Pharmacy Technician

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Models of Health Care and Medicine
HEAL1235

Description:

Pharmacy services are an integral and fundamental component of the health care system. In order to provide context for the practice of the pharmacy team this course will present an overview of the Canadian health care system and additionally will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on different paradigms of health and medicine.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmaceutical Math
MATH1105

Description:

This course includes a review of arithmetic manipulations and their application to pharmacy calculations. In this first level course, emphasis will be placed on calculating medication doses and quantities of medications required, pricing, inventory and related business calculations. Additionally, calculations required for non-sterile compounding will be covered.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Inventory Management
OPER1460

Description: Inventory management plays a crucial role in a dispensary. This course will prepare students to create and maintain an inventory system, order products, manage purchasing and sales records, and receive products.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmacology
PHAR1010

Description: This course will cover the basic concepts of pharmacology drug classifications, dosage forms, therapeutic use, side effects, precautions, and dosing regimens. Differentiation between generic and brand name therapeutic classifications will be addressed.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Community Pharmacy Practice
PHAR1020

Description: This course prepares students for practice in a community pharmacy setting. Effective communication in pharmacy will be taught and practiced by the student in class with a focus on patient safety. The lab component will focus on skill development in the interpretation and processing of prescriptions including labelling, legal requirements; Latin and medical abbreviations; dosage forms; routes of administration; dosage calculations; third party insurance requirements and auxiliary labels. Students will become familiar with the non-proprietary names, brand names, and therapeutic classes of common pharmaceutical products.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmacy Legislation
PHAR1210

Description:

This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that governs the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of pharmaceuticals. The legislation is designed to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of medications and the protection of public health.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Anatomy and Physiology
ANAT1080

Description: This course will provide students with an overview of cellular structure and function, after which human anatomy and physiology will be addressed based on a systems approach.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

History Taking: Patient Communication
COMM1295

Description: This course will focus on the pharmacy technician’s triage role in gathering patient information that assists the pharmacist with product recommendations. Particular emphasis is placed on the development and practice of patient communication, interview and questioning strategies.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmaceutical Math 2
MATH1155

Description:

Emphasis will be placed on understanding pharmaceutical calculations using different systems of measurement, calculating prescription quantities, medication doses, compounding calculations for sterile and non-sterile preparations, and accounting calculations. This course will prepare students to practice safely and professionally in the pharmacy setting within the scope of practice of a pharmacy technician. With a passing mark of 100%, it conforms to Standard 7.2 of The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) which requires pharmacy calculation skills and checking skills assessed with zero tolerance for errors.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1105
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmacotherapeutics
PHAR1050

Description:

Students will be introduced to the effects of drugs on the human body and how extremes of age need special care and knowledge. Students will review the basic physiology of the central nervous system (CNS) and the basic mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological states of this system. The pharmacological classifications of drugs of the CNS and their use in the treatment of various disease states will also be studied, as well as their brand/non-proprietary names. The application of this knowledge to correctly fulfilling the Pharmacy technician role will be emphasized.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1010
  • CoRequisites:

Compounding
PHAR1060

Description: The student will learn to compound non-sterile products, including calculation of ingredient quantity and the correct use of compounding equipment. Practice may include compounding of lotions, creams, ointments, and solutions. Appropriate use, timely cleaning and maintenance of compounding equipment will also be stressed. Emphasis will be on adhering to good manufacturing practices, preparing quality pharmaceutical products, and achieving 100% accuracy in mathematical calculations.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1105
  • CoRequisites:

Community Pharmacy Practice 2
PHAR1070

Description:

The student will continue to build skills in the receiving, dispensing, and releasing of prescriptions. The role of a community pharmacy in providing specialized services such as compliance packaging, long term care prescription processing, methadone programs will be explored. Students will gain efficiency, speed, and accuracy in selecting and processing pharmaceutical products using drug interchangeability, third-party and formulary information as well as other resources.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Non-Prescription Medications and Healthcare Products
PHAR1080

Description:

This course introduces non-prescription products. The student will become familiar with a wide range of items which include over-the-counter medications, medical devices, supplements, vitamins, personal care products, and more. Treatment for conditions, non-pharmaceutical measures and minor ailments will be discussed. Students will learn the scope of practice with information gathering the pharmacy technician performs for the pharmacist.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1020
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pharmacotherapeutics 2
PHAR2010

Description:

Students will review the basic physiology and the basic mechanisms underlying pathophysiological states and apply those concepts to the pathophysiology of specific disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), Cardiovascular System (CVS) and the Respiratory System, using a systemic approach. Students will also be introduced to the pharmacological classifications of drugs and their use in the treatment of various disease states of the ANS, CVS, and Respiratory systems. The application of this knowledge to correctly fulfilling the Pharmacy technician role will be emphasized.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1050
  • CoRequisites:

Compounding and Specialized Compounding
PHAR2020

Description: Using a theory / lab model, the knowledge and skills gained during the Compounding course in Semester 2 will be further developed and the student will be introduced to products and processes utilized in a specialized compounding pharmacy. Accuracy in calculation is stressed and the student will have the opportunity to create formulations not readily available to the general population.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1060
  • CoRequisites:

Institutional Dispensing 1
PHAR2030

Description: In this first part of a two semester course, the student will be introduced to the role of the pharmacy technician in the hospital practice setting. Typical medication delivery systems utilized in hospitals will be discussed including appropriate standards of practice. Information systems in the hospital setting will be explored including advantages and, disadvantages of electronic health records. The laboratory component will provide the student the opportunity to process physician orders typically seen in the hospital practice setting.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Sterile Preparation 1
PHAR2040

Description: The student will compound sterile products according to legislation, guidelines and standards of practice. Students will be introduced to the concepts of sterility and incompatibilities as well as appropriate standards of practice related to the preparation of sterile products in the pharmacy. Students will perform appropriate quality assurance checks on completed products. Emphasis on performing and verifying accurate calculations for sterile product compounding stressed
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1060
  • CoRequisites:

Multidisciplinary Collaboration
PHAR2120

Description:

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about professionals across different settings such as hospitals, clinics and community services. Collaboration is essential in various fields to achieve better outcomes, share knowledge and drive continuous improvement. Students will discuss how this collaboration is essential for delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Long Term Care Pharmacy Practice
PHAR2130

Description:

Long Term Care is a critical component of the healthcare system, addressing the needs of individuals who have chronic illnesses or other conditions that limit their ability to perform everyday activities independently. Students are introduced to the unique practice in a long-term care pharmacy, become familiar with the standards for pharmacies providing services to long term care homes including clinical services, packaging, distribution, prescription record management, drug destruction and the role of the Pharmacy Technician in this setting.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement Community (Pharmacy Technician)
FPLT2370

Description:

In this field placement experience in the community pharmacy environment, students will be introduced to fundamentals related to communication, pharmacy office procedures, purchasing and receiving products, inventory control, record-keeping, pharmacy regulations, prescription processing and dispensing. The field placement experience is designed to integrate pharmacy theory into practical, hands-on training in a community-based pharmacy practice site. In addition, it will prepare the student for transition to work as a member of the pharmacy team. Demonstration of professional and ethical behaviour in the provision of pharmaceutical services will be emphasized and evaluated throughout the experience

  • Hours: 160
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320 AND PHAR1070 AND PHAR1080
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement Hospital (Pharmacy Technician)
FPLT2380

Description:

In this hospital placement students will gain practical experience in the discipline through the integration of knowledge and enhancement of skills in a hospital pharmacy practice environment such as medication management, medication distribution, compounding sterile and non-sterile preparations and other relevant areas. Students will demonstrate the ability to accurately undertake and complete assigned duties within the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians. Demonstration of professional and ethical behaviour in the provision of pharmaceutical services will be emphasized and evaluated throughout the experience.

  • Hours: 160
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement Specialty Pharmacy (Pharmacy Technician)
FPLT2430

Description:

In this specialty pharmacy placement students will have an opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world applications in a specialized area of pharmacy practice in preparing personalized medications. Students will engage in a range of activities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of this specialized field. Demonstration of professional and ethical behaviour in the provision of pharmaceutical services will be emphasized and evaluated throughout the experience.

  • Hours: 40
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR1070 AND PHAR1080
  • CoRequisites:

Institutional Dispensing 2
PHAR2090

Description: In this second part of a two-semester course, students will be introduced to areas of special control including narcotic and controlled drug processing; night cupboard maintenance; emergency products processing; and investigational drug dispensing procedures. Purchasing and inventory control activities that can be assumed by a pharmacy technician in the institutional environment will also be studied. In addition, good manufacturing practices in the packaging and documentation of pharmaceuticals in the institutional pharmacy setting will be presented and applied.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR2030
  • CoRequisites:

Sterile Preparation 2
PHAR2100

Description: The student will continue to practice proper aseptic technique in the preparation of sterile products. Laws, regulations, standards and guidelines governing manufacture of sterile preparations including biohazard drug products will be studied. The student will gain proficiency in calculations pertaining to sterile product preparation and administration. Accuracy in sterile compounding procedures and relevant documentation will be emphasized. Techniques used in the preparation of chemotherapeutic agents will be demonstrated and practiced.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: PHAR2040
  • CoRequisites:

Comprehensive Review and Integrated Practice
PHAR2140

Description:

This course provides students with an extensive review of core subjects including pharmacy legislation, pharmacology, product preparation, compounding, math and ethics. Students use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify and resolve daily challenges in pharmacy practice. Students practice in a simulated environment to prepare them for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) licensing exams.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Process prescriptions with accuracy and completeness within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice, in accordance with current and relevant legislation, code of ethics, established standards, policies, and procedures in practice settings.
  2. Prepare pharmaceutical products and documentation for dispensing and releasing pharmaceutical products within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice, in accordance with current and relevant legislation, code of ethics, established standards, policies, and procedures in practice settings.
  3. Collaborate with the pharmacist and other health care providers to optimize the patient’s health and well-being.
  4. Promote quality assurance in practice settings by performing effective and efficient pharmacy operating procedures.
  5. Optimize medication therapy management and product distribution using current technologies in practice settings.
  6. Develop, implement, and maintain effective strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that support competence and currency.
  7. Communicate using correct terminology with patients, the pharmacy team, other health professionals and stakeholders for patient safety.