Upon completion of the Stenberg College Pharmacy Technician Program, graduates will be able to:
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Orientation & Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you have enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges and excitement; this course will explore transitioning as a college student, review learning styles, enhance critical thinking, and familiarize you with the resources available for your use. This course covers student success skills where you’ll learn effective study habits (specifically aimed at improving both reading and writing skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching communication, accountability, teamwork, self-awareness, and building an understanding of the impact you have on others.
Medical Terminology/Anatomy & Physiology
This intensive, fast-paced course is an introduction to medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. You’ll become familiar with various medical word parts, build fluency in the pronunciation and spelling of these parts, and learn to build and break down medical terms to determine their meaning. Understanding the language of medicine is essential for all healthcare professionals to be able to function effectively and safely in a healthcare environment. Students will also develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of each body system which will be used in subsequent coursework.
Pharmacology
This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of pharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Using your knowledge of medical terminology and applying what you learned about the body systems in the previous course, you will learn which prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are commonly used in Canada to treat diseases affecting each body system. The content covered in this course is continually reinforced throughout the program.
Pharmaceutical Calculations
In this course, you will learn how to perform the calculations encountered in pharmacy practice. The course includes systems of measurement, conversions, calculation of dosages, various routes of administration, and interpreting physician’s order. There is a special focus on how to identify common medication errors related to calculations.
Law & Ethics I
In this course, you will learn how to apply provincial and federal laws and regulations to practice competently within the professional practice framework. You will also learn pharmacy ethics, the need to take personal responsibility for delivering direct patient care, and the obligation to stay current with changes in regulations or professional pharmacy practice standards.
Professional Practice I
In this course, you will develop the necessary communication skills to function competently and compassionately as a health care professional in a pharmacy setting. Basic communication concepts and skills are introduced, and a more in depth look at a pharmacy technician’s scope of practice is taken to prepare you for the applied courses. You will be exposed to a variety of issues including attitudes, values, and beliefs of successful pharmacy technicians. You will learn about projecting an image appropriate to the profession of pharmacy and the necessity of developing effective interpersonal relationships with other healthcare professionals.
Pharmacy Operations and Dispensing I
This course introduces pharmacy operations and dispensing. You will learn about different types of pharmacies, how they operate, and the roles of the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician. You will examine common drug plans and their formularies, adjudication challenges, inventory management elements, and common business practices in community pharmacies. You will learn to compound non-sterile products using correct compounding techniques and apply professional guidelines, standards, legislation, pharmaceutical calculations, and documentation requirements associated with compounding. You will learn to apply corresponding quality assurance and independent double check procedures for the preparation of non-sterile products. You will learn to receive the prescription from the patient, enter demographic and prescription information into a community pharmacy software program, and prepare prescriptions (including retrieval from inventory, calculations, and safety procedures). You will also learn to label medication products, supply the correct supplemental patient information, store products safely, apply quality assurance measures, and practice within the regulated scope of a Pharmacy Technician. You will also learn to appropriately assist clients who are purchasing non-prescription drugs for self-treatment of common disorders.
Law & Ethics II
In this course, you will expand your knowledge from LAED 100 and learn how to apply provincial and federal laws and regulations to practice competently within the professional practice framework. You will also learn pharmacy ethics, the need to take personal responsibility for delivering direct patient care, and the obligation to stay current with changes in regulations or professional pharmacy practice standards.
Professional Practice II
This course will provide an opportunity to think and plan for future personal and professional development. Continued learning is important both professionally and personally, and you will work through activities to help plan out the most effective development for you to achieve your short-term and long-term goals. The course will also cover important skills in maintaining your work-life balance so that you can enjoy a successful career.
Pharmacy Operations and Dispensing II
In this course, you will develop the skills needed for the calculation, mixing, and labeling of parenteral drugs. You will learn to compound sterile products in a Laminar Air Flow hood using proper aseptic techniques. You will also learn to use applicable quality assurance and independent double check procedures for the preparation of sterile products. You will learn to dispense drugs in a hospital environment for patients on various nursing wards, following proper policies and procedures, and effectively using equipment and computer systems. You will also learn the legal requirements and procedures for delivering or retrieving narcotics from a nursing ward. You will also be introduced to a hospital computer program, learn to interpret and transcribe doctor’s handwritten medication orders, and perform order entry of medication orders.
Career Search Strategies
In this course, you will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You will be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Comprehensive Program Review
This course will include a review of key theoretical and practical knowledge. You will receive information on test taking skills to help you prepare for the licensing exam and write a comprehensive program exam. Finally, you will be asked to evaluate your overall educational experience (clinical and didactic) so the program may be improved in relation to your feedback.
Community Practicum
During your community practicum (also referred to as a Consolidated Practice Experience), you’ll be assigned to a community pharmacy where you’ll be supervised one-on-one by an experienced registered Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist. This will give you a great opportunity to implement your skills and theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.
Hospital Practicum
During your hospital practicum (also referred to as a Consolidated Practice Experience), you’ll be assigned to a hospital pharmacy where you’ll be supervised one-on-one by an experienced registered Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist. This will give you a great opportunity to implement your skills and theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.
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Personal and Professional Development Skills Certificate
The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a self-directed, online certificate that enhances your soft skills. The six PPD workshops cover Professionalism, Quality Service, Feedback, Diverse Teams, Conflict Resolution, and Leadership. Together, these workshops prepare you to effectively approach and resolve real-life situations.
Provincial Violence Prevention Certification
The Provincial Violence Prevention Training Curriculum will teach you to recognize and respond to violent situations and learn about different types of violence and strategies for dealing with the risks in a variety of health care contexts. The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum has been developed by a team of experts from Worksafe BC, the Occupational Health & Safety Agency for Healthcare in BC, and various BC health authorities and healthcare unions. This training and certification is offered in collaboration with Fraser Health Authority.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS provides information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gasses, and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate the ability to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.
Fit Testing
This theory course will cover the correct use and care of respirators, respirator limitations, donning and doffing procedures, and proper disposal of respirators in accordance with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Section 8.7.3.