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Apply NOW Program FAQ

Pharmacy Technician

This full-time program is designed to prepare students for employment as technicians in community and hospital pharmacies. Students gain knowledge and skills relevant to the technical and clerical aspects of the pharmacy profession. This program includes a practicum in a community and hospital pharmacy. Classes are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

If you know the admission requirements, APPLY NOW.

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

*NOTE: This program is under review to meet to new accreditation requirements for implementation in January 2011.

This program is offered over one six-month term. The College places students in two practicums and upon completion of these practicums, students return to the classroom.

The program includes theory, demonstrations and practise in a pharmacy lab setting. Students are assigned to a practicum in a community and a hospital pharmacy. During the practicum, the hours of attendance will vary and students must be prepared to travel to various locations in the Lower Mainland.

Topic

The topics covered include:
- community pharmacy procedures
- hospital pharmacy procedures
- mathematical skills used in pharmacy
- pharmaceutical products
- compounding procedures
- sterile product handling and aseptic techniques
- computer skills including specialized pharmacy software programs
- communication skills
- employment preparation

Start Length Credential Campus Full/Part-time March, September Five and one half months (22 weeks) Certificate Broadway Full-time

Career Prospects

Graduates have the specialized knowledge and skills to function as Pharmacy Technicians. Most graduates obtain employment in either community or hospital pharmacies.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent

2) Proof of English Language Proficiency

This program is Canadian Language Benchmarked at Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 8, Writing 8

3) Successful completion of the VCC Health Sciences Math Assessmenthttp://www.vcc.ca/assessments Note: Math 12 is not accepted as equivalent

4) Certified five minute keyboarding test with a typing speed of 35 net words per minute or higher with a maximum of 5 errors. For more information click here.

5) Basic computer or word processing skills verified by either an employer or resume outlining computer skills

Note: Students should expect to have achieved 50 wpm by the end of the program

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

Upon acceptance:
6) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest xray.

7) Criminal Record Search Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar's Office prior to applying to the program. The CRS must be received by the Registrar's Office prior to the first day of class. Employers of Pharmacy Technicians require that applicants be eligible for bonding.

Recommended characteristics

- Excellent command of the English language including reading, listening, speaking and writing skills

- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages

- Ability to follow directions and to work independently

- Attentive to detail, accuracy and organization

- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility

- Good vision and hand/eye coordination

- Good health with the ability to stand for a full working day

- Basic computer skills including email and internet searches

- Flexibility to adjust to shift work during practicums

- Dependable, ethical and respectful

Program Status

Approximate one year waitlist

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.871.7458. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply online, you can check back to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Tuition Student Union College Initiative Fee $30 $1,661 $55 $48

International Tuition Fees

Application Tuition Ancillary $125 $6,978 $300

Additional Cost

Material fees: $115
Textbooks, calculator and stationery: $500

Student Union Health Plan: $65.81

Student Union Dental Plan: $62.69

Student union health plan and dental plan fees are effective Aug. 24, 2009.

Additional Information

For further information, contact the Pharmacy Technician Department at 778.783.5050.

Health Requirements:

- Applicants with a repetitive stress injury should contact the Department regarding the physical requirements of this program and job
- Updated immunizations strongly recommended: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B vaccine and current influenza vaccination. Please review Important Health Requirements for the VCC School of Health Sciences.

Courses