Pharmacy Technician Diploma
About the Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician and enter a high demand field that is continuously growing. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers.
As a Pharmacy Technician, you will work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics and community pharmacies.
In this program, you will learn the skills required to perform vital functions to support patient care and health maintenance efforts of the pharmacy team, including processing and preparing prescriptions, organizing inventory, processing insurance claims and much more.
You will learn in simulation lab facilities that replicate real work environments. Outside the classroom, you will benefit from partnerships that guarantee you receive enhanced practicum and learning experiences.
The Pharmacy Technician Program of Red Deer Polytechnic has been awarded Accreditation Status by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs from January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2028. It prepares the graduate to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) following graduation and successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification process and the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) registration process.
Work-integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.
As part of the Pharmacy Technician Diploma, you participate in a four-week (160 hours) community pharmacy practicum placement and a five-week (200 hours) hospital pharmacy practicum placement.
Further Study
Thompson Rivers University - Open Learning - Graduates of RDP's Pharmacy Technician Diploma will be granted a maximum of 54 transfer credits into the Bachelor of Health Science.
Transfer arrangements are different at each university, and you are advised to consult the Alberta Transfer Guide, your Associate Dean, academic advisors, and the university to which you will transfer for more information.
Related Careers
Medical Centre Pharmacy Technician
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Neighborhood Pharmacy Technician
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Intakes
Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Pharmacy Technician program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Pharmacy Technician must have a High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 50% in each course with an overall average of 60% in:
Biology 30, or equivalent
Chemistry 20, or equivalent
ELA 30-1, or equivalent or ELA 30-2, or equivalent
Mathematics 30-1, or equivalent or Mathematics 30-2, or equivalent
OR
Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree.
Additional Requirements
Technology
Applicants are required to have either a MAC or PC laptop that meet the following specifications:
Apple Laptop
Minimum Requirement:
MacBook Air with 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 GB storage solid state, 4 Gb memory
Web camera (built in or as peripheral)
Microphone
Windows Laptop
Minimum Requirement:
Laptop with a 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 128 GB storage, 4 Gb memory and Windows 10 operating system
Web camera (built in or as peripheral)
Microphone
Software:
Latest version of Adobe Flash, Google Chrome browser, *Microsoft Word.
*Microsoft World is used for several purposes. Students can either purchase and install the Microsoft Word application or install the free software client to use a Red Deer Polytechnic virtual desktop with the full Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
Students should possess basic computing skills and have the ability to use word processing software.
Students will be required to successfully complete a keyboarding assessment and obtain at least 30 wpm. Testing will be provided at RDP. Students must pass this assessment by December 1 of their first year of studies in the program as this is a prerequisite for the second term of studies. Students should begin preparing for this assessment upon admission to the program.
English Language Proficiency
Language proficiency test results that meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada
TOEFL minimum score of 91 internet based or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 on each band score or MELAB minimum score of 81 overall, with at least 80 on each band score; or
Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
Graduation from a Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English or French.
For more information, visit the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.
Study Permits
Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.
Practicum
Due to the rapidly changing nature of pharmacy and health care, students must complete both practicum courses within one academic year of completing the other required courses. Students unable to meet this timeline may have to repeat courses as deemed necessary. Practicum courses are designed to be completed on a full-time basis due to the number of required hours in each practicum block.
In order to proceed into practicum courses, you must show evidence of the required specific schedule of immunization prior to program start date. A form will be provided by the college. Some students may require additional immunizations or testing in order to be eligible for particular practicum placements.
Practicum Expenses - The RDP Pharmacy Technician diploma program includes a 4-week (160 hours) community pharmacy practicum placement and a 5-week (200 hours) hospital pharmacy practicum placement. Practicum expenses can vary depending on the practicum location. Minimum costs will be room and board, relocation costs, and travel to and from the workplace. You will require appropriate clothing or uniform attire for working with the public in a professional setting.
Practicum Travel - While every effort is made to consider student preferences for practicum location due to practicum availability students may be required to travel to locations outside of their preferences in the province of Alberta in order to complete the practicum requirements. In extreme circumstances, the institution may need to delay completion of a practicum placement until a placement becomes available.
Health & Safety
Health workers are responsible to attain and maintain required health and safety certifications and maintain recommended immunization standards.
For clinical and practicum placements, as a student of a Health program, you also are required to meet these standards of practice.
These health and safety requirements do not need to be submitted as part of your application. However, failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program.
View details about health & safety requirements for work-integrated learning (clinical and practicum) placements, including document submission deadlines.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Pharmacy Technician program, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
The program is designed to be completed full-time in two years. If student specific circumstances require a change in the program schedule, registration in laboratory courses may depend on space within the course. Registration in laboratory courses may be delayed if the course is full and thus will delay program completion.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
The student must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Due to the changing nature of pharmacy and health care, students must complete the program within 4 academic years from the term to which they were first admitted.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.