<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate program prepares you for employment as technicians in community and hospital pharmacies. You'll gain knowledge and skills relevant to the technical and clerical aspects of the pharmacy profession. Topics covered include: pharmacy equipment, prescription preparation, pharmaceutical products, compounding, sterile product handling, and more. The program includes theory, demonstrations, and practice in the classroom. You will be assigned both a community pharmacy and a hospital pharmacy practicum.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Okanagan College

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Applications open June 2023 for the January 2024 intake.

1. High school graduation or equivalent

2. English

Option A: If English is your first language, you need English 12 (60%) or equivalent alternatives

OR

Option B: If English is not your first language, you need one of:

-Language proficiency test results that meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Language Proficiency Requirements
-TOEFL (internet-based): score of at least 91
-IELTS: overall band 6.5
-Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses
-An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English.

3. Math*
One of:

-Pre-calculus 11 (60%)
-Principles of Math 11 (60%)
-ABE MATH 011 (60%)
-Okanagan College MATH 120 (60%)
-Okanagan College Math 11 Proficiency Exam (70%)

Note(*): Applicants who have not satisfied the math requirement within the last seven years may write the Okanagan College Math Proficiency Exam with a minimum grade of 70%. 

4. Biology*
One of:

-BIOL 11 (60%)
-Life Sciences 11 (60%)
-Equivalent Advanced Level ABE Biology course (60%)
-Biology 12 (60%)
-Anatomy and Physiology 12 (60%)
-Equivalent

Note(*):

The Biology course must include a human anatomy and physiology component.
For applicants who have completed their Biology courses in BC (at the senior secondary level or through ABE), Biology 12 is required. BC Biology 11 does not include a human anatomy and physiology component.

5. Chemistry 11 (60%) or an equivalent Advanced Level ABE Chemistry course*

Note(*): Chemistry 12 is recommended.

Academic Admission Requirement

 Criminal Record Check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. The following will be collected on the first day of classes:

Negative tuberculin test to be taken within six months before the date of application or evidence of appropriate follow-up if the test was positive.
Current immunizations (diphtheria and tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), varicella, and influenza).

2. For the criminal record check, Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Okanagan College

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

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