Pharmacy Technician
| Campus | Start Date | Tuition/Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Saint John | September 2025 (Blended Delivery) Offered every other year / Application opens Fall 2024 | Domestic | International |
| Moncton | September 2024 (Blended Delivery) | Domestic | International |
Program Overview
Front line healthcare workers are in demand; find your place supporting healthcare in our community as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy practice helps people manage everything from chronic illness to mild health conditions to vaccinations. Pharmacy technicians work collaboratively with pharmacists and healthcare professionals to achieve optimal pharmaceutical outcomes for patients. Every day, pharmacy technicians work to prepare prescriptions and verify that what was prescribed is dispensed properly and safely to patients. As our population ages, the demand for medication and other pharmaceutical services will also increase, creating a growing demand for pharmacy technicians. If you are a caring person who has been thinking about a career in the healthcare industry, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a prescription for success.
The practice of pharmacy is evolving. Pharmacists spend increasing amounts of time in direct patient care and pharmacy technicians’ responsibility in patient care and product distribution is increasing. This means the need for pharmacy technicians is growing. Registration with the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists assures that our profession is well supported. Our Pharmacy Technician program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Accreditation for Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). Through an exciting blend of classroom, laboratory, simulation activities, and applied workplace experiences in hospital and community pharmacies, you will learn the technical aspects of pharmacy practices that will ensure a high standard of patient care and the safe distribution of pharmaceutical products. The ever-changing, fast-paced pharmacy profession is an exciting road to travel. Enroll today in the Pharmacy Technician program and pursue a rewarding career that helps people enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Vision
The Pharmacy Technician Program is committed to the education of pharmacy technicians who will fulfill the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) professional competencies for entry to practice and pursue certification by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) to provide patient-focused pharmaceutical care while working alongside pharmacists as a member of the integrated health care team.
Mission
Transforming lives and communities by striving for excellence in education to provide competent pharmacy technicians for the pharmacy profession.
Duration
The requirements for this certificate program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
- Foundations of Mathematics 110
- Biology 112 or 122
- Chemistry 112 or 122
Profile K
NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
International Student Admission Equivalencies
Career Possibilities
Health services are one of the largest and most important industries in Canada. A rising amount of middle-aged and older people in our country will drive the need for technicians in a variety of surroundings, including hospitals, medical clinics, pharmacies, and nursing homes.
As graduates gain experience, they can progress to supervisory roles. Graduates can also work toward special certifications such as administration of injections training and sterile compounding.
Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.
Specific Considerations
The Pharmacy Technician Program is committed to the education of pharmacy technicians who will fulfill the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) professional competencies for entry to practice and who will pursue certification by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. Those skills will provide patient-focused pharmaceutical care while working alongside pharmacists as a member of the integrated health care team. The mission of NAPRA is to provide national leadership in pharmacy regulatory practices that enhance patient care and public protection.
For information regarding these competencies and standards, including the language proficiency requirements to practice, please refer to the NAPRA website.
For information regarding relevant accreditation standards, see The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). CCAPP is responsible for the accreditation of pharmacy technician programs in the college-level system.
For information regarding the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada, see www.pebc.ca.
For further information regarding Pharmacy Technician, please refer to Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians.
For details on the process of regulation, scope of practice and benefits to the health care system, refer to the "Pharmacy Technician Regulations and Licensure Pathway" document that can be found on the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists website. Upon starting the program, students must register with the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists by the end of the first term of studies. Details on the student license fee and required personal liability insurance will also be found on this site.
Good health and a good level of physical fitness and stamina are essential. Individuals with vision impairment and individuals with limited motor skills will find difficulty with certain aspects of required work and should contact the program directly. Pharmacy technicians must have a strong attention to detail, critical and analytical skills are essential. The ability to multi-task, prioritize and communication skills are also essential. Good motor skills, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to work in a rapidly changing environment are needed. In addition to analytical work, students are required to interact with clients while performing pharmacy tasks. Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities throughout the province may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical Form (pdf), and specific immunizations. Please note: The New Brunswick College of Pharmacists requires an up-to-date (less than 6 months old) criminal record check before a student can participate in the practicum. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that they have met these requirements.
There is a strong possibility due to the number of clinical placements available, to complete your practicum, you will be required to travel to clinical sites outside the campus area for a six-month period. Practicum is required to graduate from the Pharmacy Technician Program. Costs incurred for travel and accommodation are at your own expense.
Mandatory Clearance Requirements
To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the practicum settings. You must also assume costs of accommodations if part, or all, of the practicum placement is outside your hometown or campus location.
International applicants, or those that present with international credentials, must provide proof of English proficiency, as per the benchmarks listed here. Please note that this is a higher standard than most other programs at NBCC.
Technology Requirements
NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.
Areas of Study
- Community engagement
- Community Pharmacy Practice
- Community Practicum
- Health and Safety
- Hospital Practicum
- Hospital and Institutional Pharmacy Practice
- Inventory Management
- Mathematical problem solving
- Pharmaceutical Fundamentals
- Pharmacy Computer Software
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
- Professional communication and collaboration
- Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding
- Trauma informed, culturally competent professional practice
Program Courses
Courses are subject to change.
This course introduces the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. For each body system, the normal structure and function of the body will be identified.
Prerequisites:
- HCSS1086AA
This course focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to manage healthcare challenges and guide ethical decision-making. The learners explore the professional and ethical expectations for conduct in a pharmacy setting. Utilizing personal reflection and critical thinking, the learners apply ethical principles and theories, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists (NBCP) Code of Ethics, and national professional standards to guide professional practice.
This course is designed to introduce the professional language of medical terminology and abbreviations. Learners will decipher terminology in order to understand the meaning and use of language associated with various body systems.
This course introduces the learner to reading comprehension and academic writing. The learner will employ foundational reading and writing skills to enhance communication in the academic and workplace setting.
This course provides an introduction to alterations in mental health. The learner will explore the history of mental health care, concepts of mental health, common alterations, techniques to prevent and manage aggressive behavior, and strategies to support well-being for the client and self.
This course provides the learner with introductory knowledge and techniques for developing professional communication and therapeutic relationships. The learner will explore the skills necessary to communicate within the healthcare environment effectively.
This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service. Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.
This course introduces the pharmacy team's roles, responsibilities, and competencies related to pharmacy practice. This course prepares learners for pharmacy practice within the Canadian healthcare system.
This course is designed to introduce learners to the national legislation that govern pharmacy practice and the regulations associated with pharmaceuticals and related products in Canada. Learners explore the legal framework that shapes the Canadian pharmaceutical landscape, enabling them to navigate and adhere to regulations essential for ethical and compliant pharmacy practices.
This course is designed to introduce learners to the provincial legislation that governs pharmacy practice and the regulations pertaining to pharmaceuticals and related products in New Brunswick. Learners will explore the legal framework that shapes the New Brunswick pharmaceutical landscape, enabling them to navigate and adhere to regulations essential for ethical and compliant pharmacy practice.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1078A
This course is designed to provide learners with the skills required to solve pharmaceutical calculations. Learners practice calculating pharmaceutical dosages with accuracy to ensure the effective distribution of products and optimal client safety within a pharmacy setting.
This course provides opportunities for learners to apply essential skills required for daily operations in a community pharmacy setting. Through practical exercises, learners practice maintaining accurate documentation, verifying and inputting prescription details, and executing billing procedures, while ensuring compliance with regulations. Learners develop the skills necessary to provide quality pharmaceutical care to clients and navigate the complexities of daily operations in a community pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
- SAAL1880A
- PHAR1083A
This course is designed to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the core aspects of community pharmacy operations. Through exploration of key topics including dispensing procedures, billing protocols, regulatory compliance, and incident management, learners gain essential insights into the daily functioning of community pharmacies. Learners develop the knowledge and skills required to perform community pharmacy-related tasks.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1082A
This course is designed to provide learners with practical compounding theory in processing and preparing basic, non-sterile compounds in compliance with NAPRA compounding standards, legislation, and established policies and procedures. The learners demonstrate accurate calculations for compounding of various dosage forms.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1081A
- PHAR1086A
This course is designed to provide learners with practical laboratory experience in processing and preparing basic, non-sterile compounds in compliance with NAPRA compounding standards, legislation, and established policies and procedures. The learners demonstrate accurate calculations for compounding of various dosage forms.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1085A
This course equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the core aspects of hospital pharmacy operations. Through exploration of key topics such as pharmacy product distribution, regulatory compliance, and incident management, learners gain essential insights into the daily functioning of hospital pharmacies. Learners develop the knowledge and skills required to perform technician-related tasks efficiently and effectively in the hospital pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1089A
This course provides opportunities for learners to apply essential skills required for daily operations in a hospital pharmacy setting. Through practical exercises, learners participate in the maintenance of accurate documentation, verifying and entering physician orders, and pharmacy product distribution procedures while ensuring compliance with regulations. Learners develop the skills necessary to provide quality pharmaceutical care to clients and navigate the complexities of daily operations in a hospital pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1081A
- PHAR1087A
This practicum provides an opportunity for learners to apply theory and skills learned in year one of the pharmacy technician program. All activities will be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Prerequisites:
- SECU1322B
- ETHI1070A
- PHAR1077A
- PHAR1079A
- NCSI1182A
- ANAT1042A
- PHAR1086A
- PHAR1085A
- PHAR1104A
- PHMC1038A
This course is designed to provide learners with the required skills and knowledge to perform accurate calculations, promote client safety, and contribute to the efficient distribution of pharmaceutical products. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and case studies, learners navigate complex and specific scenarios commonly encountered in community and hospital pharmacy settings. Emphasis is placed on sterile and non-sterile compounding and dispensing as well as verification techniques to ensure 100% accuracy in calculation tasks.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1081A
This course provides learners with the theory for sterile compounding processing and preparation. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of calculations for various dosage forms and compounding regulations set forth by NAPRA standards.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1105A
This course provides the learner with an overview of therapeutic drug categories and indications for use with non-prescription medications, including complementary therapies and medical devices.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1083A
This course provides learners with the skill to process and prepare complex and hazardous sterile compounds in a simulated laboratory setting. Learners practice accuracy in calculations and compounding techniques for various parenteral dosage forms in compliance with NAPRA standards.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1105A
This course is designed to offer learners an opportunity to review and prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Board of Canada (PEBC) National Examination. Learners practice self-assessment examinations to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the categories of theoretical, technical, and practical skills. Learners develop action plans to address the identified gaps and learning needs. Comprehensive test results guide study plans and reinforce essential concepts and required competencies for study in preparation for the national board examinations upon graduation.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1100A
- MENT1019A
This practicum provides an opportunity for learners to apply theory and skills learned in the pharmacy technician program. All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Prerequisites:
- SECU1351A
- PHAR1099A
- PHAR1095A
- PHAR1096A
- PHAR1098A
- PHMC1043A
- PHAR1102A
This course provides opportunities for learners to apply essential technical skills for daily operations in a community pharmacy setting. Through simulation, learners practice transferring prescriptions, receiving and transcribing verbal orders, and the technical release of products, including client care tasks and point-of-care testing.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1082A
This course equips learners with the essential technical skills required for daily operations in a hospital pharmacy. Emphasis is placed on client safety and professional communication; learners demonstrate accurate medication distribution through quality assurance processes.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1089A
This practicum provides an opportunity for learners to apply and further develop skills learned in the pharmacy technician program. All activities will be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1090A
- PHAR1091A
- PHAR1092A
- PHAR1105A
- PHAR1103A
- PHAR1094A
- PHMC1042A
- PHAR1087A
- PHAR1089A
This practicum provides an opportunity for learners to apply theory and skills learned in the pharmacy technician program. All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner.
Prerequisites:
- SECU1351A
- PHAR1099A
- PHAR1095A
- PHAR1096A
- PHAR1098A
- PHMC1043A
- PHAR1102A
This course provides learners with the skills to practice injection administration procedures in adherence to established protocols, ensuring safe and accurate delivery of pharmaceuticals for clients in a community pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
- PHMC1042A
- PHAR1095A
This course introduces provincial legislative guideline practices in long-term care facilities. Various product distribution packaging systems used in care homes are explored with a particular emphasis on special populations.
This course supports a blended learning delivery of theory, lab, and field experience that provides learners with the opportunity to manage and process insurance claims, and practice daily inventory operations in a pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1083A
- PHAR1082A
This course equips learners with the skill to process and prepare non-hazardous sterile compounds in a simulated laboratory setting. Learners practice accuracy in calculations and compounding techniques for various parenteral dosage forms in compliance with NAPRA standards.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1092A
- PHAR1091A
This course introduces learners to the basic principles of pharmacology, specifically those related to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Basic anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and terminology associated with the integumentary and immune systems are discussed. Learners are introduced to the effects of medication on the body, conditions that may affect drug actions, and various treatment options.
This course introduces learners to the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and terminology associated with the sensory system and the autonomic and central nervous systems, emphasizing terminology used in a pharmacy. Learners explore the effects of medication on the body, conditions that may affect drug actions and various treatment options.
Prerequisites:
- PHMC1035A
This course introduces learners to the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and terminology associated with the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems, emphasizing terminology used in pharmacy. Learners explore the effects of medication on the body, conditions that may affect drug actions, and various treatment options.
Prerequisites:
- PHMC1038A
This course introduces learners to the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and terminology associated with the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems, cancer, and nutritional deficiencies, emphasizing terminology used in pharmacy. Learners explore the effects of medication on the body, conditions that may affect drug actions, and various treatment options.
Prerequisites:
- PHMC1042A
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the current software used in a community pharmacy setting. Learners participate in activities to develop pharmacy computer skills, focusing on data and prescription entry. Emphasis is placed on adhering to industry standards and ensuring accuracy and compliance in a pharmacy-simulated environment.
Prerequisites:
- PHAR1077A
A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.
This course offers learners the opportunity to develop and execute initiatives that promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations in collaboration with the pharmacy and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Prerequisites:
- PHMC1042A
- HCSS1088A
Accreditations
Organization: Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
Information:
The Pharmacy Technician Program of NBCC Saint John Campus has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs for a 5 - year term July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028.
Organization: Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
Information:
The Pharmacy Technician Program of NBCC Moncton Campus has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs for a 5.5 - year term January 31, 2022 - June 30, 2027.
Articulation Agreements
Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.
Institution: Maine Community College
Information: A full credit recognition and transfer agreement exists for all relevant programs delivered at each institution.
Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.
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NBCC campuses are located on Mi’kmaq, Wolastoq and Peskotomuhkati homelands. Since 1726 this land has been subject to treaties that are still in effect today. We are grateful to learn together on this land and do so guided by the original spirit of those treaties - peace, respect and friendship.
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