Helping Canadians get back to work.
Pharmacy Technician (Distance Education)
About the Program
The Pharmacy Technician diploma program at CTS Canadian Career College prepares you to become a regulated pharmacy technician (RPhT) through Canada's first blended distance education model for this profession. Over 79 weeks (1,830 hours), you'll gain comprehensive knowledge in pharmacology, compounding, sterile products, hospital and community pharmacy practice, preparing you for PEBC qualifying exams and provincial registration. The innovative delivery combines online learning from your community with intensive hands-on Skills Camps at campus locations (North Bay, Sudbury, or Barrie) and a 360-hour practicum in retail and hospital pharmacy settings, addressing the nationwide shortage of regulated pharmacy technicians.
What You'll Learn
- Pharmaceutical Sciences & Calculations - Master anatomy and physiology, pharmacology covering drug classifications and mechanisms, pharmaceutical calculations for accurate dosing and compounding, plus microbiology, phytotherapy, vitamins and supplements
- Compounding & Sterile Products - Develop expertise in non-sterile and sterile compounding techniques, aseptic procedures for preparing sterile products, clean room protocols, and quality assurance procedures ensuring patient safety in hospital and community settings
- Hospital & Community Pharmacy Practice - Gain proficiency in hospital dispensing operations, community pharmacy workflows, long-term care pharmacy procedures, pharmacy software and billing systems, prescription processing, and drug distribution protocols aligned with NAPRA Standards of Practice
- Regulatory Compliance & Professional Practice - Study pharmacy laws, regulations and ethics, interprofessional collaboration, interpersonal workplace skills, patient communication scenarios, scope of practice, continuing education requirements, and professional standards governing regulated pharmacy technicians
Key Program Features
- 79 weeks blended distance education - innovative delivery with 1,140 hours online learning + 240 hours Skills Camps + 60 hours semester reviews + 360-hour practicum in retail and hospital pharmacies
- CCAPP accredited program - Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs accreditation (2023-2029) ensuring national standards and eligibility for PEBC registration
- Skills Camps at campus locations - intensive hands-on training in simulated pharmacy lab environments at North Bay, Sudbury, or Barrie campuses (1 week after semester 1, 2 weeks after semester 2, 3 weeks after semester 3)
- Study from your community - complete theory-based courses online without relocating, then attend concentrated Skills Camps and practicum placements across Canada
Career Opportunities
Roles: Regulated Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) in hospital pharmacies, community retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, government health agencies, compounding pharmacies
Why it matters: Address Canada's nationwide shortage of regulated pharmacy technicians—work as an essential healthcare professional supporting pharmacists in medication preparation, distribution, and patient safety across diverse pharmacy environments
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