Pharmacy Technician
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code5850
- Ministry NamePharmacy Technician
- SchoolSchool of Community and Health Studies
- CredentialOntario College Diploma
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- Delivery ModeIn-person
- LocationMorningside Campus
- Emailhealthstudies@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000, ext. 58068
- Technology Requirements
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Faculty
- Pharmacy Technician alumni gives back through job creation
- Advising
Centennial College's Pharmacy Technician program offers a dynamic curriculum based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.
The learner-centered environment fostered in this pharmacy diploma program will allow you to gain the necessary skills based on the nine NAPRA competencies, which include:
- Ethical, Legal and Professional Responsibilities
- Patient Care
- Product Distribution
- Practice Setting
- Health Promotion
- Knowledge and Research Application
- Communication and Education
- Intra and Inter-Professional Collaboration
- Quality and Safety
To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exams, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) jurisprudence exam in order to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.
Profession Overview
“Pharmacy technicians also play a vital role in pharmacy care. While their scope of practice may vary slightly by jurisdiction, their core role is to provide the technical aspects of pharmacy services to support optimal pharmacy care for patients. Examples of the types of activities performed by pharmacy technicians include verifying the technical aspects of new and refill prescriptions, compounding drug preparations, gathering information, teaching patients how to use medical devices, completing documentation, completing medication histories, and performing other tasks to support pharmacists, such as preparing and/or administering injections”.
New NAPRA document published: Model standards of practice for pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Canada. National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. (2022, February 28). Retrieved April 17, 2022, from //www.napra.ca/news-notices/new-napra-document-published-model-standards-practice-pharmacists-and-pharmacy.
To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam, Jurisprudence exam and register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.
Mission Statement
Educating students for career success as registered pharmacy technicians (RPhT).
Vision Statement
To inspire students to pursue the RPhT designation, and embrace the philosophy of lifelong learning.
Goal Statement
To promote learning, professionalism and development through excellence in education, supporting licensure and employment.
Note:
- As per Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), students must complete the Pharmacy Technician Program within 4 years of admission (Criterion 3.4 Graduate complete the Program within 4 years of admission).
- Due to the demands of the profession, applicants should have the strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking.
- The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs has awarded Centennial College's Pharmacy Technician program accreditation status from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
Global Citizenship, Education and Inclusion Portfolio
You will develop a portfolio documenting your engagement with the College's signature Global Citizenship and Equity competencies (GC&E). For more information on GC&E, the GC&E portfolio and the available supports, please visit Centennial College - Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experiences.
Program Overview
Centennial College's Pharmacy Technician program offers a dynamic curriculum based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.
The learner-centered environment fostered in this pharmacy diploma program will allow you to gain the necessary skills based on the nine NAPRA competencies, which include:
- Ethical, Legal and Professional Responsibilities
- Patient Care
- Product Distribution
- Practice Setting
- Health Promotion
- Knowledge and Research Application
- Communication and Education
- Intra and Inter-Professional Collaboration
- Quality and Safety
To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exams, and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) jurisprudence exam in order to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.
Profession Overview
“Pharmacy technicians also play a vital role in pharmacy care. While their scope of practice may vary slightly by jurisdiction, their core role is to provide the technical aspects of pharmacy services to support optimal pharmacy care for patients. Examples of the types of activities performed by pharmacy technicians include verifying the technical aspects of new and refill prescriptions, compounding drug preparations, gathering information, teaching patients how to use medical devices, completing documentation, completing medication histories, and performing other tasks to support pharmacists, such as preparing and/or administering injections”.
New NAPRA document published: Model standards of practice for pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Canada. National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. (2022, February 28). Retrieved April 17, 2022, from //www.napra.ca/news-notices/new-napra-document-published-model-standards-practice-pharmacists-and-pharmacy.
To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam, Jurisprudence exam and register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.
Mission Statement
Educating students for career success as registered pharmacy technicians (RPhT).
Vision Statement
To inspire students to pursue the RPhT designation, and embrace the philosophy of lifelong learning.
Goal Statement
To promote learning, professionalism and development through excellence in education, supporting licensure and employment.
Note:
- As per Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), students must complete the Pharmacy Technician Program within 4 years of admission (Criterion 3.4 Graduate complete the Program within 4 years of admission).
- Due to the demands of the profession, applicants should have the strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking.
- The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs has awarded Centennial College's Pharmacy Technician program accreditation status from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
Global Citizenship, Education and Inclusion Portfolio
You will develop a portfolio documenting your engagement with the College's signature Global Citizenship and Equity competencies (GC&E). For more information on GC&E, the GC&E portfolio and the available supports, please visit Centennial College - Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experiences.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- You will enjoy a mix of classroom and hands-on practical laboratory experiences at Centennial's Morningside Campus, which features three state-of-the-art labs that include community dispensing, institution/long-term care and sterile and non-sterile compounding.
- This Pharmacy Technician program will help you to gain knowledge of pharmacology as well as aseptic technique, pharmaceutical calculations, compounding, inventory control, and community and institution dispensing skills.
- You will have the opportunity for three work experience placements. The program's field placement partners help it to ensure CCAPP standards and pharmacy competencies are met by providing opportunities through which you'll attain a minimum of 160 hours in each hospital/institutional and community pharmacy setting.
Career Outlook
- Community Pharmacy Technician
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician
- Institutional Pharmacy Technician
- Long Term Care Pharmacy Technician
- Sterile Pharmacy Technician
- Medication Reimbursement Specialists
- Pharmacy Software Technician
- BPMH Pharmacy Technician
- Medication Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Pharmacy Technician diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.
Please note that each partner has minimum admission requirements to be met in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the partner institution.
| Partner Institution | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Honours Bachelor of Science in multiple majors | |
| Bachelor of Computer Science in multiple majors | |
| Brock University | Bachelor of Arts in Community Health (3-year) |
| Honours Bachelor of Public Health | |
| Humber College | Bachelor of Health Sciences - Workplace Health and Wellness |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor or Honours or Bachelor degree in any major |
| Laurentian University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Nipissing University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Ontario Tech University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (bridge) | |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Bachelor of Health Administration degree completion |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Windsor, University of | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies for CAAT Graduate |
| York University | Bachelor or Honours Bachelor degree in any major |
| Bachelor of Health Studies (3-year) | |
| Honours Bachelor of Health Studies, Kinesiology and Health Science | |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Science in multiple majors |
Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation agreements.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Professional Associations
Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT)
Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA)
Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)
Accreditation
The Pharmacy Technician Program at Centennial College has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023.
Areas of Employment
- Hospital pharmacies
- Community pharmacies
- Long-term care (LTC) pharmacies
- Specialty compounding pharmacies
- Insurance companies
- Software companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Research
- Academia
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older).
- English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required)
- Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the College GAS Math Skills Assessment for Admission
- Senior Biology Grade 11 C or U or Grade 12 C or U or equivalent (minimum grade required)
- Senior Chemistry Grade 11 C or U or Grade 12 C or U or equivalent (minimum grade required)
*Please Note: Science and English assessments will not be accepted in place of the science and English requirements.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements.
- Language proficiency test results that meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada; or
- Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive full years, first language English courses/credits; or
- An undergraduate degree or college diploma from a university or college in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English.
- As per Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) requirements, students must complete the Pharmacy Technician Program within 4 years of admission (Criterion 3.4 Graduates complete the Program within 4 years of admission).
- Due to the demands of the profession, applicants should have the strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking.
- Students will require a criminal record background check, immunization and other health-related requirements prior to starting field placement."
Field Placement Requirements
After admission, but prior to attending each field placement(s), students are required to:
- Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening. Vulnerable Sector Screenings must be issued within six months of each placement start date. Any previous criminal record must be pardoned.
- Successfully complete and annually renew a recognized course in CPR (Health Care Provider level)
- Successfully complete and annually renew a recognized course in standard first aid
- Undergo a mask fit testing provided by Centennial College (shaving of portion of face may be required to meet safety standards)
- Obtain pre-clearance health form completed by a physician or nurse practitioner stating that the student meets the health requirements of legislated acts, ministry guidelines and agency policies
- Students must wear photo ID while on placement
All of the above requirements must be in effect for the duration of each placement.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), is a process by which course credit may be granted for past learning acquired through work or other life experiences. PLAR policy does not apply to any course(s) that involve simulation or placement or any program completed earlier than a duration that is more than twice the length of the pharmacy technician program.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Second Career Strategy, please apply at the Employment Training Centre for Second Career (Progress Campus). Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off and are in need of training. For more information go to Second Career Strategy.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Students
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
International Students
If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2024.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,202.44 | $3,923.44 |
| International | $16,649.00 | $1,690.62 | $18,339.62 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
This program is part of the BringIT initiative, which means students taking it will need to be able to consistently access and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the program’s recommended hardware requirements.
Students with Accessibility Needs: If you require accommodations for a documented disability , please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your program. If you want to access disability services, you can make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 416-289-5000 ext. 3850, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca
Want to know more? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our BringIT Program.
Students from this program will need to have consistent access to the following:
Minimum Recommended Specifications:
- Windows Laptop or Surface Device with:
- Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent Processor;
- 8 GB or more of Ram
- 256GB HD, USB port;
- Windows 10 Operating System
- Recommended:
- Built-in Ethernet Port; Audio/Mic combo
- A Solid State Drive (SSD);
- A laptop with a battery life of 3hrs or better
- Note: A Chromebook is NOT an acceptable device.
Minimum Internet Requirement:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 50mbps download speed is highly recommended.
ClassAPPs 2.0
Students are invited to use Centennial College’s ClassAPPs 2.0, an all-in-one system that lets you use all of the digital tools you need to complete your college courses from the comfort of your own home, at any time, instead of finding the time to head for a computer lab. Any student can use the ClassAPPs 2.0 system with any modern, HTML5 enabled web browser, like Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Just log in to the service with the same ID and password you use to get into a College PC, and you instantly gain access to cloud-based software, and other learning resources.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Process prescriptions with accuracy and completeness within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice, in accordance with current and relevant legislation, code of ethics, established standards, policies, and procedures in practice settings.
- Prepare pharmaceutical products and documentation for dispensing and releasing pharmaceutical products within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice, in accordance with current and relevant legislation, code of ethics, established standards, policies, and procedures in practice settings.
- Collaborate with the pharmacist and other health care providers to optimize the patient’s health and well-being.
- Promote quality assurance in practice settings by performing effective and efficient pharmacy operating procedures.
- Optimize medication therapy management and product distribution using current technologies in practice settings.
- Develop, implement, and maintain effective strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that support competence and currency.
- Communicate using correct terminology with patients, the pharmacy team, other health professionals and stakeholders for patient safety.
Pharmacy Technician alumni gives back through job creation
- Personality TestSTARTMatch your personality to a career
- Career ExplorerLEARN MOREExplore your future career
Pharmacy Technician Labs
Vincent Le, Pharmacy Technician, GraduateIn the Pharmacy Program, you have to be well-rounded. You can’t focus on just one aspect of the profession, as you must be able to deal with various situations and practices within your scope of practice.
You'll get expertise in an institutional setting such as a hospital and interact with other healthcare professionals such as nurses. Many students and I benefited from the experiences instructors bring to the classroom and we take it forward when pursuing registration.
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