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.
VCC Pharmacy Technician program mission statement:
to prepare students to become competent registered pharmacy technicians
What you will learn
Graduates of the program will have acquired the knowledge and ability to:
- Perform the role of a pharmacy technician in accordance with current legal, ethical and professional standards.
- Incorporate knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences to provide optimal pharmacy services.
- Prepare pharmaceutical products safely and accurately using a variety of distribution systems.
- Perform drug purchasing and inventory management duties.
- Use technology applicable to pharmacy practice.
- Participate in quality assurance programs.
- Perform administrative functions to support the operation of the pharmacy.
- Communicate effectively in the workplace.
What to expect
This program has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) for a five-year term: July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2024. CCAPP accreditation means that graduates of this program are eligible for direct admission into the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination, which is a requirement to becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician through the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
This program is offered on a full time basis. Each semester must be successfully completed before enrolling in the next semester. A major emphasis of this program is active student participation. Throughout the program the instructor will encourage the students to become increasingly more self directed and responsible for their own learning. Students are expected to come to class well prepared for active participation in classroom and lab activities.
Instructional activities include lectures, guided discussions, group work, audio-visual presentations, demonstrations, dispensing labs, compounding labs, aseptic technique labs, case studies, role rehearsals and field trips.
The lab component of the program provides the learner with the opportunity to integrate practice and theory in a simulated pharmacy setting.
Semester 1 focuses on community and long term care pharmacy practice. Semester 1 is 11 weeks in duration. Students must successfully complete all courses in Semester 1 before enrolling in Semester 2.
Semester 2 focuses on hospital pharmacy practice, including the preparation of sterile products. Semester 2 is 11 weeks in duration. Students must successfully complete all courses in Semester 2 before enrolling in Semester 3.
Semester 3 includes a practicum in a community and hospital pharmacy. Semester 3 is 8 weeks in duration.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent. This is a requirement mandated by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).
- Chemistry 11 or equivalent with a C+ or higher completed within the last ten years
- Biology 12 or equivalent with a C+ or higher completed within the last ten years
- Completion of the VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment scoring 80% or higher
- Certified keyboarding speed of 40 net words per minute or higher 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.
- 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:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Internet-based test (iBT)
- Speaking 23
- Writing 25
- Reading 22
- Listening 21
Total: 91
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test only
- Speaking 7.0
- Writing 7.0
- Reading 6.5
- Listening 7.5
Overall Band: 7.0
Note: For applicants who have NOT completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accreditated 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:
- Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest X-ray
- Criminal Record Check (CRC). Completed online with the Ministry of Justice. Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar's Office prior to applying to the program. The CRC must be received by the Registrar's office prior to the first day of class.
- Up-to-date immunizations are highly recommended, and are required for practicum placements.
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent. This is a requirement mandated by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).
- Chemistry 11 or equivalent with a C+ or higher completed within the last ten years
- Biology 12 or equivalent with a C+ or higher completed within the last ten years
- Completion of the VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment scoring 80% or higher
- Certified keyboarding speed of 40 net words per minute or higher 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.
- 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:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Internet-based test (iBT)
- Speaking ?????? 23
- Writing ?????????? 25
- Reading ???????? 22
- Listening ??????? 21
Total: 91
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test only
- Speaking???????? 7.0
- Writing ?????????? ?7.0
- Reading?????????? 6.5
- Listening????????? 7.5
Overall Band: 7.0
Note: For applicants who have NOT completed three years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accreditated 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:
???????? Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest X-ray
???????? Criminal Record Check (CRC). Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar’s Office prior to applying to the program. The CRC must be received by the Registrar’s office prior to the first day of class.
???????? 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 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
- Excellent command of the English language including reading, listening, speaking and writing skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages
- Attentive to detail, accuracy and organization
- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility
- Good vision and hand/eye coordination
- Good health with the ability to stand for a full working day
- Flexibility to adjust to shift work
Courses
*Program general hours
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in blended delivery (online via Zoom & Moodle with essential skills labs held on campus in small groups). Practicum hours are an exception. Students will be advised of their practicum hours once registered and attending the program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR?1115 | Pharmacy Practice 1 | 3 |
| PHAR?1125 | Pharmacy Products 1 | 2 |
| PHAR?1135 | Pharmacy Calculations 1 | 1 |
| PHAR?1145 | Pharmacy Communications 1 | 1 |
| PHAR?1155 | Community Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHAR?1185 | Pharmacy Management 1 | 1 |
| ? | Credits | 11 |
| Term Two | ||
| PHAR?1215 | Pharmacy Practice 2 | 1.5 |
| PHAR?1225 | Pharmacy Products 2 | 2 |
| PHAR?1235 | Pharmacy Calculations 2 | 0.5 |
| PHAR?1245 | Pharmacy Communications 2 | 1 |
| PHAR?1255 | Hospital Pharmacy | 3 |
| PHAR?1285 | Pharmacy Management 2 | 0.5 |
| PHAR?1275 | Sterile Products | 2.5 |
| ? | Credits | 11 |
| Term Three | ||
| PHAR?1395 | Practicum | 10 |
| ? | Credits | 10 |
| ? | Total Credits | 32 |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 35 | |
| Tuition | 3035 |
Tuition Breakdown
1044 - Term 1
1044 - Term 2
949 - Term 3
0 - Term 4
|
| Student union | 160 | |
| College initiative | 88 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 122 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical & Dental | 275 | |
| U-PASS | 304 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Apply now
Please apply online via Education planner to the terms that are open for applicaiton.
If English is your second language and you are required to complete the IELTStest for proof of English proficiency you may wish to take one of our test prep courses. Apply for CELBAN/IELTS Test prep via Education planner.
Get started
† 2018 Job Bank Annual Wage Data
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