Are you keen on pursuing a degree in Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada?
If you are someone who is interested in the healthcare sector and working with medications, then this is definitely the course you should choose. It’s perfect for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized and looking for a stable career in the healthcare industry.
Let’s begin by defining what a Pharmacy Technician is, their role, and how it differs from a Pharmacy Assistant. We will also cover the courses available to international students, the requirements to enroll, top colleges offering these programs, tuition fees, potential job opportunities and the wages after graduation.
Table Of Content
1What is Pharmacy Technician2Pharmacy Technician vs Pharmacy Assistant Course in Canada3Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada for International Students4Diploma in Pharmacy Technician in Canada5Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada Requirements6Top Universities in Canada for Pharmacy Technician Courses7Pharmacy Technician Course Fees in Canada8Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam9Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Canada10Conclusion:11Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pharmacy Technician
A Pharmacy Technician is a trained healthcare professional who
- Works alongside Pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care to patients
- Is responsible for preparing and dispensing medications
- Helps in processing prescription orders
- Answer general inquiries about the prescriptions
- Ensures the prescriptions are filled accurately and efficiently which minimizes the risk of medication errors
- Explains how to properly take medications by providing instructions
- Inform about possible side effects
- Is knowledgeable about various pharmaceutical products, dosages, and potential drug interactions
- Handles insurance claims and maintains patient records
- Stays up to date with the latest developments or changes in pharmacy laws and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacy Technician vs Pharmacy Assistant Course in Canada
Difference Between Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Assistant Course in Canada is listed below:
| Aspect | Pharmacy Technician Course | Pharmacy Assistant Course |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 6 months – 1 year |
| Level of Program | Diploma or Degree | Certificate or Diploma |
| Educational Requirement | High school | High school |
| Certification | Requires passing the PEBC Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and provincial licensing | Does not require formal certification |
| Responsibilities | Preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventories, patient counselling, ensuring safety | Assisting stock management, supportive tasks, customer service, and administrative work |
| Work Place | Hospitals, community pharmacies, clinics, long-term care facilities | Retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, clinics |
Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada for International Students
The Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada for International Students is:
1. Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
- A 2 year pharmacy course that trains students to assist Pharmacists.
- Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Eventually prepares graduates to work in various healthcare settings
- Includes both classroom instruction and practical experience through internships or clinical placements.
2. Diploma in Pharmacy
- Usually lasts 2 years, but some institutions offer fast-track programs in 1.5 years
- The program focuses on the technical and practical skills required for graduates to assist licensed pharmacists.
- This program provides a solid foundation for various roles like pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and medication therapy management support.
- More affordable than pursuing a full pharmacy degree like a Bachelor of Pharmacy
3. Bachelor of Pharmacy
- An undergraduate program which takes 4 years to complete.
- Provides students with foundational knowledge in all things related to pharmaceutical science and patient care.
- Pursuing this program also helps to become a licensed pharmacist before students can pursue licensing exams and internships.
4. Master of Pharmacy
- A graduate program that lasts 2 years.
- Designed for students seeking advanced training in specialized areas of pharmacy, including clinical pharmacy, drug research, and pharmacology.
- Often pursued by those looking to advance their careers or deepen their expertise in specific pharmaceutical fields.
Diploma in Pharmacy Technician in Canada
Pharmacy Technician Courses in Canada are majorly offered as 2-year diploma courses for international students. These diploma programs are accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and cover a wide range of topics like pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law, ethics, and pharmacy calculations. Most institutions offer apprenticeship and clinical placement opportunities to gain hands-on experience.
As per Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) requirements, students must complete the Pharmacy Technician Program within 4 years of admission.
Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada Requirements
These are the requirements that you to meet to be eligible for a Pharmacy Technician Courses in Canada:
High School Education
You must have completed Grade 12 with a minimum grade of 50 or above in required program subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics, and English.
English Language Proficiency
Meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada or must either achieve an IELTS Academic score between 6.0 and 7.0 or demonstrate English language proficiency through other accredited tests.
Criminal Record Background Check
This is mandatory if you enrol for a Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada.
Health Screening
Most institutions require you to complete a health screening before you enrol yourself in a college.
Additional Requirements
Some Programs may require to meet additional requirements. This can, however, depend on the institution.
Most of all, one should have strong critical thinking, mathematical and communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking.
Top Universities in Canada for Pharmacy Technician Courses
Let’s take a look at the Pharmacy Technician Schools in Canada:
1. Centennial College
Centennial College is the oldest publicly funded college in Canada. The Pharmacy Technician course offered here is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible as aligned with the Government of Canada labour market needs.
| Address | 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8, Canada |
| Type | Public |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | CAD 18,339.62 |
2. Sheridan College
Established in 1967, this college has three campuses in Ontario with over 15,443 international students from over 116 countries. The Pharmacy Technician course offered at the David Campus is also PGWP eligible.
| Address | 7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, Ontario L6Y 5H9 |
| Type | Public |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | CAD 18,732.46 |
3. Humber Polytechnic
Established in 1967, there are over 10,000 students from all around the world enrolled in over 220 programs at three campuses. The college provides rich academic experience, the latest technology and teaching methodologies.
| Address | 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8, Canada |
| Type | Public |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | $18,339.62 |
4. Conestoga College
Conestoga is considered to be one of the best premier polytechnic colleges, located in Kitchener, Ontario. This college prepares its students to practice to the full scope of a Registered Pharmacy Technician through a combination of theory, practical laboratories and work experience placements.
| Address | 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8, Canada |
| Type | Public |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | $18,339.62 |
5. Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College is one of the largest colleges in Canada where students have the opportunity to gain skills necessary for success beyond the classroom. This is among the preferred choices for international students to study in Canada because of its affordable programs and the fact 89.7% of graduates that are successful in finding employment within six months of graduating.
| Address | 941 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8, Canada |
| Type | Public |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | $32,975.78 |
Pharmacy Technician Course Fees in Canada
Here’s a fee range for Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada:
| No. | Course | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Diploma in Pharmacy Technician | CAD 12,000 – CAD 20,000 |
| 2. | Diploma in Pharmacy | CAD 15,000 – CAD 35,000 |
| 3. | Bachelor of Pharmacy | CAD 20,000 – CAD 30,000 |
| 4. | Master of Pharmacy | CAD 25,000 – CAD 40,000 |
This varies according to the different schools and the location you wish to pursue your studies. For more accurate information, contact CanApprove.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam is an essential for pharmacy technician course graduates to gain certification in Canada. Administered by the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) this exam ensures that the candidates have the knowledge and skills to work safely and competently in Canada.
To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program. The exam includes a written test assessing knowledge in medication dispensing, patient safety, pharmacy laws, and drug interactions, and a practical assessment to evaluate hands-on skills in tasks like medication preparation. Passing this exam grants you the Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPT), which boosts job opportunities, enhances job security, and demonstrates a commitment to professional standards. Thus, this certification is a valuable credential for advancing a career in the Canadian healthcare field.
Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Canada
According to Job Bank, the average salary for a Pharmacy Technician in Canada is $22.30/hr. Let’s see the Pharmacy Technician salary in Canada in the various provinces of Canada.
| Province | Salary Range Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $30.00 – $35.50 |
| British Columbia | $20.00 – $40.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 – $27.89 |
| New Brunswick | $20.00 – $30.16 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.00 – $28.85 |
| Nova Scotia | $24.50 – $26.50 |
| Ontario | $17.00 – $35.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $26.00 – $29.00 |
| Quebec | $16.00 – $37.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $18.00 – $35.00 |
Conclusion
You now have all the essential information about the Pharmacy Technician course in Canada!
Are you ready to pursue your studies in Canada? Connect with CanAppprove, your trusted study abroad partner with more than 26 years of experience for personalized guidance, university and course selection, and with your Canada Student Visa.
Why hesitate now? Contact CanApprove now.
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