Pharmacy Technician
Contact:
Rock Folkman
Chairperson
Program Information:
E-mail: inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Phone: 403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
One-Year Certificate
Technicians have worked in the pharmacy field for many years, but only on-the-job training was available. In 1976, RDC began a training program to more fully prepare technicians for their tasks.
Our graduates have been very well received by pharmacists and employers, and the responsibilities given to them have greatly expanded. This program should be of interest if you would like an officially recognized training period, followed by interesting and varied job opportunities in the pharmacy field.
Related Careers
Graduates work in hospitals, community pharmacies and related pharmaceutical fields, under a Pharmacist's supervision. Duties include:
- preparing medication for dispensing
- compounding pharmaceuticals
- preparing aseptic products
- inventory control
- purchasing
- merchandising
- record keeping as required under such acts as the Food and Drug Act
- narcotics control
- third party billing
- drug distribution
- prepacking pharmaceuticals
- computer processing
- clerical and other duties as necessary
The On-Campus Program
15 courses
10 months (September to June):
- 8 months at RDC
- 2 months of practicum
- Community Pharmacy (140-160 hrs, 4 week block)
- Hospital Pharmacy (140-160 hrs, 4 week block)
3 terms
The Distance Program
Note: This is a part-time program.
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15 courses
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2 1/3 years
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7 terms
Practicum
To participate in the distance program, students must have access to a computer with Internet and e-mail capabilities. Distance students must also arrange for an approved examination proctor. Lab courses are at the RDC campus.
Transfer Features
Pharmacy Technician courses taken at RDC are not transferable for credit toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Alberta.
Fast-Track Option
A fast-track option may be available to students interested in taking an accelerated distance program. This program allows students to take 2 first year courses and 2 second year courses each term. Therefore 4 courses per term in fall, winter and spring terms. Lab courses are taken here at RDC in spring term (May & June). This requires a commitment for 2 weeks in May and 2 weeks in June. Students then complete their hospital and community pharmacy practicums and the communications course in fall term of the second year. therefore the "fast track" program is usually completed in 1 year plus 1 term. We advise prospective students to apply to the program and once accepted let the Pharmacy Technician Program Assistant know via email if they would like their name added to our list of students interested in fast tracking. "Fast tracking", if available, will be accommodated on a first come-first served basis following an applicant's acceptance into the pharmacy technician program.
Admission Requirements
A) Academic Requirements
1. High School Diploma with no mark below 60% in:
a. Biology 30
b. Chemistry 30 or Science 30
c. ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
d. Mathematics 30 (Pure) or Mathematics 30 (Applied)
e. Computer literacy (including intro, word processing, spreadsheet). Testing available at RDC
f. Keyboarding 30 nwpm. Testing available at RDC
OR
2. Mature Student
You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts with no mark below 60% in:
a. Biology 30
b. Chemistry 30 or Science 30
c. ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2 or a minimum score at the 50th percentile on the English component of the College Board Placement Test (written on campus) and a score of 2-3 on a writing sample.
d. Mathematics 30 (Pure) or Mathematics 30 (Applied) or a minimum score at the 60th percentile for the Math component of the College Board Placement Test (written on campus).
e. Computer literacy (including intro, word processing, spreadsheet). Testing available at the Computer Learning Lab @ RDC.
f. Keyboarding 30 nwpm. Testing is available at RDC.
AND
B) Other Requirements (to be submitted after application and transcripts)
- Knowledge of the Pharmacy Technician career (forms provided by the College). Pharmacy experience is an asset.
- Two letters of reference from educators or employers, or both (forms provided by the College).
- A one- to two-page handwritten essay giving your reasons for choosing a Pharmacy Technician career.
- A medical and personal health review completed before starting the program (forms provided by the College).
- Include relevant pharmacy experience and prior learning on your application.
Note:
- Pharmacy Technician employers may require that you be bondable.
- Part time students may be accepted with the approval of the program chairperson
Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may prevent clinical placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore, may affect employment prospects. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check. Prospective students who have a criminal record should discuss the matter with the department Chair prior to applying for admission.
Program Content
On Campus Program
Fall Term
Winter Term
Spring Term
Distance Program
Note: This is a part-time program
Year 1
Fall - Term 1
Winter - Term 2
Spring - Term 3 - Lab Courses (Red Deer Campus)
Year 2
Fall - Term 4
Winter - Term 5
Spring - Term 6 - Lab Courses (Red Deer Campus)
Year 3
Fall - Term 7
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COMM 140 Fundamentals of Workplace Communications
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PHAR 191 - Retail Pharmacy Practicum [Community Pharmacy (140-160 hrs)]
- PHAR 192 - Hospital Pharmacy Practicum [Hospital Pharmacy (140-160 hrs)]
Program Cost Estimates - 2009/2010
Fees and Expenses
Practicum Expenses - These vary depending on where your practicum is. Placements are made all over Alberta, with only a few in Red Deer. The department will try to let you choose the area so your living expenses will be low, if possible. Minimum costs will be two months board and room, relocation costs, and travel to and from the workplace. You will need proper clothing for working with the public in a professional setting.
Material and Special Fees: PHAR 110, PHAR 111, PHAR 130, PHAR 140, PHAR 151, PHAR 171, PHAR 180, PHAR 181, PHAR 191, PHAR 192, COMM 140 - $50 (each distance delivery only)
Graduation Requirements
You must pass all courses.
Due to the changing nature of pharmacy and health care, students must complete the program within 4 academic years from the term to which they were first admitted. Students will be required to repeat courses that don't meet this requirement. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, consult the Department Chairperson.