Pharmacy Technician

Prepare for a rewarding career as a key member of the pharmacy team. Through classroom learning, labs and field placements, gain skills in medication preparation, inventory management and patient care. Graduate ready to support pharmacists in delivering quality health care.

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

Four semesters

Start Date(s)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

• International Students
• Domestic Students

CIP Code

51.0805

On this page:

• Find your career
• How you'll learn
• Courses
• Admission Requirements
• Costs
• Further study

Find your career

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists and other health care professionals in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals and long-term care facilities. Prepare for a rewarding, in-demand career focused on optimizing patient health and delivering quality health care services:

• Support pharmacists by gathering patient information, preparing and distributing medications and managing inventory.
• Process prescriptions accurately within your scope of practice, ensuring compliance with legislation, ethical standards and organizational policies.
• Enhance medication therapy management and product distribution using the latest technologies.

Is it for you?

A career as a pharmacy technician may be a good fit if you:

• Have strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Are adaptable and open to learning new technologies, health care regulations and pharmacy practices.
• Communicate effectively and excel at problem-solving.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Loyalists’ Pharmacy Technician program uses innovative delivery methods and is designed to achieve entry to practice competencies as outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) learning outcomes. Our program provides students with the comprehensive, theoretical and practical education they need to for career success.

• Develop foundational knowledge in legal and ethical responsibilities, patient care, product distribution, health promotion, communication, intra- and inter-professional collaboration.
• Learn the importance of diversity and inclusion in health care while developing strategies to break barriers and promote equality.
• Gain real-world knowledge through (2) field placements, inter-professional simulation activities and practical pharmacy labs equipped with industry-standard equipment
• You’ll gain specialized practical skills – including injection training and how to safely and efficiently prepare both sterile and non-sterile products.

Please note:

• Loyalist College’s Pharmacy Technician program is currently undergoing the accreditation process through the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and is designed to meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Pharmacy Professionals and the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) learning outcomes.
• As part of this journey, we have attained “qualifying” status, reflecting our unwavering dedication to aligning our educational standards with the rigorous criteria set by accreditation and regulatory bodies. This “qualifying” status is a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier education.
• As per Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), students must complete the Pharmacy Technician Program within 4 years of admission (Criterion 3.4 Graduate complete the Program within 4 years of admission).
• To practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, you will be required to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam, Jurisprudence exam and register with the Ontario College of Pharmacists according to its licensing requirements.
• Students should note that additional fees are required for application, exams, and ongoing licensing (e.g., application fees, PEBC exam fees, and professional liability insurance). These costs are not included in the program tuition.

Courses

Semester One

• PTEC1000 Body systems and Disease States for Pharmacy
• COMM1048 College Writing Skills
• PTEC1001 Pharmacology 1
• PTEC1003 Pharmacy Business Practices
• PTEC1002 Pharmacy Calculations 1
• PTEC1004 Pharmacy Computer Software
• GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

Semester Two

• PTEC1008 Community Pharmacy Lab 1
• PTEC1009 Diversity in Healthcare
• PTEC1006 Healthcare and Legislation
• PTEC1011 Pharmacology 2
• PTEC1007 Pharmacy Calculations
• PTEC1010 Pharmacy Compounding Lab 1
• GNED General Education Elective

Semester Three

• PTEC2003 Community Pharmacy Lab 2
• PTEC2008 Hospital & Long-Term Care
• PTEC2002 Institutional Pharmacy Lab 1
• PTEC2000 Sterile Compounding Lab 1
• GNED General Education Elective

Semester Four

• PTEC2005 Hospital Pharmacy Practice
• PTEC2006 Institutional Pharmacy Lab 2
• PTEC2007 MCQ and OSPE Readiness
• WKPL2094 Placement - Institutional
• WKPL2093 Placement - Retail Pharmacy
• PTEC2004 Sterile Compounding Lab 2

*Courses subject to change.

Admission Requirements

Required academic preparation

• OSSD/OSSGD with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level or equivalent with the following required courses:
  • Grade 12 English level or equivalent with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 12 Mathematics with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology with a grade of 65 percent or higher
  • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry with a grade of 65 percent or higher

OR

• Mature applicant

Additional requirements

Prior to participating in field placements, students must meet the following requirements:

• Standard First Aid and CPR HCP certification: Certification must be completed before placement.
• Vulnerable Sector Check: Must be completed through the police services of residence (not a third-party provider).
• Medical requirements: Includes up-to-date immunization records and laboratory blood tests.
• Respiratory Mask Fit certificate: Required for placement readiness.
• Co-op work permit (international students): Required for international students prior to placement.

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply. Please note that this program requires an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent (for non-native English speakers).

Costs

Domestic students

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)

• Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
• Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
• Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

International Students

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)

• International Tuition: $15,900
• Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
• Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
• Total: $17,254.26

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned in the Pharmacy Technician program by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a diploma or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Related programs

• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
• Nursing – Honours Bachelor of Science
• Practical Nursing

Loyalist College

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Overview:

Loyalist College is a public college of applied arts and technology located in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services to students, including full-time programs, postsecondary programs, apprenticeships, distance learning, and continuing education. The college is known for its strong focus on applied learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.

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Services Offered:

Loyalist College offers a variety of services to students, including:

Academic advising:

Students can receive guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.

Career services:

The college provides career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Financial aid:

Students can access financial aid programs to help them pay for tuition and living expenses.

Student life:

The college offers a variety of student clubs, organizations, and activities to enhance the student experience.

Library:

The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and computers.

Health services:

The college offers health services to students, including medical, dental, and mental health care.

Technology services:

Students have access to a variety of technology resources, including computers, software, and wireless internet.

Residence:

The college offers on-campus residence for students who wish to live on campus.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loyalist College provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for students. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:

Athletics:

The college has a strong athletics program, with teams competing in various sports.

Student government:

The college has a student government that represents the interests of students.

Campus events:

The college hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and workshops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong focus on applied learning:

Loyalist College emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development.

Industry partnerships:

The college has strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with real-world experience.

Experienced faculty:

The college has a faculty of experienced professionals who are dedicated to student success.

Supportive campus environment:

The college provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students.

Affordable tuition:

The college offers affordable tuition rates compared to other post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Programs:

Loyalist College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Applied Sciences, Skilled Trades and Technology:

Programs in areas such as automotive technology, carpentry, electrical engineering, and welding.

Business and Management:

Programs in areas such as accounting, marketing, and human resources.

Health and Human Studies:

Programs in areas such as nursing, social work, and early childhood education.

Justice Studies:

Programs in areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice, and corrections.

Media Studies:

Programs in areas such as journalism, broadcasting, and graphic design.