Pharmacy Technician

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) - Offered every other year Domestic | International
MonctonSeptember 2024 (Blended Delivery) Offered every other year/ Application opens Fall 2023 Domestic | International
Apply Now
Tuition & Fees
Visit Us
Ask Us

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 diploma program may be achieved within two academic years of full-time study.
 

Admission Requirements

    Profile K

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Foundations of Mathematics 110
      or
      Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112
      • Biology 112 or 122
        • Chemistry 112 or 122

          NB Francophone High School Math 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. Details on the student license fee and required personal liability insurance will also be found on this site.

          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. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

          Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and/or vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. 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 he or she is eligible to participate.

          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

          • Communications
          • Calculations
          • Health and Safety
          • Pharmacology
          • Pharmaceutical Fundamentals
          • Over the Counter Therapeutics
          • Pharmacy Computer Software
          • Inventory Management
          • Community Pharmacy Practice
          • Legislation and Regulations
          • Professional Practice
          • Hospital and Institutional Pharmacy Practice
          • Sterile and Non-sterile Compounding
          • Community Practicum
          • Hospital Practicum

          Program Courses

          Courses are subject to change.

          Most business / technical / workplace writing is persuasive writing; it is intended to persuade the reader to act in a certain way or believe/support a certain idea. Persuasive writing is supported by critical reading. A critical reader analyzes the wording, structure, tone, and format of a document to evaluate its meaning and credibility. This course will provide the critical reading and persuasive writing skills necessary to formulate well-supported written arguments.

          This course prepares students for the practice of Pharmacy within the Canadian health care system by introducing the influence that federal and provincial laws and regulations have on pharmacy practice. Professional requirements including ethics, ethical principles and standards of practice for the pharmacy team will be examined.
           

          Health care is one of the most important issues to Canadians. This course introduces students to the complexity of the Canadian health care system and examines the various factors that impact this system. It also examines the role of inter-professional collaboration in achieving positive outcomes.

          Accurately performing mathematical calculations is an essential skills for those actively involved in the dispensing of medications. This course will provide students with the mathematical skills necessary to work in a pharmacy setting.

          This course applies knowledge learnt in Pharmacetical Calculations I (Math 1108). Students will expand their mathematical knowledge and skills for dispensing patient medication, verifying 100% accuracy.

          Prerequisites:

          • MATH1108H

          This course provides the learner with information and the opportunity to explore support measures for those with mental health issues.

          Learners are challenged to apply human relations and interpersonal communications theory to workplace-based and real life situations. They use a problem solving perspective in suggesting and carrying out appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

          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. 

          Students will examine theories, research and practices to help gather, organize, and provide information to patients through health promotion activities.

          This course will provide the student with practical experience in a hospital pharmacy. The student is also provided with the physical and human resources by which knowledge and skills in the pharmaceutical setting may be built upon. A co-operative effort is developed between the community college and professional pharmacists by the students and college instructors.

          This course will provide the student with practical experience in a community pharmacy. The student is also provided with the physical and human resources by which knowledge and skills in the pharmaceutical setting may be built upon. A cooperative effort is developed between the community college and professional pharmacists by the students and college instructors.

          The technical skills offered by a hospital pharmacy are discussed with emphasis on the various drug distribution systems. This course also examines the structure of health districts in New Brunswick and the impact of automation in the pharmacy setting.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • MATH1108H
          • PHAR1067E
          • PHMC1024B

          This course will provide students with the basic technical skills to work in a hospital pharmacy with emphasis on the various drug distribution systems. Students perform order entry through a pharmacy software system.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1049B

          Students become more familiar with hospital dispensing systems and gain further practice in receiving, reading and dispensing hospital orders using automated equipment. Through lab activities, students will use problem solving and critical thinking skills to explore a variety of topics. Students will examine the role of medication reconciliation and how it affects patient care and all transition points. Students will continue to demonstrate accuracy in product release. Professionalism and patient safety as they apply within the scope of practice of a pharmacy technician are emphasized.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1050A

          This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge required to function efficiently and effectively in the community pharmacy setting. The course covers areas including pharmacy policies and procedures involved in processing prescriptions in the community setting.

          This course is designed to provide the student with the basic skills required to function efficiently and effectively in the community pharmacy setting. The course covers areas including processing common prescription orders, third party insurance processing, performing required calculations used in prescription processing, prepare prescriptions for dispensing, and maintaining a record keeping system.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1052C

          This course examines aseptic technique as used to prepare various forms of sterile pharmaceuticals for patients. The use of automation in the sterile area is also introduced.

          Prerequisites:

          • MATH1108H
          • PHMC1024B
          • PHAR1067E

          This course is designed to provide the student with the basic technical skills required to prepare various forms of sterile pharmaceuticals for patients. The principles and techniques for each product require various manipulations which are practiced in a laboratory setting.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1054B

          This course is designed to provide the students with the basic aseptic skills for preparing more complex or hazardous sterile pharmaceuticals for the patients.  The principles and techniques for each product require various manipulations which are practiced in the laboratory setting. Students use a variety of exercises and activities to acquire those skills and apply aseptic techniques in a timely manner.

           

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1055B

          This course is designed to introduce theory, terms, equipment and practices used in non-sterile compounding.

          Prerequisites:

          • MATH1108H

          This course is designed to provide students with practical laboratory experience in processing and preparation of basic, non-sterile compounds.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1057B

          The purpose of this practicum is to provide an introductory experiential learning opportunity through application of theory and skills learnt in year one of the pharmacy technician program. Continuation of program learning in year two will contain emphasis on knowledge obtained during this practicum, coupled with theory and skills obtained in year two. 

          Students will demonstrate how to correctly gather information from a patient or health care professional by addressing concerns or solving a problem within their scope of practice.  Students will demonstrate how to respond to questions from a patient or health care professional and demonstrate the proper use of devices.
           

          This course is designed to enhance the basic skills required to function efficiently and effectively in the community pharmacy setting to continue to build their skills in prescription processing. The course covers areas including processing prescriptions with and without third party insurance, filling, distribution, and the concept of checking prescriptions, simulated telephone conversations with patients and health-care professionals, role playing, and peer evaluations.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1053D

          Students will build on skills from Compound Theory and Compounding Lab courses to demonstrate the ability to prepare basic to complex compound products while following Good Manufacturing Practices, (GMP) in compliance with legislation and policies.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1058C

          This course is designed to introduce provincial legislation within long-term care facilities. Types of product distribution for care homes and special populations in accordance with provincial legislation will be examined.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHAR1053D

          This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of non-prescription products including over-the-counter medications, devices, and other health care products. The responsibilities and role limitations of the pharmacy team are reviewed to ensure that the student responds appropriately in the pharmacy setting.

          This course introduces the roles, responsibilities and competencies of pharmacy teams in relationship to community pharmacies, institutions and long term care facilities. This course prepares students for the practice of pharmacy within the Canadian health care system.

          This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to manage customer service, operational and non-pharmaceutical elements of a pharmacy.

          Pharmacy Technicians face common problems in community pharmacies which require them to work collaboratively with others to resolve.  In this course, students examine such common problems and explore the role of pharmacy technicians in resolving them. Using a case-based and collaborative approach, students will learn to identify the core problem, determine the key stakeholders, identify their own role, and propose solutions.       

          Prerequisites:

          • ETHI1056B
          • PHAR1052C
          • PHAR1053D
          • PHAR1068D
          • PHMC1025B
          • PHAR1057B

          The purpose of this practicum is to provide an introductory experiential learning opportunity through application of theory and skills learnt in year one of the pharmacy technician program. Continuation of program learning will contain emphasis on knowledge obtained during this practicum, coupled with theory and skills obtained in the continuation of year two. 
           

          This course introduces the sciences of anatomy and physiology of the body systems. The progression of study of the body systems is from simple to complex (e.g. chemical level to cellular level, tissue level to system level).

          This course introduces students to the history and basic principles of pharmacology, specifically related to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Basic anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and terminology related to the integumentary system and the immune system is reviewed with an emphasis on medical terminology used in the pharmacy. Students are introduced to the effects of medication on the body, examine how special populations/conditions may have an effect on drug actions and examine various treatment options.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHIS1046D

          This course examines various patient treatment options related to the autonomic and central nervous systems. The basic anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and terminology of these respective systems are reviewed with an emphasis on medical terminology used in the pharmacy.

          Prerequisites:

          • PHMC1024B

          This course examines various patient treatment options related to the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. The basic anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and terminology of these respective systems are reviewed with an emphasis on medical terminology used in the pharmacy. Students are introduced to nutrition and the therapeutic effects of vitamins and minerals.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • PHMC1024B

          This course examines various patient treatment options related to musculoskeletal, endocrine and urinary systems, as well as, the eye and ear. The basic anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and terminology of these respective systems are reviewed with an emphasis on medical terminology used in the pharmacy.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • PHMC1024B

          This course is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills relevant to operate a pharmacy software application. The students learn the purpose of the features and how to use related information technology to organize, maintain and retrieve pharmacy records.

          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.

          NOC Codes

          3414 - Other assisting occupations in support of health services

          Accreditations

          Organization: Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
          Accreditation Period:
          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 3.5 - year term January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023.

          Organization: Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
          Accreditation Period:
          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
          Articulation Period:
          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
          Articulation Period:
          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.

          Ask us
          Career Coach