COURSE CURRICULUM

The Pharmacy Technician program is structured over four semesters and combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience to prepare students for effective roles in pharmacy settings. In Semester 1, students build foundational knowledge in human biology through "The Essential Body" course and develop essential pharmacy skills, including pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology fundamentals, and introductory community pharmacy dispensing theory and lab. They also learn to use community pharmacy computer systems and take communication and general education courses, completing a total of 322 hours. Semester 2 focuses on drug therapy and pathophysiology, inventory control, non-sterile compounding, and advanced community pharmacy dispensing theory and lab. This semester includes a 200-hour practicum placement, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world pharmacy environments alongside continued studies in legal foundations and professional practice, totaling 480 hours. Semester 3 advances students’ understanding of drug therapy and pathophysiology, pharmaceutical calculations, hospital inventory control, sterile techniques, and hospital dispensing theory and lab, complemented by communication and general education courses, totaling 266 hours. In the final semester, students complete advanced courses in drug therapy and pathophysiology, natural health products, compounding, hospital dispensing, and pharmacy practice within interprofessional teams. This semester also includes a 216-hour practicum placement that provides immersive, hands-on experience in hospital pharmacy settings. Including communications and general education courses, Semester 4 totals 370 hours. Altogether, the program requires 1,438 hours of study and practical experience, equipping students with comprehensive skills in pharmacy operations, patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for their future careers as pharmacy technicians.