Our nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician program thoroughly prepares graduates for this fast-paced and highly respected occupation. As a regulated pharmacy technician, you will be involved with dispensing prescriptions, preparing compounded medications and sterile products, repackaging pharmaceuticals, managing inventory, teaching patients to use medical devices, and providing patient care.
It is still exciting to me. There is always something new and the best part about this profession is the people. I really like talking to the patients and helping them understand their needs better.
What to expect from the program
Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:
- are detail-oriented
- have strong arithmetic skills
- can multi-task and problem-solve effectively
- have access to a computer with strong computer and typing skills
- have good written and verbal communication skills
- have good vision and manual dexterity and can stand and sit for extended periods of time
NorQuest’s pharmacy technician lab provides students with practical, hands-on training in compounding, sterile product preparation, repackaging, inventory management, and dispensing. In the lab, students have the opportunity to use technologies currently employed by those working in the profession, including laminar airflow hoods and Kroll® computer software.
Our state-of-the-art simulation lab prepares students to work collaboratively with other health-care professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Visit the Alberta College of Pharmacy website for more information on becoming a registered pharmacy technician in the province of Alberta.
Graduate with experience
NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.
You’ll graduate this program with 360 hours of work experience from two practicums.
Your practicums may be in your community or close by. Your schedule may include day, evening, or night shifts any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. You will work full-time during the practicum and provide your own transportation to the facility.
Accreditation
The Pharmacy Technician diploma program of NorQuest College has been awarded accreditation by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs for a five-year term, from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027.
This accreditation standard means that graduates are eligible to sit for the entry-to-practice Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Examination and may go on to become regulated technicians under the Alberta College of Pharmacy.
Faculty qualifications
| Lily Mauer (Kriese), Chair | B Sc. Pharm, RPh |
| Jennifer Atkins, Instructor | Dip. Pharm Tech, RPhT |
| Charlene Bennett, Instructor | Dip. Pharm Tech, RPhT |
| Carla Grant, Instructor | B.Sc. Pharm, RPh, APA, ACPR |
| Kara Mohr, Instructor | B.Sc. Pharm, RPh |
| Sarah Fearnside, Instructor | Dip. Pharm Tech, RPhT |
| Jenny Du-Manns, Instructional Assistant | Dip. Pharm Tech, RPhT |
Career opportunities
Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies.
For more information on related careers see:
What to expect as a pharmacy technician
Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the occupation of pharmacy technician.
As a pharmacy technician, you must be able to:
- work day, evening, and weekend shifts
- stand and sit for extended periods of time
- use your knees, back, and arms to move objects that weigh up to 10 kilograms
- have good manual dexterity and vision, which are essential for some tasks
- physically and emotionally manage workplace demands
- function effectively in stressful situations
- multi-task and problem-solve
- perform all skills independently
- work collaboratively with other health-care professionals
- communicate effectively in written and verbal form with patients, colleagues, and other health care professionals
Have a question about the Pharmacy Technician program?