College program standard: Pharmacy Technician

Read the approved program standard for Pharmacy Technician programs delivered at public colleges in Ontario. (Ministry code 51623)

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The approved program standard for Pharmacy Technician program of instruction leading to an Ontario College Diploma delivered by Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (MCU funding code 51623).

September 2009

Inquiries regarding specific programs offered by colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario should be directed to the relevant college.

Permission to copy

For permission to copy this document, in whole or in part, for other purposes or by other institutions, or for any other general inquiries, please contact the ministry at:

Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Branch
Program Standards Unit
315 Front Street West
16th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 0B8

psu@ontario.ca

Introduction

This document is the Program Standard for the Pharmacy Technician program of instruction leading to an Ontario College Diploma delivered by Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology (MTCU funding code 51623).

Development of system-wide program standards

In 1993, the Government of Ontario initiated program standards development with the objectives of bringing a greater degree of consistency to college programming offered across the province, broadening the focus of college programs to ensure graduates have the skills to be flexible and to continue to learn and adapt, and providing public accountability for the quality and relevance of college programs.

The Program Standards and Evaluation Unit of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has responsibility for the development, review and approval of system-wide standards for programs of instruction at Ontario colleges of applied arts and technology.

Program Standards

Program standards apply to all similar programs of instruction offered by colleges across the province. Each program standard for a postsecondary program includes the following elements:

vocational standard (the vocationally specific learning outcomes which apply to the program of instruction in question)
essential employability skills (the essential employability skills learning outcomes which apply to all programs of instruction)
general education requirement (the requirement for general education in postsecondary programs of instruction).

Collectively, these elements outline the essential skills and knowledge that a student must reliably demonstrate in order to graduate from the program.

Individual Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology offering the program of instruction determine the specific program structure, delivery methods and other curriculum matters to be used in assisting students to achieve the outcomes articulated in the standard. Individual colleges also determine whether additional local learning outcomes will be required to reflect specific local needs and/or interests.

The expression of program standards as vocational learning outcomes

Vocational learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning and achievement. They are not simply a listing of discrete skills, nor broad statements of knowledge and comprehension. In addition, vocational learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation from one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved and verified.

Expressing standards as vocational learning outcomes ensures consistency in the outcomes for program graduates, while leaving to the discretion of individual colleges, curriculum matters such as the specific program structure and delivery methods.

The presentation of the vocational learning outcomes

The vocational learning outcome statements set out the culminating demonstration of learning and achievement that the student must reliably demonstrate before graduation.

The elements of the performance for each outcome define and clarify the level and quality of performance necessary to meet the requirements of the vocational learning outcome. However, it is the performance of the vocational learning outcome itself on which students are evaluated. The elements of performance are indicators of the means by which the student may proceed to satisfactory performance of the vocational learning outcome. The elements of performance do not stand alone but rather in reference to the vocational learning outcome of which they form a part.

The development of a program standard

In establishing the standards development initiative, the Government determined that all postsecondary programs of instruction should include vocational skills coupled with a broader set of essential skills. This combination is considered critical to ensuring that college graduates have the skills required to be successful both upon graduation from the college program and throughout their working and personal lives.

A program standard is developed through a broad consultation process involving a range of stakeholders with a direct interest in the program area, including employers, professional associations, universities, secondary schools and program graduates working in the field, in addition to students, faculty and administrators at the colleges themselves. It represents a consensus of participating stakeholders on the essential learning that all program graduates should have achieved.

Updating the program standard

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities will undertake regular reviews of the vocational learning outcomes for this program to ensure that the Pharmacy Technician Program Standard remains appropriate and relevant to the needs of students and employers across the Province of Ontario. To confirm that this document is the most up-to-date release, please contact the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Vocational standard

All graduates of Pharmacy Technician program have achieved the eight vocational learning outcomes (VLOs), in addition to achieving the essential employability outcomes and meeting the general education (GE) requirement.

Preamble

At all times, learners in the Pharmacy Technician program will act in compliance with the pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in their roles and responsibilities within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician. Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program will have attained a solid basis in the theory, principles and practices needed to enter this patient-centred health care profession. They will apply critical thinking skills to process prescriptions accurately and safely, control inventory according to established policies and procedures, use paper and electronic processes to generate and maintain accurate and confidential records and third party payer documents, and assist in the provision of optimal medication therapy management and cost effective pharmacy services.

Being able to effectively communicate verbally, electronically and in writing is a key requirement of graduates. In addition, graduates will contribute to the operation of a pharmacy by performing work that requires high levels of accuracy and responsibility, including the legal and technical management of receiving prescriptions; transferring or copying prescriptions; product preparation; the independent double check; and the release and distribution of pharmaceutical products pursuant to a prescription drug order. As members of an interprofessional health care team, graduates will work with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants and other health care providers in order to optimize the health and well-being of patients. Graduates will also use pharmacy informatics to enter patient and prescription information; access information, such as drug interchangeability; and respond to computer warnings pertaining to drug interactions, adverse effects and allergies by informing the pharmacist as required.

Graduates are awarded an Ontario College Diploma following the successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician program. Graduates of Pharmacy Technician programs accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) are eligible for the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examinations for entry-to-practice of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). The PEBC Qualifying Examinations consist of a written Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination and a performance-based examination, called an Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE). After successful completion of the PEBC Qualifying Examinations, applicants must successfully complete the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) Jurisprudence Examination before they can proceed with their application for registration with OCP. Registration is necessary to qualify for employment as a pharmacy technician in the Province of Ontario.

In the Province of Ontario, pharmacy technicians have employment opportunities in practice settings, such as hospital pharmacies, community/retail pharmacies and longterm care facilities. In addition, they may find employment opportunities within other organizations and agencies that require the knowledge and expertise of a pharmacy technician, such as pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies.

Synopsis of the vocational learning outcomes

Pharmacy Technician (Ontario College Diploma)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

practice safely within a legal, ethical and professional framework in practice settings
process prescriptions accurately in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
release pharmaceutical products in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
collaborate with the pharmacist and other health care providers to optimize the patient’s health and well-being within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician
promote quality assurance by performing effective and efficient administrative functions in practice settings
optimize medication therapy management and product distribution using current technologies in practice settings
develop and implement effective strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that support currency, competence, ethics and values in the pharmacy sector

Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing, nor weighting of significance.

The vocational learning outcomes

1. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

practice safely within a legal, ethical and professional framework in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

comply with current and applicable federal and provincial legislation and requirements in practice settings
conduct oneself in compliance with the code of ethics for members of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)
adhere to established communication policies, procedures and/or protocols in practice settings when interacting with patients, patients’ agents, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants and other health care providers
perform duties within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician in practice settings
act responsibly and be accountable for one’s own decisions and actions that affect the well-being and safety of patients, self and others
refer requests for information that are outside the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician, such as clinical and/or therapeutic information, to the pharmacist
protect the patient’s rights to privacy and confidentiality, including the safe and secure transmittal, storage and disposal of all information, records and files
maintain confidentiality of all workplace and corporate data and ensure safe and secure disposal in compliance with established policies and procedures in practice settings
comply with health and safety standards and best practices in practice settings

2. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

process prescriptions accurately in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

receive a new or repeat prescription from patients, patients’ agents, prescribers or health care providers, and others in the circle of care acting on the prescribers’ behalf, in compliance with regulations, policies and procedures in practice settings
verify the authenticity, accuracy and completeness of prescriptions by ascertaining that each prescription meets all legal requirements, using all necessary means of communication in securing authenticity, and consulting with the pharmacist where indicated by standards of practice
verify and update a prescriber’s information by utilizing current provincial databases
collect, record and update the patient’s profile, including but not limited to demographic information, medical history, pharmaceutical product usage and history, allergies, and third party information
recognize changes in the patient’s profile, health record, medical condition, drug or disease interactions, allergic reactions, warnings and/or prescription (e.g. changes in drug, dosage form, dosage, dose, quantity and/or directions), and notify the pharmacist as required
assess and prioritize prescriptions according to patients’ needs and in compliance with regulations, policies and procedures in practice settings
transfer or copy a prescription ensuring the accuracy and completeness of documentation in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established policies and procedures in practice settings
recognize the prescribing rights and limitations of the various regulated health care professionals by referring to current and applicable legislation
inform patients about third party insurance plans, limits and payment requirements for both prescription and non-prescription products
elicit and respond accurately and satisfactorily to patients’ questions and concerns within the scope of practice of a pharmacy technician, using professional communication techniques
direct questions by patients, patients’ agents and health care providers that are outside the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician to the pharmacist
utilize pharmaceutical, medical, laboratory, metric and apothecary terms, abbreviations and symbols when processing prescriptions
interpret prescriptions by correctly identifying the brand or generic name, dosage form, dosage, dose, quantity and directions
recognize drug distribution patterns that may be indicative of drug misuse or diversion and notify the pharmacist and/or manager in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established policies and procedures in practice settings
apply current and applicable drug schedules, categories and legislation when processing prescriptions, including prescription, non-prescription, restricted access and natural health products
categorize a drug according to its therapeutic classification, directions, adverse effects, drug or disease interactions, dosage forms, strengths and routes
verify sufficient inventory of the medication and dosage form prior to processing the prescription, and identify and access alternate sources when necessary

3. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

refer the therapeutic questions and issues of patients, patients’ agents and health care providers to the pharmacist for intervention
perform dispensing functions for prescription, non-prescription and restricted access drugs as well as natural health products in compliance with approved drug schedules and categories
use established pharmaceutical systems of measurement to accurately calculate, convert, measure, verify and document the ingredients and quantities of pharmaceutical products
comply with drug interchangeability regulations and policies, third party plans and all hospital formulary restrictions when selecting the pharmaceutical product
receive, store and process narcotic and controlled drugs/preparations in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
develop and apply strategies that minimize or prevent the human and environmental factors that contribute to medication incidents and discrepancies
use appropriate personal protective equipment in compliance with health and safety standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
perform accurate calculations when retrieving, counting, pouring, weighing or measuring pharmaceutical products
prepare sterile and non-sterile products by applying proper techniques in compliance with established policies and procedures in practice settings
ensure the accuracy and quality of the pharmaceutical product against the prescription and formula in collaboration with the pharmacist or designated personnel (e.g. pharmacy technician)
utilize appropriate cleaning and infection control procedures when preparing pharmaceutical and natural health products
dispose of unserviceable pharmaceutical products in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established policies and procedures in practice settings
select and label the appropriate pharmaceutical product container in compliance with established regulations

4. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

release pharmaceutical products in compliance with pertinent legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

release the pharmaceutical product to the pharmacist for final check and signature or perform an independent double check within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician
confirm that patients or patients’ agents receive an offer to be counselled by the pharmacist and advise the pharmacist if further consultation is necessary before releasing a pharmaceutical product
determine the need for and provide relevant information material to patients or patients’ agents
preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products by packaging them in compliance with product characteristic requirements and established regulations, policies and procedures in practice settings
select and employ the appropriate drug distribution method in compliance with established regulations, policies and procedures in practice settings
ensure the safe distribution and delivery of pharmaceutical products to the designated patient, patient’s agent, health care provider or health care facility
document, file, store and maintain all pharmaceutical product distribution activities in compliance with established regulations
prepare and complete accurate billing to the patient and/or department or third party as required

5. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

collaborate with the pharmacist and other health care providers to optimize the patient’s health and well-being within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician.

Elements of the performance

participate as an active member of a pharmacy team within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician
promote and contribute to the patient’s health and well-being within the scope of practice of the pharmacy technician
respect diversity while interacting with patients, co-workers and others
collaborate with health care providers in the circle of care to support optimal health outcomes for patients
act as a resource to protect the interests of patients in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
perform all pharmacy-related functions in ways that ensure personal, patient and coworker safety in practice settings

6. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

promote quality assurance by performing effective and efficient administrative functions in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

manage inventory safely, efficiently and accurately by applying best practices in compliance with current and applicable legislation as well as established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
store, transmit and/or dispose of expired pharmaceutical products safely, securely and efficiently in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
handle and dispose of hazardous substances and wastes, including sharps, such as syringes, needles, scalpels and lancets, as well as biohazardous substances and wastes, such as chemical, radioactive and biomedical materials, in compliance with health and safety standards, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and current and applicable legislation, and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
receive, verify and reconcile prescription drug orders in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
contribute to the management of effective and efficient pharmaceutical product distribution systems in practice settings
collaborate with the pharmacist, pharmaceutical manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers and/or other pharmacies to maintain effective and efficient operations in compliance with established policies and procedures in practice settings
maintain the integrity of the drug supply chain by safeguarding against counterfeit products or sourcing from unknown wholesalers or sellers
apply fundamental merchandising techniques in compliance with established policies and procedures in practice settings
apply pricing strategies in compliance with established policies and procedures in practice settings
ensure proper processing of third party payments, such as filing insurance claims, claims adjudication, reimbursement follow-up and record retention
organize and provide pharmacy services by applying effective prioritization and time management techniques
complete all documentation pertaining to inventory management, including narcotics, as well as controlled, targeted controlled, investigational, special access and hazardous drugs in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
maintain a clean, safe and orderly working environment

7. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

optimize medication therapy management and product distribution using current technologies in practice settings.

Elements of the performance

utilize current pharmacy informatics to enter, update, access, retrieve and store entries and records
utilize online systems to generate, maintain and update patient and third party payments, profiles and reports
utilize online and manual systems for billings, claims and reports, to resolve claims and issues, and to reconcile third party payments
utilize medication management software to perform drug interaction and allergy checks and respond appropriately to warnings in compliance with current and applicable legislation and established standards, policies and procedures in practice settings
utilize technological tools, such as automated dispensing machines, unit dose packaging equipment, infusion devices and compounding devices in an effective and efficient manner in compliance with health and safety standards, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and current and applicable legislation
perform routine equipment maintenance in compliance with manufacturers’ specifications
utilize appropriate diagnostic and monitoring devices to troubleshoot minor mechanical breakdowns
demonstrate to patients and/or patients’ agents the proper use of point-of-care monitoring devices, drug delivery systems and medical supplies and equipment, such as blood glucose meters, spirometers, blood pressure monitors and EpiPens

8. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

develop and implement effective strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that support currency, competence, ethics and values in the pharmacy sector.

Elements of the performance

develop and implement strategies for ongoing self-evaluation and reflective practice, such as maintaining a record of continuing education or a learning portfolio
solicit and accept constructive feedback from peers, co-workers and supervisors, and adjust behaviour accordingly
use performance appraisal evaluations to enhance professional development
identify when and how to assist, mentor and support peers and co-workers
develop a professional development plan for maintaining current knowledge and competence
adapt to changing practice trends within the pharmacy sector
use current, relevant and evidence-based resources to maintain current knowledge and competence in the pharmacy sector
promote competence and professionalism by supporting professional associations and organizations in the pharmacy sector

Essential employability skills

All graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program of instruction must have reliably demonstrated the essential employability skills learning outcomes listed below, in addition to achieving the vocational learning outcomes and meeting the general education requirement.

Context

Essential Employability Skills (EES) are skills that, regardless of a student’s program or discipline, are critical for success in the workplace, in day-to-day living and for lifelong learning.

The teaching and attainment of these EES for students in, and graduates from, Ontario’s Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology are anchored in a set of three fundamental assumptions:

These skills are important for every adult to function successfully in society today.
Our colleges are well equipped and well positioned to prepare graduates with these skills.
These skills are equally valuable for all graduates, regardless of the level of their credential, whether they pursue a career path, or they pursue further education.

Skill categories

To capture these skills, the following six categories define the essential areas where graduates must demonstrate skills and knowledge

communication
numeracy
critical thinking and problem solving
information management
interpersonal
personal

Application and implementation

In each of the six skill categories, there are a number of defining skills, or sub skills, identified to further articulate the requisite skills identified in the main skill categories. The following chart illustrates the relationship between the skill categories, the defining skills within the categories and learning outcomes to be achieved by graduates from all postsecondary programs of instruction that lead to an Ontario College credential.

EES may be embedded in General Education or vocational courses, or developed through discrete courses. However these skills are developed, all graduates with Ontario College credentials must be able to reliably demonstrate the essential skills required in each of the six categories.

Skill category: Communication

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

reading
writing
speaking
listening
presenting
visual literacy

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience
respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication

Skill category: Numeracy

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

understanding and applying mathematical concepts and reasoning
analyzing and using numerical data
conceptualizing

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

execute mathematical operations accurately

Skill category: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

analyzing
synthesizing
evaluating
decision making
creative and innovative thinking

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

apply a systematic approach to solve problems
use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems

Skill category: Information Management

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

gathering and managing information
selecting and using appropriate tools and technology for a task or a project
computer literacy
Internet skills

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems
analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources

Skill category: Interpersonal

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

teamwork
relationship management
conflict resolution
leadership
networking

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others
interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals

Skill category: Personal

Defining skills:
Skill areas to be demonstrated by graduates:

managing self
managing change and being flexible and adaptable
engaging in reflective practices
demonstrating personal responsibility

Learning outcomes:
The levels of achievement required by graduates.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects
take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and their consequences

General education requirement

All graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program must have met the general education requirement described below, in addition to achieving the vocational and essential employability skills learning outcomes.

Requirement

The General Education Requirement for programs of instruction is stipulated in the Credentials Framework (Appendix A in the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive Framework for Programs of Instruction).

In programs of instruction leading to either an Ontario College Diploma or an Ontario College Advanced Diploma, it is required that graduates have been engaged in learning that exposes them to at least one discipline outside their main field of study and increases their awareness of the society and culture in which they live and work. This will typically be accomplished by students taking 3 to 5 courses (or the equivalent) designed discretely and separately from vocational learning opportunities.

This general education learning would normally be delivered using a combination of required and elective processes.

Purpose

The purpose of General Education in the Ontario college system is to contribute to the development of citizens who are conscious of the diversity, complexity and richness of the human experience; who are able to establish meaning through this consciousness; and who, as a result, are able to contribute thoughtfully, creatively and positively to the society in which they live and work.

General Education strengthens students’ essential employability skills, such as critical analysis, problem solving and communication, in the context of an exploration of topics with broad-based personal and/or societal importance.

Themes

Similarly, the various applications and developments in the area of technology have an increasing impact on all aspects of human endeavour and have numerous social, economic and philosophical implications. For example, the operation of computers to process data at high speed has invoked an interaction between machines and the human mind that is unique in human history. This and other technological developments have a powerful impact on how we deal with many of the complex questions in our society.

Content:

Courses in this area should stress scientific inquiry and deal with basic or fundamental questions of science rather than applied ones. They may be formulated from traditional basic courses in such areas of study as biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology or agriculture. As well, courses related to understanding the role and functions of computers (e.g. data management and information processing) and assorted computer-related technologies should be offered in a non-applied manner to provide students with an opportunity to explore the impact of these concepts and practices on their lives.

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities acknowledges with thanks the significant contribution of the many individuals and organizations which participated in the development of this program standard. In particular, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities would like to acknowledge the important roles of

all individuals and organizations who participated in the consultations;
the coordinators of Pharmacy Technician Programs for their assistance throughout the project, the project officer who led the development of the vocational standard, Paul Johnson, seconded faculty member from Confederation College, and Mireille Deshaies from La Cité collégiale.

Updated: May 30, 2022

Published: May 30, 2022