Students can apply to enrol in the new Pharmacy Technician diploma program offered at Medicine Hat College this fall. The college is the only post-secondary institution in southern Alberta to offer the in-demand program.--SUPPLIED PHOTO
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Following approval from the province last week, Medicine Hat College will become the only post-secondary institution in southern Alberta to offer a two-year Pharmacy Technician diploma program
The program will offer “high demand pharmacy technician training” that aims to alleviate the increasing demand for pharmacy technicians across the province.
MHC will deliver the NorQuest College’s nationally accredited curriculum, and all practicums and work integrated learning opportunities will be regionally focused.
Students will be trained to compound, prepare and dispense prescriptions and pharmaceutical products under the direction of pharmacists.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to use current technologies used by professionals, including laminar airflow hoods and Kroll computer software.
College officials say they have the support from more than 20 local stakeholders to offer students the new program that will support the needs of health care providers in the region.
“We listen to the needs of our region and through conversations in our communities we know that Pharmacy Technician was a much needed but difficult position to fill,” said Dr. Nancy Brown, vice president academic and provost.
The college says initially space will be limited for the program, however the hope is it will expand once it becomes established.
Employment opportunities include community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, health insurance companies as well as pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy suppliers.
To apply online visit the college’s website and a link to the program can be found on the homepage.
