Prepare for a career as a licensed pharmacy technician

OSSD or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60% in each pre-requisite subject is required:

• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)

Language Proficiency Requirement

The Pharmacy Technician Program is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). 

The English proficiency requirement can be met through:

• Language proficiency test results that meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada, further information can be found on their website at: https://www.napra.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NAPRA-Language-Proficiency-Requirement-Policy-February-2024-EN.pdf; or
• Graduation from high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses or credits; or
•  An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English

For further information, refer to Georgian’s English Language Proficiency regulation 2.4 at: https://georgiancollege.ca/admissions/policies-procedures 

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Selection Process

• Applicants will be assessed and ranked based on academic grades.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Certain clinical placements may require students to have updated flu shots, TB testing and Hepatitis B vaccination, Mask Fit Test (click for requirements), as well as a Police Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Screening and a check of the Pardoned Sex Offender Data Base). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure he or she is eligible to participate in clinical placements. The College assumes no responsibility for these matters and students should be aware that tuition will not be refunded in the event that access to a placement is denied. In addition to these requirements, applicants must also provide proof of a current First Aid and C.P.R. ‘HCP’ or ‘BLS’ certification, prior to the commencement of practicum courses. Registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is mandatory to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in Ontario.

Applicants are advised that the physical requirements of the program and future employment require good vision (with or without corrective lenses), manual dexterity with repetitive motion and working on your feet for multiple hours.

Registered pharmacy technicians are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, home health care companies, hospital pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharmacy software vendors, third party insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers.

Licensing as a Pharmacy Technician

The Ontario College of Pharmacists is responsible for regulating the profession of pharmacy in Ontario which includes the issuance of certificates of registration for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

In order to practice as a pharmacy technician in Ontario, graduates must complete the registration requirements as outlined on the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) website. Graduates will be eligible to register as a pharmacy technician intern and complete the practice based assessment requirement called Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE), the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Exam (www.pebc.ca), and the OCP Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism Exam (www.ocpinfo.com). Click on the links to access timelines and fees for registration and exams. The final application for the Certificate of Registration as a Pharmacy Technician includes obtaining personal professional liability insurance, completing the Declaration of Good Character, a police background check and paying the final application fees. Registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists is a legal requirement to practice and is subject to the regulations and restrictions established by this governing body.