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Dispensary Technician, Pharmacy Technologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Pharmacy technicians perform all aspects of drug distribution under the direction of a pharmacist. In general, they:
They may also:
Pharmacy technicians may have a range of other responsibilities depending on their work location.
In community pharmacies, they may:
In hospitals, pharmacy technicians may:
Pharmacy technicians often work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some hospital settings require night shifts. Because conditions are at times stressful, the work is demanding. Ensuring patient safety requires both accuracy and efficiency.
Pharmacy technicians are on their feet for long stretches. They may have to lift and move heavy objects.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in assisting pharmacists by labelling drugs, chemicals and other pharmaceutical preparations, and by unpacking and storing supplies and verifying items received against invoices
Interest in compiling information to compound, mix and formulate ointments, solutions, lotions, mouthwashes and other medications under the supervision of pharmacists
Interest in handling scales, weights and measures to ensure correct amounts of ingredients are present in formulas and prescriptions
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Pharmacy technicians need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 150 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 12, 2024 and Jul 15, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products | 106 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 104 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 104 |
| Attention to detail | 97 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 93 |
| Tasks: Compound oral solutions, ointments and creams | 90 |
| Tasks: Bill third party insurers | 88 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 67 |
| Tasks: Help with scheduling and workflow | 55 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 54 |
The minimum education requirement for pharmacy technicians is a diploma from a program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). Prospective pharmacy technicians should check the CCAPP website to ensure the program they intend to take is accredited.
Pharmacy technicians must also stay up to date with new products and practices. Continuing education is an annual requirement by the Alberta College of Pharmacy for registration.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of pharmacists to promote safe and effective drug distribution. They may gather and store prescription and patient information, repackage products, compound and dispense drugs, manage inventory, or teach the practice of pharmacy technicians.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) is mandatory. Only regulated members may provide the restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pharmacy Technician.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most pharmacy technicians work in community pharmacies, hospitals, or long-term care facilities. They can also work for:
Depending on the nature of the organization, pharmacy technicians may advance to supervisory positions.
There are about 1,960 practising pharmacy technicians in the province (Source: Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP), 2023 estimate).
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) occupational group, 94.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 87 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. In addition, the number of pharmacies opening in Alberta is increasing at a higher rate per capita than the number of new pharmacy technicians. This has resulted in a shortage of pharmacy technicians (Source: ACP, 2022-23 Annual Report).
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $34.23 | $25.02 | $26.86 |
| Overall | $20.51 | $50.19 | $33.32 | $35.54 |
| Top | $27.00 | $59.28 | $37.95 | $37.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $60,881 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $41,645 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,325 |
| Public Administration | $75,751 |
Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) website: abpharmacy.ca
ACP’s Understanding Professionalism website: understandingprofessionalism.com
Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) website: ccapp.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) website: pebc.ca
Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA) website: ptsa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
