Pharmacy Technician - 407
OSAP Eligible
Overview
For those interested in completing this program in 16 months, visit Pharmacy Technician - 607 and explore the Fast Track option.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on learning, with a professional focus throughout the program.
- Outcomes of the program meet the Entry to Practice Competencies for Pharmacy Technicians, set out by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). The program has been awarded accreditation for a three year period (2023-2026) by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).
- Work in various intraprofessional and interprofessional teams to enhance learning and appreciation of our health care system.
What you'll learn
- Acquire knowledge and skills in the delivery of pharmacy services in both community and hospital practices.
- Understand legislation and methodology surrounding dispensing prescriptions, preparation and distribution of pharmaceuticals, and drug inventory controls
- Learn the many uses and classes of available prescription and nonprescription drugs, medical devices, herbals and complementary care medicine products.
- Apply various compounding techniques in the preparation of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals.
Pharmacy Technician Program Mission & Vision
Mission: To provide our students with opportunities to gain and apply quality knowledge, skills, and work place experience and to graduate them profession ready, fully able to perform within the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians, as set out by the national standards of practice.
Vision: Our graduates embrace and engage with the profession and practice as pharmacy technicians who positively contribute to the health of our communities.
Program Length
2 academic years (periods of 8 months)
Admission
Admission
Domestic and International student admission requirements
- OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
- Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
- Grade 11 Mathematics, minimum C (M or U recommended)
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology
- Fluency requirements must be met for applicants where English is their second language.
Options are available for mature applicants.
Language Proficiency Requirements
The Pharmacy Technician program at Mohawk College is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). To gain acceptance to the program, it is a requirement that the candidates of the following categories must meet one of the benchmarks listed in the chart below. This will include the following applicants:
- International students
- Students who present with foreign credentials
- Students whose first language is not English
| TEST | IELTS | OET Test |
|---|---|---|
| Band | Minimum Score | Minimum Score |
| Writing | 6.5 | C+ |
| Speaking | 7 | B |
| Listening | 7 | B |
| Reading | 7 | B |
To be excused from this requirement, applicants must provide proof of:
- Graduation from a high school, college program, or university program in Canada, with at least three years (no less) consecutive full time instruction, where instruction was provided in English.
Note: Applicants/students that have completed an ESL Grade 12 English equivalency course/program (ie LINC or EAP) may meet minimum entrance standards for Mohawk College, however, those applicants will still have to submit proof of three years full time consecutive English education in Canada or passing scores in IELTS/OET as indicated in the chart above for admission into the Pharmacy Technician program.
Don't have the necessary requirements?
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees
2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $881.96 | $785.16 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $121.00 | $0.00 |
| Domestic Tuition | $1,354.04 | $1,354.04 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $2,357.00 | $2,139.20 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $4,496.20 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the McMaster Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You will also be required to purchase various supplies to fulfill your program requirements. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
- You will also be required to purchase a program-specific lab kit each semester of your program. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
2024 - 2025 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $9,055.00 | $9,055.00 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $121.00 | $0.00 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Charges Per Semester | $9,626.00 | $9,430.00 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $19,056.00 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the McMaster Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You will also be required to purchase various supplies to fulfill your program requirements. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
- You will also be required to purchase a program-specific lab kit each semester of your program. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
Additional Information
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
- OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)
- Working on Campus
- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
Program of Studies
Course Overview & Descriptions
Click on the course title for a course description.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
How you'll gain skills
- Attending clinical placement courses in both a community and hospital pharmacy (four weeks each).
- Gain hands-on, practical experience in lab courses focusing on both community and hospital pharmacy practice.
Clinical placements
Clinical placement courses are provided for students to refine and apply their skills and knowledge while practicing in a real pharmacy work environment. You will learn from and be assessed by the pharmacy experts and teams you are placed with. You will make valuable connections that will aid in propelling you into your pharmacy technician careers.
Clinical placements may occur at locations that are not accessible by public transit. As such, students shall be expected to either have access to a car or the ability to supply their own transportation when attending clinical placement activity. Mohawk shall not be responsible for providing students with transportation to clinical placements.
Clinical experience is provided in health care agencies throughout Ontario.
For more information regarding the 329 hour Pharmacy Technician clinical placement, please contact the sabrina.horvath-rizzi [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Experiential Learning Technologist).
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Pre-clinical requirements
All accepted applicants are required to complete certain requirements prior to clinical placement and are responsible for the associated costs. Details about pre-placement requirements will be emailed to you once you accept your offer of admission. Completion of requirements is needed when entering the second year of the program.
To be eligible for field/clinical placement, you must not have been convicted of any offence for which you have not been pardoned. If your Police Check is 'not clear', your acceptance and suitability for placement are at the discretion of the agency. Mohawk College cannot guarantee placement changes if refused by the agency.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Registered Pharmacy Technician
Where you could work includes:
- Community, Hospital, Long-Term Care and Compounding Pharmacies
- Pharmacy Benefit Providers
- Pharmacy Software Vendors
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Distributors
Opportunities for grads
- As a graduate of the program, you will be eligible to pursue technician registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
- Graduates are eligible to write the “Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Exam” and the “Ontario College of Pharmacists Jurisprudence Exam” to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacist and become licensed to practice. Details on fees, timelines, process, etc. can be accessed at The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada and/or Ontario College of Pharmacists.
- Note: upon registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists, pharmacy technician graduates must provide a current police clearance and sign a declaration of good character, including academic integrity offenses from any post secondary education
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.
Transfer from
You can transfer to the Pharmacy Technician - 407 from the following programs:
Canadian Health Care for Foreign Trained Professionals (International Only)
Community Pharmacy Assistant
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas
Receiving Program
Pharmacy Technician
Credit transfer agreements have been arranged to make it easier for students to move from Mohawk to another institution.
Transfer From Pharmacy Technician To
Davenport University
6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
United States
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
United States
Thompson Rivers University
805 TRU Way
Kamloops BC V2C 0C8
Canada
Bachelor of Health Sciences
805 TRU Way
Kamloops BC V2C 0C8
Canada
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Facilities
All the pharmacy courses are taught at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences. Lectures are delivered in state of the art "Smartrooms" and practical labs are taught in our dedicated pharmacy lab space which consists of three different rooms (computer lab, compounding/dispensing lab, and sterile products lab).
Pharmacy Technician Profession
- As a graduate of the program, you will be eligible to pursue technician registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
- Graduates are eligible to write the “Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Exam” and the “Ontario College of Pharmacists Jurisprudence Exam” to register with the Ontario College of Pharmacist and become licensed to practice. Details on fees, timelines, process, etc. can be accessed at The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada and/or Ontario College of Pharmacists.
- Note: upon registration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists, pharmacy technician graduates must provide a current police clearance and sign a declaration of good character, including academic integrity offenses from any post secondary education.
- The pharmacy technician health profession is physically demanding. It is important that applicants become familiar with the profession before entering the program so that they are able to function at an acceptable standard. Some of the physical functionality required includes: working on your feet for multiple hours, medium load bearing activities, fine motor skills with good visual acuity.
Possible Program/Profession Related Fees
There are costs that come up during your semesters within the Pharmacy Technician Program and after you graduate. These may include:
- pre-clinical requirements (example immunizations, police clearance, first aid, etc)
- uniforms and school supplies
- lockers and lock
- laptop/PC with Windows 10 to support remote access to pharmacy software
- professional licensing requirements (example exams, malpractice insurance, etc)
Recommended Technical Skills
- Recommended to have good computer and Windows-based skills, and 35 WPM keyboarding.
- The pharmacy technician health profession is physically demanding. It is important that applicants become familiar with the profession before entering the program so that they are able to function at an acceptable standard. Some of the physical functionality required includes: working on your feet for multiple hours, medium load bearing activities, and fine motor skills with good visual acuity.
Faculty
For questions about program delivery, courses, clinical placements and/or the profession, please contact the program coordinator
Program Coordinator
Angela Roach
Faculty
Contact Us
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Domestic Canadian Students
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Phone: 1-844-767-6871
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Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544
Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.
Accessible Learning Services
Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.
Program Coordinator
For questions about program delivery, courses, clinical placements and/or the profession, please contact the program coordinator
Angela Roach
Canadian Domestic Students
International Students
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The Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) is located in West Hamilton on the McMaster campus. The IAHS campus is where the majority (but not all) of our health programs are taught. Learn more about the IAHS:
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