Program and Course Search

PTEC 101 Introduction to the Pharmacy Technician Program and Online Learning for Success. This course introduces students to the Pharmacy Technician Program structure and how to navigate the online learning management system (Moodle). An overview of the curriculum, teaching learning approaches and strategies for success are discussed. Students are introduced to the steps required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician in Canada.

PTEC 102 Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology is an introduction to medical language, and the anatomy and physiology of the human body using a body system approach. Students will learn to describe normal functioning of body systems and begin to explore the pathophysiology of common diseases and medical conditions that will be covered in Pharmacology I and Pharmacology II.

PTEC 103 Introduction to Professional Practice introduces students to the professional practice and scope of practice requirements for pharmacy technicians.  Foundations for federal and provincial laws, regulations and standards that govern pharmacy practice in the Canadian health care system are examined. Foundations for ethical, professional practice are introduced and leveled in subsequent courses.

PTEC 111 Interpersonal Communications in Pharmacy focuses on self-awareness and effective interpersonal communication skills required of professionals working on the health care team and as an online learner. Students learn how to actively listen and respond, account for differences that may influence understanding and engagement in conversation, and use communication strategies to support personal wellness and professional boundaries.

PTEC 122 Pharmacy Calculations covers the mathematical skills required in the practice of pharmacy. Students examine measurement systems, decimals, fractions, and ratio and proportion concepts. The metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada, is a main focus of the course. The interpretation of numerals, symbols and Latin abbreviations used in the pharmacy is a focus within all course assignments and exams. Exploration of dilution and concentration, percentage strength, and compounding calculations prepare students for hands on lab classes in dispensing, compounding and sterile product preparation. Emphasis is placed on completing all calculations with 100% accuracy in preparation for application and testing in the lab classes and practicum.

PTEC 123 Professional Practice II is designed to expand the student's understanding of and appreciation for the expectations of professional practice. Building on concepts introduced in PTEC 103, students discuss ethical and legal principles that guide professional practice and how to respond when unethical, illegal or unprofessional actions are observed. The student will examine federal and provincial legislation details that guide pharmacy operations and drug distribution. Basic principles will be applied to support optimal patient care and health promotion.

PTEC 126 Pharmacology I is part one of a two-part course that covers the study of drugs and their properties, effects, and therapeutic value in the major drug categories. Upon completion, students will be able to place common drugs into correct therapeutic categories and identify indications, side effects, trade and generic names, major drug interactions and storage considerations. Students will learn the essentials of pharmacology and how it relates to dispensing and patient safety. Students will explore and practice assessing when a patient should be referred to a pharmacist, identify drug related problems and discuss appropriate monitoring parameters. Knowledge gained in this course will support the pharmacy technician within their scope of practice in a collaborative interprofessional health care team.

PTEC 127 Community Practice Theory examines the role of the pharmacy technician in prescription processing, documentation and product distribution in community pharmacies. Students examine all technical aspects of receiving, verifying, and processing prescriptions to ensure accuracy, safety and compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and best practices. The principles and processes of record keeping, inventory management, adjudication and billing are studied. Students are introduced to the principles of non-sterile compounding and examine the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural health products and complementary treatments. The pharmacy technician's collaborative role in health promotion and information sharing activities with patients is examined.

ENGL 110 College Composition is about thinking and writing. You will learn how to develop and express informed opinions on issues that matter. You will also learn about research, editing, and expository and persuasive academic writing forms.

FAM 180 Family Dynamics is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families through the lenses of the life course perspective and political policies. Family formation, parenting, separation and divorce and aging are all examined. Family issues are also considered, including marriage and death rituals, work and poverty, same sex relationships, disabilities and immigrants. Policies that affect families are explored through an examination of violence in the family and political trends. The course is intended to be a foundation for further study of families.

HSER 174 Interpersonal Communications provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. This course is designed to help students gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.

PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

ADD 184 Introduction to Addictions is designed as an introductory exploration of both substance and behavioural addiction. The five perspectives of addiction are identified and explored. Current research in the biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors of addiction are considered, and treatment models are specified that correspond with the five perspectives of addiction. Emphasis is placed on social factors, including marginalization, stigmatization, poverty, and dislocation and are identified and explored through the lens of First Nations, LBGTQ, women, disabilities, men, older adults, etc. Historical factors of addiction are explored and their influence on current drug policies are identified. Advocacy and empowerment skills for working with those with addictions are identified. Professional behavior skills within the addictions field are practiced.

ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.

PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology II covers topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, mental disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

SSW 157 Group Skills, offers knowledge and skill development that can be applied to a large number of settings: in the workplace as a team member; working with specific client groups including children, adolescents, families, special interest groups; leading and/or participating in learning and discussion groups; planning, implementing and evaluating community development work. Effective social service workers need a good understanding of working in groups and group facilitation skills. The focus will be on increasing students' awareness of their own interaction in groups and on demonstrating their ability to use effective facilitation skills with groups.