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Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician wearing a white lab coat and a face mask uses a tablet while managing pharmacy inventory. Shelves filled with pharmaceutical products line the background.

Prepare for a rewarding career as a key member of the pharmacy team. Through classroom learning, labs and field placements, gain skills in medication preparation, inventory management and patient care. Graduate ready to support pharmacists in delivering quality health care.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Pharmacy Technician
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
51.0805

Find your career

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists and other health care professionals in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals and long-term care facilities. Prepare for a rewarding, in-demand career focused on optimizing patient health and delivering quality health care services: 

  • Support pharmacists by gathering patient information, preparing and distributing medications and managing inventory. 
  • Process prescriptions accurately within your scope of practice, ensuring compliance with legislation, ethical standards and organizational policies. 
  • Enhance medication therapy management and product distribution using the latest technologies. 

Is it for you? 

A career as a pharmacy technician may be a good fit if you: 

  • Have strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. 
  • Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team.  
  • Are adaptable and open to learning new technologies, health care regulations and pharmacy practices. 
  • Communicate effectively and excel at problem-solving.  

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Through a unique combination of classroom learning, hands-on labs and field placements, you’ll gain the specialized skills needed to support community health care as a pharmacist technician:

  • Develop expertise in pharmaceutical products, drug distribution and pharmacy practices across various settings. Simulated labs provide a controlled environment for practising essential skills.
  • Gain an understanding of federal and provincial health care legislation and regulatory by-laws.
  • Learn the importance of diversity and inclusion in health care while developing strategies to break barriers and promote equality.
  • Gain proficiency with computer pharmacy software systems for managing patient records and inventory.
  • Apply your knowledge during two field placements, one in retail pharmacy and the other in a hospital or long-term care setting, working closely with registered pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Please note:

Courses

PTEC1000 Body systems and Disease States for Pharmacy

Based on the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians, this course explores the principles of human body organs and associated disease states. Students learn how body systems work in harmony to keep the human body in working order. Students also learn about the pathophysiology of different diseases that affect body systems and cause body systems to be out of balance.

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

PTEC1001 Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of pharmacology. Students learn about drug classifications, therapeutic uses, routes of drug administration and different dosage forms. Students learn about the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications in the treatment and prevention of diseases and recognize the difference between generic and brand names of common medications.

PTEC1003 Pharmacy Business Practices

In this course, students discover the field of pharmacy from a business perspective. Students explore the association of pharmacy from a business perspective and health care within the practice of pharmacy in Canada. Students also explore available private and public drug coverage in Ontario and learn pharmacy management topics such as merchandising and purchasing decisions, drug interchangeability and inventory control of medications and products found in retail/community pharmacy settings.

PTEC1002 Pharmacy Calculations 1

In this course, students learn the essential mathematical concepts and skills used on the job by pharmacy technicians. Students review fractions, decimals, percents, and ratio and proportion and learn to convert within and between systems of measurement to prepare prescriptions. Students also learn to calculate doses for parenteral administration and compounded products.

PTEC1004 Pharmacy Computer Software

In this course, students use the most common functions of Windows operating system, including File Explorer for file management and various web browsers and build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word. Students focus on using pharmacy software systems from a retail pharmacy perspective and perform accurate order entry in a proficient and professional manner. Students practice entering patient information and demographics, maintaining patient medication profiles, processing prescriptions, and managing inventory.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

PTEC1008 Community Pharmacy Lab 1

This course introduces basic concepts of dispensing prescriptions and their application in a practical laboratory setting. Students practice how to process and fill prescriptions using manual and computer systems and perform quality assurance checks. Students maintain patient profiles, interpret prescriptions, calculate doses and quantities, maintain and update inventory and generate medication labels. Students also dispense pharmaceutical products, interact with clients and collaborate with other healthcare professionals and pharmacists in a community pharmacy setting.

PTEC1009 Diversity in Healthcare

Diversity and inclusion are an important part of Canadian culture and are noticeable in education and healthcare. In this course, students will be introduced to the importance of diversity and inclusion in a healthcare setting and will learn how a person’s background can impact their views and experiences with the Canadian healthcare system. Students will also be shown ways to break barriers and ensure everyone is treated equally and with the understanding of their background to accommodate their healthcare plan to not contradict the patient’s beliefs if not necessary. This course will encourage students to have open minds when it comes to their patients.

PTEC1006 Healthcare System and Pharmacy Legislation

Students explore the federal and provincial legislation and provincial pharmacy regulatory authority by-laws that govern pharmacy practice in Ontario. Students discover the Canadian healthcare system and the roles of different levels of government that deliver healthcare to Canadians. In addition, students identify the competency profiles of pharmacy professionals, their role within the profession and their responsibilities for meeting legal and ethical standards. Students apply concepts related to professional liability and self-regulation.

PTEC1005 Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2

In this course, students build on the knowledge gained in Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1. Students continue to learn the concepts of drug classifications, prescription and over-the-counter medications, dosage forms, therapeutic use, side effects, precautions and dosing regimens. Students will differentiate between generic and brand-name therapeutic classifications.

PTEC1007 Pharmacy Calculations

In this course, students review arithmetic manipulations and their application in pharmacy calculations. Students explore pharmaceutical calculations, conversions, measurements and application of equations in pharmacy practice. Students practice complex calculations required for sterile and non-sterile compounding and parenteral dosage calculations, including those required for the administration of injectable drugs and complex medications.

PTEC1010 Pharmacy Compounding Lab 1

In this course, students learn to prepare quality pharmaceutical preparations that are not commercially available and achieve 100% accuracy in mathematical calculations while adhering to good manufacturing practices. Students learn the accurate calculation of different ingredient quantities and the correct use of compounding equipment. Students compound different dosage forms, including oral solutions and suspensions, creams, ointments, lotions and other special products.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

PTEC2003 Community Pharmacy Lab 2

In this course, students build upon the skills learned in Community Pharmacy Lab 1 course: processing, filling, and dispensing prescriptions and compliance packaging. However, there will be more emphasis on the scope of practice of Pharmacy technicians, including taking verbal prescriptions from prescribers, independent double checks and screening questions from patients that can be handled by technicians. Students will also be introduced to electronic billing through insurance such as ODB and private insurance. Students will learn of common problems arising from billing and different intervention codes to solve them. Students will also be certified with injection training during this lab. This lab is designed to make students more comfortable and aware of the full capabilities of a Pharmacy Technician in a retail setting.

PTEC2001 Hospital and Long-Term Care Pharmacy

In this course, students learn about hospital pharmacy operations, including medication unit dosing and unit dose automatic packaging and medication storage in automated dispensing cabinets. Students will also practice creating patient profiles and obtaining and documenting best possible medication history (BPMH). Students also interpret orders placed in manual and computerized systems, practice calculations, generate standardized labels for orders and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes. Students will also be introduced to pre-packaging in terms of oral liquids for immediate use in a hospital setting.

PTEC2002 Institutional Pharmacy Lab 1

In this course, students learn the practice and the role of the pharmacy services department in supporting institutional sites. Students explore topics including purchasing, pricing, hospital formulary, storage requirements, record keeping, inpatient and outpatient dispensing, and various drug distribution systems. Additionally, students expand on the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in a long-term care pharmacy. Students develop Medication Administration Records (MARs) and quarterly reviews and identify drug delivery systems and medication packaging for residents at long-term care facilities.

PTEC2000 Sterile Compounding Lab 1

In this course, students explore the concepts of sterility and components of aseptic technique, compatibility and dosing calculations required to prepare sterile products. Students learn sterile compounding standards and requirements for the preparation of personnel and the environment to ensure safe, quality sterile preparations free from microbial contamination.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL2091 Field Placement - Institutional Pharmacy Technician

In this course, students will apply the knowledge they have gained in class to an actual institutional pharmacy setting (hospital or nursing/retirement home), gain on-site experience and have a chance at practicing their scope of practice as a technician under the direct supervision of their preceptor(s) (i.e. a Registered Pharmacy Technician and/or Pharmacist). Students will have the opportunity to experience how institutional pharmacies operate, be further exposed to electronic dispensing and maintaining inventory for the nurses to ensure patients get their medications at the appropriate time. This course is designed to ensure students gain experience to be successful in the future.

WKPL2090 Field Placement - Retail Pharmacy Techincian

In this course, students will apply the knowledge they have gained in class to an actual retail pharmacy setting, gain on-site experience and have a chance at practicing their scope of practice as a technician under the direct supervision of their preceptor(s) (i.e. a Registered Pharmacy Technician and/or Pharmacist). Students will have the opportunity to experience how retail pharmacies operate, be further exposed to electronic billing and all their issues and ways to solve the problems. This course is designed to ensure students gain experience to be successful in the future.

PTEC2005 Hospital Pharmacy Practice

In this course, students expand on the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in hospital pharmacy. Students examine different hospital-related topics, including the best possible medication history and medication reconciliation, medical directives, controlled substances storage, dispensing and destruction, antimicrobial stewardship programs, emergency procedures and codes, and medication kits. Students focus on safe medication handling, use of PPE, safeguards in place to prevent errors and medication incident reporting and learn about institutional drug procurement and contract pricing.

PTEC2006 Institutional Pharmacy Lab 2

In this course, students expand on the knowledge gained in Institutional Lab 1 and are introduced to background hospital pharmacy processes like maintaining ward stock and inventory management. This course also emphasizes the technician's scope of practice regarding independent double-checking. Students will be introduced to properly document their checked work in a hospital setting when checking the quality assurance of the product that will be sent out to patients in the hospital. This lab is designed to make students more comfortable and aware of the full capabilities of a Pharmacy Technician in a hospital/institutionalized setting.

PTEC2004 Sterile Compounding Lab 2

In this course, students learn regulations, standards, and guidelines governing the manufacture of sterile preparations and relevant documentation, and they continue to learn proper aseptic techniques for the preparation of sterile products. Students gain proficiency in calculations pertaining to sterile product preparation and administration and accuracy in sterile compounding procedures.

*Courses subject to change.

A pharmacy technician in a white lab coat scans a medication package at the counter of a modern pharmacy. Shelves stocked with pharmaceutical products are visible in the background, and a computer monitor is on the counter. A green circle graphic is included on the bottom left.

Admission Requirements

Required academic preparation 

OSSD/OSSGD with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level or equivalent with the following required courses:

  • Grade 12 English level or equivalent with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 12 Mathemetics with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry with a grade of 65 percent or higher

OR

Additional requirements 

Prior to participating in field placements, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Standard First Aid and CPR HCP certification: Certification must be completed before placement.
  • Vulnerable Sector Check: Must be completed through the police services of residence (not a third-party provider).
  • Medical requirements: Includes up-to-date immunization records and laboratory blood tests.
  • Respiratory Mask Fit certificate: Required for placement readiness.
  • Co-op work permit (international students): Required for international students prior to placement.

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply. Please note that this program requires an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent (for non-native English speakers).

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Total: $4,089

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

 

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.  

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Further study

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned in the Pharmacy Technician program by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a diploma or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

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