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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:
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 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:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 32 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and May 26, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products | 30 |
|---|---|
| Ensure the information on prescriptions is accurate, enter client information in databases and prepare medications for clients | 30 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 26 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 24 |
| Compound oral solutions, ointments and creams | 24 |
| Bill third party insurers | 24 |
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 18 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 17 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 14 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 12 |
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.
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.
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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pharmacy Technician.
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 3219: Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health) occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 96 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.
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 | $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 |
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
| 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
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
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.