Requirements – Community and Institutional

Students must successfully complete their practicum rotations split between both community and hospital pharmacy.

International Student and English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants who have graduated from high school or post-secondary programs outside of Canada (including English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia) must demonstrate English language proficiency for program admission.This standard is based on ICES-recommended tests and scores. In addition, all international transcripts and credentials must be assessed through the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) prior to enrolling.

Admission to the CDI College Pharmacy Technician diploma program is dependent on producing one of the following test scores prior to signing enrolment contracts and documentation.

Search Schools"

Provincial Funding

Looking for student aid options offered by your local province? Choose your province of residence below to check out provincial funding options such as grants, loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN