Pharmacy Technician
11-Month Certificate at Castlegar
Delivered with the following methods: On Campus, Online
Program Calendar
2012
- January 13 - Fall semester instruction ends
- January 16 - Winter semester instruction begins
- April 13 - Winter semester instruction ends
- April 16 - Lab instruction begins
- June 1 - Lab instruction ends
- June 4 - Practicums begin
- July 31 - Practicums end
- August 27 - Orientation week begins
- September 4 - Fall semester instruction begins
2013
- January 11 - Fall semester instruction ends
- January 14 - Winter semester instruction begins
- April 12 - Winter semester instruction ends
- April 15 - Lab instruction begins
- May 31 - Lab instruction ends
- June 3 - Practicum begins
- July 31 - Practicum ends
Program Summary
The Pharmacy Technician program at Selkirk College provides students the education to work as pharmacy technicians in community and hospital pharmacies.
The program is a blend of online pharmacy technician courses, face-to-face lab classes and hands on skills in both a community and hospital pharmacy environment.
Term 2 lab classes are completed on the Selkirk College Campus in Castlegar, British Columbia. The program will commence in August each year with an intake of twenty full-time students. Program courses are supported by texts and web links to additional reading and resources. Lab component skills consist of pharmacy computer software systems, sterile product preparation, prescription dispensing and compounding skills. Practicums are 140-160 hours each in a hospital and community setting. Practicums are completed by July 31st.
Note: For information on bridging programs and the PEBC Qualifying exam for past graduates of Pharmacy Technician programs or people who have been working as Pharmacy Technicians please see the website.
Program Objectives
The CCAPP, (Canadian Councel for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs) accredited Pharmacy Technician program prepares a graduates to function, under the supervision of a pharmacist to work in either a community or hospital setting performing technical production-oriented tasks. Program goals are based on the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) Educational Outcomes for Pharmacy Technician Programs in Canada , and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.
Admission Requirements
SECONDARY SCHOOL MATH ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
|
Program Name |
Selkirk College Minimum Requirements |
Selkirk College Recommended Requirements |
Selkirk College Math Requirement (as of September 2013) |
|
Pharmacy Technician (PTEC) |
Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 12 with a grade of “C” or better. |
Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 12 with a grade of “C” or better. |
Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-Calculus 11 with a grade of “C” or better. |
- Academic
- BC high school graduation or its equivalent plus the following courses with a C grade or better: Biology 12, Chemistry 11, English 12, Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 12, or their equivalents. *Applicants graduating from high school as of 2012 will require Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-Calculus 11 with a C grade or better
- Typing at a speed of 35 words per minute.
- Current basic computer skills: Windows, word processing and Internet abilities.
- All students are required to complete the Computer Placement Test for assessment of their English and Math skills prior to entry into the program.
- General
- Criminal Record Check: Applicants must submit an official police criminal record search as part of the application process. The criminal record search will be available, on request, to any hospital, clinic, or community pharmacy receiving students for Preceptorship. Certain criminal records may be unacceptable to some placement agencies and facilities. The School of Health and Human Services will not be responsible for seeking alternative placements for students who are denied access to a Preceptorship because of a criminal record. Students are advised that certain criminal records may prevent completion of a Preceptorship and thus completion of the program graduation requirements.
- Immunization: Students entering the Pharmacy Technician Program must meet requirements for immunization established for health care workers by the Ministry of Health prior to entry into any practicum setting.
- Personal Reference: All applicants must submit two personal references as indicated in the application package as part of the formal admission process.
- Personal Health Record: A personal health history document must be submitted prior to acceptance into the program.
- Personal Information: All applicants must complete a brief personal history and short essay as to why they wish to become a Pharmacy Technician as part of the admission process.
- Mature Students
- A "mature student" is at least 19 years of age and has been out of the school system for at least one year on or before the first day of classes of the program.
- A mature student, with reasonable potential for success on the basis of work experience or other criteria may be admitted, notwithstanding some deficiency in prior formal education.
- A mature student shall normally meet the specific program or course prerequisites.
- Mature students should apply at least one year in advance of the anticipated start date, as academic upgrading may be necessary.
Additional Note
Program requires WHIMIS; Basic level CPR (C) and Basic First Aid to be completed before entering Practicums. Registration for these canbe obtained by contacting your local college campus.
Applicants Seeking Specific Upgrading
- Individuals seeking a specific skill set through courses that are a part of the Pharmacy Technician Program will be considered on a case by case basis.
- In such cases the admissions protocols may be waived by the instructor in consultation with the School Chair.
Advanced Credit
- To transfer credit from another institution, application must be made to and approval obtained from the Registrar.
- Course equivalency will be determined by the Registrar in accordance with Selkirk College Policy B3002.1 (Admissions & Standards), part 1, section 4.0. Course equivalency will be based upon assessment by the department concerned.
- A student who applies for advanced standing from another Pharmacy Technician Program will be considered on an individual basis.
- Application for advanced credit is to be made prior to entry into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
Additional Comments
- English 12 Literature is not accepted for English 12 prerequisite.
- Pre-entry into program upgrading requirements for Math, Chemistry, Biology, Typing, Computer skills can be obtained online or in face to face classes. Contact admissions for the campus or online offering that is convenient for you. Allow six months to one year to complete upgrade courses depending on your circumstances and course available.
Exceptions
- Working pharmacy technicians or other health profession diploma holders, may enter the program on a reduced PTEC program course load while completing prerequisites.
- Students applying to enter the pharmacy technician program with diplomas or degrees in other health professions will need to consult with the Program coordinator for an evaluation of similar courses taken in science or other college or university programs.
- Students that have taken pharmacy technician programs or medical terminology from other schools or institutions will need to provide transcripts and course outlines for the registrar & program coordinator to evaluate placement on entry to the Selkirk College Pharmacy Technician program.
Application Package
Career Potential
Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist pharmacy-related functions, in compliance with policies and procedures that provide optimal pharmaceutical care.
Pharmacy technicians assist in a variety of technical tasks. Qualifications desired are:
- strong organization and communication skills
- respect and confidentiality of patient information
- computer literacy/proficiency in pharmacy software programs
Duties may include:
- compounding pharmaceuticals
- sterile product preparation (hospital)
- preparing medication for dispensing
- third party billing
- purchasing, merchandising, inventory control and records maintenance
As a member of the healthcare team, qualified graduates find employment in hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies. New and expanding opportunities are becoming available for careers with insurance companies, pharmacy software vendors, pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical research. As healthcare organizations restructure to decrease healthcare costs, it is anticipated that a well-trained Pharmacy Technician will have increased opportunities for employment.
When considering the Pharmacy Technician Program, you may wish to do some research regarding traditional and non-traditional career opportunities. This could involve visiting your local hospital and retail pharmacies to talk to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about the requirements and expectations this career choice can have for you.
Approximate Expenses
Total program expenses are comprised of both College Fees and Program Specific Fees.
Program Courses
Course of Studies
Translation key:
- Crd = Credits
- Lec = Lecture Hours per week;
- Pra = Practical Hours per week;
- Ttl = Total course hours
Courses marked as (D) are available via Distance Education.
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Pra | Ttl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Term 1 |
|||||
| (D) | Pharmacy Seminar | 2 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| (D) | Pharmacy Billing, Regulations and Protocols | 3 | 90 | 0 | 90 |
| (D) | Pharmacy Calculations | 5 | 150 | 0 | 150 |
| PTEC 107 (D) | Pharmacology I | 4 | 120 | 0 | 120 |
| PTEC 109 (D) | Pharmacy Practice I | 4 | 0 | 120 | 120 |
| Total: | 18 | 420 | 120 | 540 | |
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Pra | Ttl |
Term 2 |
|||||
| PTEC 106 (D) | Merchandising Concepts and Workplace Communications | 3 | 90 | 0 | 90 |
| PTEC 108 (D) | Pharmacology II | 5 | 150 | 0 | 150 |
| PTEC 110 (D) | Pharmacy Practice II | 3 | 0 | 90 | 90 |
| PTEC 113 (D) | Introduction to Aseptic Technique | 1 | 30 | 0 | 30 |
| Total: | 12 | 270 | 90 | 360 | |
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Pra | Ttl |
Term 3 |
|||||
| PTEC 114 | Sterile Products Lab | 2 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| PTEC 115 | Prescription Dispensing Lab | 2 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| PTEC 116 | Compounding Lab | 2 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| PTEC 119 | Computer Skills for Prescription Processing | 2 | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| PTEC 129 (D) | Practicum | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total: | 17 | 240 | 0 | 240 | |
PTEC 100 Pharmacy Seminar
Pharmacy Seminar provides a communications platform for students to become familiar with the role of a pharmacy technician. During the first week the learner is introduced to the Pharmacy Technician Handbook and fall term course work, followed by an orientation in using message boards and chat groups. Thereafter weekly check in chat sessions provide a forum to present topics related to the work of the pharmacy technician and pharmacist in a pharmacy setting.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 104 Pharmacy Billing, Regulations and Protocols
In this course the provincial and federal laws governing the dispensing of pharmaceuticals and the roles and functions of the pharmacist will be reviewed as will the context of practice for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician. Also included will be exposure to the professional ethics of both the pharmacist and pharmacy technician and an overview of the functions of the College of Pharmacists in regulation of their practice. Third party billing plans will be discussed from the perspective of determining claim processes used by each agency.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 105 Pharmacy Calculations
Beginning with number systems, decimals, and fractions, the fundamentals of pharmaceutical math concepts are used to perform calculations. Emphasis is on the metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada. Also included are ratios and proportions, dilutions and concentrations, percentage strengths, milliequivalents, and conversions among systems such as Apothecary, Avoirdupois and household measurements.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
Corequisites:
Pharmacy Seminar 100.This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 107 Pharmacology I
This is part one of a two-part course, which provides an introduction to general principles of pharmacology. It includes an overview of body systems that will enhance the understanding of drug actions. An emphasis is placed on learning brand and generic drug names used in common medical conditions. Common drug interactions and side effects are included.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 109 Pharmacy Practice I
This course begins with an overview of the history of the pharmacy across time to bring context to the role of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician in the modern day pharmacy. It then focuses upon the language used in the pharmacy, including Latin abbreviations and terms and the appropriate use of medical terminology. Drug forms, dosages, routes and timing of drug administration, and interactions of drugs are thoroughly explained.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 106 Merchandising Concepts
This course is an introduction to retailing in the Canadian environment. The course will include: consumer behaviour, retail marketing factors, retail location, retail image, store design and layout, retail product assortment, retail pricing and promotion, customer service and loyalty, handling customer complaints. Inventory management techniques such as inventory levels and pricing; an overview of electronic commerce and financial evaluation strategies are integrated within the course material. PTEC 106 Merchandising Concepts supplements the retail portion of Pharmacy Practice II.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 108 Pharmacology II
This is part two of a two-part course, which is a continuation of pharmacology general principles. It includes an overview of body systems that enhances the understanding of drug actions.
Emphasis is placed on learning brand and generic drug names used in common medical conditions. Common drug interactions and side effects are included.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 110 Pharmacy Practice II
Pharmacy Practice II is an introductory course that uses a body systems approach to study over-the-counter-drugs and herbal products.
Learners are also introduced to the home health care market where knowledge of specialty products and medical devices is an asset to working in a community pharmacy.
Prerequisites:
Acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician Program.This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 113 Introduction to Aseptic Technique
This introductory course presents the theory portion of sterile product preparation. Topics include aseptic principles, the aseptic environment, parenteral solutions, cytotoxic agents, documentation and quality assurance as recommended by the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of PTEC 104; PTEC 105; PTEC 109
This course is available via Distance Education.
PTEC 114 Sterile Products Lab
The focus of this lab course is the application of theory and practical hands-on skills performed by pharmacy technicians in sterile product preparation. Performance skills are evaluated in product preparation in vertical and horizontal air flow hoods, equipment maintenance, handling hazardous products and quality assurance documentation.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of PTEC 104; PTEC 105; PTEC 109; PTEC 113.
PTEC 115 Prescription Dispensing Lab
This is a laboratory based course. In a simulated community pharmacy setting, computer and dispensing technical skills are practiced. Learners maintain patient profiles, prescription and narcotic files.
Prerequisites:
PTEC 105 with a B+ or better, and successful completion of PTEC 100, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110.
Corequisites:
PTEC 119.PTEC 116 Compounding Lab
This course reviews all aspects of the compounding process from equipment use and maintenance to the correct formulae preparation of mixtures such as creams, ointments, solutions and suspensions. Lab sessions include preparing compounds, labelling and presentation of products. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and the preparation of a safe pharmaceutically elegant product.
Prerequisites:
PTEC 105 with a B or better, and successful completion of PTEC 100, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110.
Corequisites:
PTEC 115, 119.PTEC 119 Computer Skills for Prescription Processing
This course is a hands on introduction to a patient management pharmacy software system. Software functions include: updating and creating patient, drug, doctor, mixture profiles; new prescriptions, refills, part fills; prescription transfers to other pharmacies and third party billing procedures.
Prerequisites:
PTEC 105 with a B or better, and successful completion of PTEC 100, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110.
PTEC 129 Practicum
The Practicum is 140 - 160 hours in each a community and hospital pharmacy, comprising of work experience under the supervision of a preceptor pharmacist. The Practicum experience is aimed at facilitating the transition from student to the role of a pharmacy technician. Students will receive orientation to relevant policies and procedures with each pharmacy. Practicum experience will vary depending upon the pharmacy. Community experience may include front store merchandise maintenance, customer service and other related duties. Dispensary duties may include: data entry pf patient, drug, doctor profiles, third party billing, filling prescriptions and preparing compounds. Hospital experience may include admixture preparation, compounding, inventory control, drug distribution, packaging and computer entry tasks.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of all Pharmacy Technician theory and lab courses.
This course is available via Distance Education.
Staff
The following staff are associated with this program:
Cheryl Morassut
Instructor
Direct: 250.365.7292
Tel: 250.365.7292 Ext. 467
Room 0-029
Email
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