Pharmacy Technician (Certificate)
Overview
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.| Tuition | $10,826 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 37 weeks |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
This program has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. 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. 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. 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.What you will learn
- Perform the role of a pharmacy technician within current legal, ethical and professional standards.
- Establish professional relationships with patients and healthcare providers in order to optimize pharmaceutical care.
- Prepare pharmaceutical products safely and accurately using a variety of distribution systems.
- Manage the practice setting effectively to ensure safe and efficient pharmacy services.
- Integrate health promotion and public health initiatives into pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to access relevant information and apply knowledge to make evidence-informed decisions in pharmacy practice.
- Use effective communication and professionalism when providing to or collaborating with healthcare providers and patients.
- Establish and maintain collaborative intra- and inter-professional relationships.
- Develop, implement and evaluate quality assurance policies, procedures and activities to optimize patient safety.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Pharmacy Technician Program is 37 weeks of full-time study. Students must complete the certificate within three years of starting the program.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent as specified for the Pharmacy Technician program
- One of the following:
- Foundations of Math 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- Chemistry 11 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- Anatomy & Physiology 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- VCC Health Sciences Math Assessment with a minimum 80%
Upon acceptance:
- Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
- Criminal Record Check (CRC). Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Immunization Record: A School of Health Sciences Student Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Program tasks require precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for measuring medications and preparing sterile products.
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing during laboratory work and practicum placements.
- Program tasks require visual distinction of fine details and small print.
- Practicum placements can require variable work schedules, including evening and weekend shifts.
- Learning environment involves potential exposure to pharmaceutical ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or sensitivities during practicum placements.
Program Availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027 |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | |
Courses
Classes are held on campus Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Practicum hours are an exception. Students will be advised of their practicum hours once they are registered and attending the program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR 1101 | Professional Practice 1 | 4.5 |
| PHAR 1102 | Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians 1 | 3 |
| PHAR 1103 | Pharmaceutical Calculations 1 | 1.5 |
| PHAR 1104 | Communications for Pharmacy Technicians 1 | 1.5 |
| PHAR 1105 | Management for Pharmacy Technicians 1 | 1.5 |
| PHAR 1106 | Community Pharmacy | 7.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| PHAR 1201 | Professional Practice 2 | 2 |
| PHAR 1202 | Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2 | 3 |
| PHAR 1203 | Pharmacy Calculations 2 | 1 |
| PHAR 1204 | Pharmacy Communications 2 | 1.5 |
| PHAR 1205 | Pharmacy Management 2 | 1.5 |
| PHAR 1206 | Hospital Pharmacy | 7 |
| PHAR 1207 | Sterile Products | 3 |
| PHAR 1208 | Practicum Preparation | 1.5 |
| Credits | 20.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| PHAR 1309 | Pharmacy Practicum | 13 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 53 | |
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 Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,826 |
Year 1 - $3,984 Year 2 - $4,188 Year 3 - $2,656 |
| Student union | $217 | |
| College initiative | $160 | |
| Materials | $387 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $217 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $376 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $12,547 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Do you need equivalencies for English or math admissions requirements?- Find course and assessment options for meeting English requirements.
- Find course and assessment options for meeting math requirements.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
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