55 Weeks
Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Train to assist pharmacists in medication dispensing, inventory control, and patient care. Gain practical experience and prepare for national certification exams.
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Excel in the Pharmaceutical Field
The Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program at Western Community College provides students with the expertise needed to assist pharmacists effectively. The curriculum covers essential areas such as pharmacology, medication preparation, and inventory control, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
- Comprehensive training in pharmacology, drug distribution, and inventory management.
- Emphasis on accuracy, ethics, and patient confidentiality.
- Preparation for certification and employment in various pharmacy settings.
This program is designed to meet the Scope of Practice for the BC Jurisdiction as outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Western Community College has completed the Pre-Accreditation Stages of the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).
Career Opportunities in Health Care
Become an Essential Member of the Healthcare Workforce
$33*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
After completion of this program, the graduates will be able to work as Pharmacy Technicians in:
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospital pharmacies
- Retail pharmacies
Prior to employment as a Pharmacy Technician in the province of BC, graduates must register with the College of Pharmacists of BC .
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path in HEALTHCARE Career
Admission Requirements
Prior to successful admission into this program, applicants need to demonstrate:
- Successful completion of Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more)
- English 12 with a grade of C or higher (or equivalent)
- Math 11 with a grade of C or higher (or equivalent)
- Biology 12 with a grade of C or higher (or equivalent)
- Chemistry 12 with a grade of C or higher (or equivalent)
Additionally, students will need to submit a proof of English Language Competency by any one of the following options:
Education as Evidence of Language Proficiency
It is recommended that the pharmacy regulatory authorities accept the following as education evidence of language proficiency. Applicants can demonstrate their language proficiency by meeting one of the education requirements outlined below. Evidence of meeting these criteria will still need to be accepted by the pharmacy regulatory authority.
- Graduation from a Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) accredited pharmacist education program located in Canada that was provided in the language required for licensure; or
- Graduation from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited pharmacist education program located in the United States that was provided in the language required for licensure; or
- Graduation from a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician education program located in Canada that was provided in the language required for licensure and, if the program was less than three years’ duration, whose language proficiency admission criteria match those outlined in this document; or
- Graduation from a high school, CEGEP (general and professional teaching college in Quebec), community college, private career college or university program located in Canada, if the program was of at least three years’ duration and was provided in the language required for licensure, with successful completion of three consecutive English or French language courses, depending on the required language. Second language or additional language courses are not acceptable as evidence.
Following tests and scores as evidence of language proficiency.
- The Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- The Occupational English Test (OET)
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada
Applicants must complete all four subtests in a single testing session of any approved test and achieve passing scores for each. While IELTS provides an overall score, which is the average score of the subtest scores, neither OET nor TEF Canada offer such a consolidated score. It is imperative for applicants to achieve the cut score in each subtest, as the overall score is not considered. The minimum passing scores are as follows.
| Name of Test | Subtest | Pharmacy Technician minimal score |
| IELTS Academic | Reading | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 | |
| Speaking | 7.0 | |
| Writing | 6.5 | |
| OET | Reading | B |
| Listening | B | |
| Speaking | B | |
| Writing | C+ | |
| TEF Canada | Reading | B2 |
| Listening | C1 | |
| Speaking | C1 | |
| Writing | B2 |
Apply Now
Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
Apply Now1380
Total program
HOURS
360
PRACTICUM HOURS
$33
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
| Term | Course # | Title of Course/Work Experience Component | # of Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | PHTC010 | Anatomy and Physiology with Medical Terminology | 60 |
| Term 1 | PHTC012 | Medical Emergency Certifications | 20 |
| Term 1 | PHTC014 | Orientation and Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Practice | 20 |
| Term 1 | PHTC015 | Fundamentals of Calculation and Pharmacy Math | 60 |
| Term 1 | PHTC016 | Pharmacology | 80 |
| Term 1 | PHTC018 | Introduction to Compounding | 20 |
| Term | Course # | Title of Course/Work Experience Component | # of Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | PHTC020 | Prescription Management Software | 20 |
| Term 2 | PHTC022 | Pharmaceutical Calculations | 80 |
| Term 2 | PHTC024 | Retail & Community Pharmacy Practice | 120 |
| Term 2 | PHTC028 | Product Preparation & Distribution I | 80 |
| Term | Course # | Title of Course/Work Experience Component | # of Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 3 | PHTC032 | Legal and Ethical Expectations | 40 |
| Term 3 | PHTC034 | Professional Collaborative Skills | 80 |
| Term 3 | PHTC035 | Career Preparation | 20 |
| Term 3 | PHTC036 | Phytopharmacology and OTC | 80 |
| Term 3 | PHTC038 | Product Preparation & Distribution II | 80 |
| Term 3 | PHTC039 | Institutional Pharmacy Practice | 140 |
| Term | Course # | Title of Course/Work Experience Component | # of Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 4 | PHTC046 | Program Review and Exam Preparation | 20 |
| Term 4 | PHTC048 | Community Pharmacy Work Experience | 200 |
| Term 4 | PHTC049 | Institutional Pharmacy Work Experience | 160 |
| TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS | 1380 |
Our Academic Partners
We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.
Our PartnersFee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options-
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