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:
| Starting | $24.08 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $31.35 |
| Top | $36.26 |
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
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 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.
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a pharmacist. In general, they:
Pharmacy technicians have a range of other responsibilities depending on their work placement.
In neighbourhood pharmacies, they may:
In hospitals, pharmacy technicians may:
Whatever their placement, pharmacy technicians may also:
Pharmacy technicians often work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Because conditions are at times stressful, the work is demanding. It requires both accuracy and efficiency to ensure patient safety. There is no room for error.
Pharmacy technicians are on their feet for long stretches. They may have to lift and move heavy objects.
Pharmacy technicians need:
They should enjoy:
The minimum education requirement for pharmacy technicians is a certificate or diploma from a training 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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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 and Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Profession Regulation, registration with the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public. Registered members, who are authorized by the College, provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Technologists, Dispensary Technicians or Dispensary Technologists.
Registration requires: (1) a certificate or diploma from a training program approved by the Council of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, (2) successful completion of a structured practical training program for pharmacy technicians, and (3) successful completion of examinations approved by the Council. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact ACP or visit the ACP website.
Pharmacy technicians who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered pharmacy technicians in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
Alberta College of Pharmacists
1100, 8215 - 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6G 2C8
Phone number: 780-990-0321
Toll-free phone number: 1-877-227-3838
Fax number: 780-990-0328
Website: www.pharmacists.ab.ca
Most pharmacy technicians are employed in community pharmacies or hospital or medical centre pharmacies. Some are employed by health insurance companies, third party billing centres (for example, Alberta Blue Cross) or related organizations such as pharmaceutical companies, drug wholesalers and pharmacy supply companies.
Most pharmacy technicians find placements in neighbourhood pharmacies, hospitals, or medical centres. They can also work for:
Depending on the size and nature of the organization, experienced pharmacy technicians may advance to supervisory positions.
Pharmacy technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health). In Alberta, 95% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
According to the Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA), there are about 1,450 practising pharmacy technicians in the province (2019 estimate).
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the D313: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 246 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $34.23 | $24.08 | $25.10 |
| Overall | $17.63 | $44.71 | $31.35 | $35.23 |
| Top | $24.00 | $59.29 | $36.26 | $37.38 |
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* 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.
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.
| Public Administration | $73,863 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $68,918 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,641 |
| Retail Trade | $38,241 |
Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) website: abpharmacy.ca
The Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) website: ccapp-accredit.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) website: www.pebc.ca
Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA) website: ptsa.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.