Pharmacy Technician Diploma

Program not available until Sep 2011

• Eighteen month diploma program
• Full-time, on-campus studies
• Two 4-week practicum experiences

Program Overview

Students in this diploma program acquire the knowledge and skills to work in the growing pharmacy field. As a qualified technician under the supervision of a pharmacist, you will be involved in assisting with the preparation of prescriptions, preparing compounded medications, preparing sterile products, repackaging pharmaceuticals, managing inventory, and providing customer care. Our diploma program thoroughly prepares you for this fast-paced and highly respected occupation. The two four-week practicum experiences will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a pharmacy setting. One of these is in a community pharmacy setting and one is in an institutional pharmacy setting.

Career Potential

Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies.

For information on related occupational profiles (keyword pharmacy), see www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.

Admission Requirements

Applications will be accepted based on two classifications:

General Admissions

An applicant should have a minimum of five (5) subjects (CSEC /GCE O Level) at minimum Grade three (3).  Mathematics; English Language; Chemistry; Biology; and one other approved subject preferably a Science subject are required. A student who is completing an application form pending examination results is expected to submit an examination slip for the relevant subject(s).  The applicant may be conditionally accepted pending submission of final results.

Mature Student

An applicant, 19 years of age or older who has completed an academic program of study leading to a high school diploma, but has not met the criteria described for applicant requesting admission as High School graduate. This individual may be asked to complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.

**Note:  All applicants must follow the application process outlined in this booklet and must supply all documentation described therein. English Language & Mathematics proficiency requirements will apply to all applicants.  Where necessary, an applicant may be required to write a placement test in English. The local institution reserves the right to interview any applicant.

Application Process:

Applicants to the Program  will be considered for admission only when all of the following have been provided.

• Completed application form
• Payment of application fee
• Copy of the official birth certificate (Baptismal certificate not acceptable)
• Certified copy of high school transcript from the Ministry of Education or equivalency certificate
• Copy of official transcript of any post-secondary courses/programs
• Two references
• Personal Statement as to why you would like to be a practical nurse
• A personal interview

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission may be assigned to an applicant who has been offered admission to a program. The offer of admission is provisional, based on completion of specified conditions that must be satisfied within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance. Conditions will be stipulated in an admission letter.

Progression

Students must attain a passing grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Honours Criteria

• Program GPA (grade point average) is greater than or equal to 4.0 (92% or higher).
• Student has not written a supplemental exam.
• Student has not failed or repeated any courses.
• Student has not had a learning contract.

Program Outline

Year 1 – 42 weeks

Year 2