Aspiring Pharmacy Technician? Your Guide to Online Programs, Requirements, Colleges, and Fees

Are you interested in a rewarding career in healthcare field, but don’t have the time or resources to commit to a traditional 4-year degree? Becoming a pharmacy technician offers a great opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives while gaining valuable skills. In this blog, we’ll explore all about the pharmacy technician course in Canada, including the requirements, top colleges, and associated costs. No matter if you’re a high school graduate or looking to change careers, we’ll guide you on how to get started with becoming a certified pharmacy technician. Read on to know more!

Occupation	Pharmacy Technician
Qualification	Diploma
Top Courses	Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician, Diploma – Pharmacy Technician
Top Colleges	Centennial College, Humber College, Fanshawe College, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Niagara College
Duration	12 months – 2 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 16,649 – 19,850 per year
Career Scope	Community pharmacy technician, Hospital pharmacy technician, Pharmaceutical manufacturing technician, Home Health Care pharmacy technician

Why Pursue Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada?

Enrolling in a Pharmacy technician course in Canada comes with multiple benefits. The employment rate for the occupation is generally high, indicating strong job security. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, it is expected to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2031, which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

As of 2024, the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Canada is estimated to be around CAD 45,000 to CAD 55,000 per year. Many pharmacy technician positions include benefits such as health insurance, dental coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans. For international students who have completed a Canadian pharmacy technician program, the Express Entry program can be a pathway to permanent residency. 

Explore Bachelor’s Degree in Canada for International Students Here!

Best Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada (With Fees)

Generally, a Pharmacy technician course in Canada has a duration of 1-2 years. The tuition fee for this program ranges from CAD 16,649 to CAD 19,850 per year for international students, with some of the top ones in the country listed in the table below:

Program	Tuition Fee	Duration	Start Date
Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 16,649 per year	2 years	Fall, Winter
Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 17,599 per year	2 years	January, May, September
Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 32,975 (total fee)	60 weeks	January, September
Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 16,780 (total fee)	76 weeks	September
Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 36,954.96 (total fee)	2 years	NA
Pharmacy Technician Diploma	CAD 19,850 per year	2 years	September
Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 18,732.46 per year	2 years	January
Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 15,665.55 (total fee)	2 years	September
Ontario College Diploma – Pharmacy Technician	CAD 32,163.1 (total fee)	2 years	January, September
Pharmacy Technician Diploma	CAD 30,755 (total fee)	2 years	–

Top Colleges Offering Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada 

Canada houses several world-class institutes that offer high-quality Pharmacy technician programs. Here are some of the top colleges to consider as an international student:

1. Centennial College
2. Humber College
3. Fanshawe College
4. Saskatchewan Polytechnic
5. Niagara College
6. Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
7. Sheridan College
8. St. Clair College
9. Fleming College
10. Bow Valley College

Entry Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Course in Canada

While specific entry requirements vary between different colleges and provinces, here are some general guidelines for international students considering pursuing pharmacy technician course in Canada:

1. A high school diploma or equivalent.
2. A minimum GPA of around 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. Relevant coursework such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences.
4. English language requirements:

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS	6.0 – 7.0
TOEFL	80 – 90

5. Application fee
6. Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers.
7. Statement of purpose (SOP)

Discover the Essentials to Pack for Canada as an International Student

Application Process

To apply for a pharmacy technician course in Canada as an international student, you’ll need to follow these general steps:

1. Look for pharmacy technician programs that are accredited by the Canadian Council on Continuing Education (CCCE).
2. Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements of your chosen program.
3. Gather and prepare the required documents.
4. Follow the application instructions provided by each program you’re interested in.
5. Submit the required application fees.
6. It take several weeks to process applications.
7. If shortlisted, be prepared for an interview to assess your suitability for the program.
8. After being accepted, apply for a study permit from the Canadian government.

Documents Required

• Academic transcripts
• English Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Resume or CV
• Passport and visa

Career Scope

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care. In Canada, the demand for qualified pharmacy technicians is steadily increasing, driven by factors like aging population, advancements in medical technology, and the growing complexity of pharmaceutical treatments.

Popular Job Profiles and Salaries:

Job Profile	Approx Annual Salary (in CAD)
Community pharmacy technician	CAD 40,000 – 55,000 per year
Hospital pharmacy technician	CAD 45,000 – 60,000 per year
Pharmaceutical manufacturing technician	CAD 40,000 – 55,000 per year
Home Health Care pharmacy technician	CAD 35,000 – 45,000 per year

FAQs

We hope this blog gave a complete insight into the Pharmacy technician course in Canada for international students. For more updates on study abroad universities, make sure to subscribe to Leverage Edu today!

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