Pharmacy Technician

Learn to safely and accurately prepare and distribute pharmaceutical products, promote patient health, and communicate with health care professionals in a community or hospital pharmacy.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Perform the role of a pharmacy technician within current legal, ethical and professional standards.
• Establish professional relationships with patients and healthcare providers in order to optimize pharmaceutical care.
• Prepare pharmaceutical products safely and accurately using a variety of distribution systems.
• Manage the practice setting effectively to ensure safe and efficient pharmacy services.
• Integrate health promotion and public health initiatives into pharmacy practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to access relevant information and apply knowledge to make evidence-informed decisions in pharmacy practice.
• Use effective communication and professionalism when providing to or collaborating with healthcare providers and patients.
• Establish and maintain collaborative intra- and inter-professional relationships.
• Develop, implement and evaluate quality assurance policies, procedures and activities to optimize patient safety.

What To Expect

Program Duration And Maximum Time For Completion

The Pharmacy Technician Program is 37 weeks of full-time study. Students must complete the certificate within two years of starting the program.

Admission Requirements

Program-Specific

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.* 
• Chemistry 11 or equivalent with a minimum C+ grade completed within the last ten years
• Biology 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ grade completed within the last ten years
• Completion of the VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment scoring minimum 80%
• Certified keyboarding speed of minimum 40 net words per minute with a maximum of 5 errors
• Attend a Program Information Session
• English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement:
  • Applicants who have completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited Canadian institution where English is the language of instruction must achieve the following scores on VCC’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) Assessments:
    • Reading           60
    • Writing ENGL 0991 level
  • Applicants who have NOT completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited Canadian institution where English is the language of instruction must achieve the following scores on  the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores are valid for 2 years only.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Internet-based test (iBT)

• Speaking        23
• Writing            25
• Reading          22
• Listening         21
• Speaking         7.0
• Writing             7.0
• Reading           6.5
• Listening          7.5

Overall Band: 7.0

*Grade 12 graduation or equivalent is a requirement mandated by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).

Note: For applicants who have NOT completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited Canadian institution, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and the College of Pharmacists of BC only accepts the TOEFL and IELTS as proof of English Language Proficiency.

No other evidence, including completion of VCC coursework or other studies in English outside of Canada, or VCC’s English Language Assessment will be accepted.

Upon Acceptance:

• Students must submit a negative TB test taken within 6 months of acceptance to the program. If the TB test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
• Criminal Record Check (CRC). Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• Up-to-date immunizations are highly recommended, and are required for practicum placements.

General

• This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
• Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
• Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
• Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
• Total: 91
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test only

Recommended Characteristics

• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse client population

• Attentive to detail, accurate and organized

• Strong time management skills

• Efficient and productive

• Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility

• Ability to concentrate and problem solve

• Good vision and hand/eye coordination

• Proficient in basic computer skills

• Ability to work varied shifts during practicums (e.g. evenings, weekends)