Pharmacies in every setting — community, hospital, retail and long-term care — are looking for licensed Pharmacy Technicians to help raise the overall quality of patient care they can deliver.
If you’re reading this article, it is likely that you are an international student looking for Pharmacy Technician course in Canada for international students.
If you are, then this article is precisely what you need to walk you through the best pharmacy technician colleges in Canada and the programs they run.
What’s more, we will fill you in on vital tit-bits of information about the cost, duration, and admission requirements for international students studying pharmacy technician courses in Canada.
But first things first, we begin this tour by acquainting you with something basic: who a pharmacy technician is.
Who Is A Pharmacy Technician?
A Pharmacy technician is regulated. A medical professional who works collaboratively with pharmacists to aid patients and make sure they get the best care.
The Pharmacy Technician promotes wellness and manages chronic diseases by processing the prescription medications that clients depend on safely and accurately.
It is important to note that there is a very large difference between Pharmacy Assistants and Pharmacy Technicians.
Pharmacy Assisting is an unregulated profession; Pharmacy Assistants cannot perform many of the duties performed by Pharmacy Technicians, and hourly wages for Pharmacy Assistants are usually much less.
Why Become A Pharmacy Technician In Canada?
The need for Pharmacy Technicians around the globe has increased exponentially with the significant growth in the medical field and the increased number of patients in hospitals.
Countries such as Canada, which will constitute our primal focus in this article, are not left out in this growing demand for Pharmacy Technicians.
In the year 2014,15% of Canada’s population was over 65 years old and according to StatsCan, there is an expected increase to 24% over the next twenty.
This trend towards higher average age in Canada will interpret in a higher demand for all healthcare professionals.
In particular, Pharmacy Technicians are projected to be the highest-demand career.
Pharmacy Technicians in Canada will not benefit only from increased demand for all healthcare professionals but also from the shortage of pharmacy technicians. This gives them a two-way demand.
For example, in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, there are, currently, only 3,000 registered pharmacy technicians – compare this to the 10,000 potential jobs (on average, 2.5 Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario are required per pharmacy and there are 4,000 pharmacies in Ontario).
With these two-way increases in demand for Pharmacy Technicians, there will not just be the availability of jobs for international students who have completed their study programs, a dearth of Pharmacy Technicians in Canada could also mean increased pay.
According to a survey by Payscale, pharmacy technicians in Canada have a range of salaries between about CAN$10.00 and CAN$17.00 an hour.
There may be some regional variance. The highest range was reported for Alberta ($13.88 to $16.74). Nova Scotia had the lowest reported wages, ranging from $10.12 to $12.41.
However, actual salaries depend on your experience and education and may in fact range higher for technicians who have met the new standards.
Continuous job growth is expected for medical professionals in this field into 2025 and beyond. The median salary for Pharmacy Technicians in 2020 was a whopping sum of $60,000 per year.
17 Best Colleges To Study Pharmacy Technician Course In Canada for International Students
Here is a list of the 17 Best Colleges to study Pharmacy Technician course in Canada for international students.
The list has been compiled to show Pharmacy Technician Course fees, the duration of Pharmacy Technician courses in different schools, the school location, the credential awarded and other vital snippets of information.
1. Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology is one of Canada’s foremost colleges. It offers a Pharmacy Technician program in Toronto.
Her Pharmacy Technician program offers a dynamic curriculum based on the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) competencies.
The learner-centered environment at Centennial college will aid you in your Pharmacy diploma program to gain the scope of skills needed for the profession.
Credential awarded
- College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Toronto, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years/ 4 semesters
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.0 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $30,547
Admission/entry requirement into Centennial College, Canada.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older).
English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required), Mathematics Grade 11 M or U, or 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the College CAAT D Math Skills Assessment for Admission, Senior Biology Grade 11 C or U or Grade 12 C or U or equivalent (minimum grade required), Senior Chemistry Grade 11 C or U or Grade 12 C or U or equivalent (minimum grade required).
IELTS: 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. TOEFL: 550 Paper-based 80+ minimums of 20 for the Internet-based test.
2. Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Sheridan College is an award-winning institution that tracts students from across Canada and around the world.
She was founded in 1967, Sheridan has grown from a local college of 400 students to one of Ontario’s leading postsecondary institutions, educating approximately 22,500 full-time and 18,500 continuing and part-time studies students every year.
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Brampton, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $36,139
Admission requirement for Pharmacy Technician course in Sheridan College
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U), One Mathematics, Grade 12 (C or U) with a minimum of 70% Biology, Grade 11 (C or U)
Chemistry, Grade 12 (C or U) or Chemistry, Grade 11 (U)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)- 80 (20L, W, S, R) iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) or 550 Paper-based. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Module– 6- Overall Band Score with no Band below 5.5. PTE A (Pearson Test of English Academic)- 58– Overall Minimum Score (49L,W,S,R).
3. Fleming College
Established in 1967, Fleming College offers a true learning experience, both in and out of the classroom.
Their classes are relatively small to engender the creation of bonds between teachers and students, and all also amongst the students themselves.
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Peterborough, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 4 semesters
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.0 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD 58,740
Admission requirement for Pharmacy technician course in Fleming college:
Diploma Programs
Scanned original, certified/notarized, secondary school graduation transcripts (please include scratch card information if submitting from WAEC region).
All documents must be translated into English (where applicable) by an official notary or approved educational resource.
Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL 80 with no score less than 20
Paper-based (PBT) TOEFL 550
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
4. Georgian College
Established in 1967, Georgian College has been delivering high-quality practical education for over 50 years.
Georgian College is one of Canada’s highest-ranking Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology.
The college offers courses and qualifications at many levels, from apprenticeship training to college diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate certificates.
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Barrie, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years/ 4 semesters
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $ 34,015
Admission requirements for the Pharmacy Technician course at Georgian college
Secondary or high school transcripts with proof of graduation subjects taken, and grades received.
Math and English credits are required at the Grade 12 level.
OSSD or equivalent with:
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)
Language Proficiency Requirement:
The Pharmacy Technician Program is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP).
You must meet ONE of the following requirements to be eligible for admission to these programs:
Secondary school applicants: OSS Curriculum: OSSD or equivalent with Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U), plus Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP4C or MCT4C), or any Grade 12 University Math, plus Grade 11 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U, SBI4U), plus Grade 12 College Chemistry or Grade 11 or 12 University Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C, SCH4U)
TOEFL Internet-based test (IBT) – 79
TOEFL Paper-based test – 550
IELTS Academic only – 6.0
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) – 76
5. Niagara College
Niagara was founded Welland in 1967 and is located in the Heart of the Niagara Region just minutes from one of the world’s most popular tourist sites.
Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs. Its state-of-the-art campuses are located in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Credential awarded
- Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years/ 4 semesters
Location
- Hamilton, Canada
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $28,100
Admission requirement for Pharmacy Technician course at Niagara college:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required courses:
English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)
Chemistry – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the specific National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA 2009) Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada.
These requirements are as follows: IELTS Overall Band 6.5, TOEFL iBT 91, MELAB 81.
6. Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
Located in Toronto, Mohawk College is fully accredited and funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.
And it is a member of the Association of Community Colleges of Canada (ACCC).
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Toronto, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $ 31,932
Admission requirement for Pharmacy Technician into Mohawk college
TOEFL ibt minimum score of 91 ( Writing – 25, Speaking – 25, Listening – 21, Reading – 22 )
or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.5 ( Writing – 6, Speaking – 6 Listening – 6, Reading – 6 )
To be excused from this requirement, applicants must provide proof of:
Graduation from a high school in Canada, with at least three years (no less) consecutive full-time instruction in English
Or you must be these other requirements: An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English
OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
Grade 12 English, C or U level
Grade 11 Mathematics, minimum C level (M or U level recommended)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry
Grade 11 or 12 Biology
Fluency requirements must be met for applicants where English is their second language.
7. St.Clair College
St. Clair College has been around for over 50 years currently, and the college offers over 100 courses of which the Pharmacy Technician course is among.
The college is a Canadian public community college that delivers teaching excellence and is applied to learning in state-of-the-art facilities.
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Ottawa, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.0 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $ 30,293
Admission requirement:
Canada & USA: High school diploma and Grade 12 transcript, or equivalent.
British education system: General Certificate of Education showing passes in six (6) academic subjects (including English) at the Ordinary level.
Caribbean countries (English): High school diploma and transcript, or equivalent.
West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, etc.): WAEC (or NECO) transcript with online verifying scratch card number and PIN required.
South Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, etc.): High school diploma and Grade 12 transcript. IELTS 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Level 51, or TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 500, or internet-based test (iBT) score of 61, or computer-based test (CBT) score of 173.
India: High school diploma and Grade 12 transcript. IELTS 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Level 51, proficiency tests must have been taken within the previous two years from the date of submitting an application.
Other regions (English proficiency test required)
High school diploma/graduation certificate and transcript or equivalent in original language and English translation.
English proficiency requirement: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS (overall band) 5.5, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Level 51
8. Fanshawe College
One of Ontario’s largest colleges, Fanshaw college currently has 21,000 full-time, including 6,500 international students from 100 different countries making it gain an easy spot on our lists.
What is more is that Fanshawe college gives CAD $ 5 million to students who merit their scholarships
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- London, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 60 weeks
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $28,934
Admission requirement
OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U),
University/College (M), or Open (O) stream WITH:
– Any Grade 12 English (C) or (U)
– Mathematics ONE OF:
– Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)
– Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U)
– Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
– Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
(Note: minimum final grade required for each course is 65)
OR
Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) WITH:
– Communications
– Core Mathematics
– Chemistry
– Biology
(Note: minimum final grade required for each course is 65)
OR
General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate AND:
– the minimum final grade of ‘C+’ or 65 in the required courses stated above
OR
Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) WITH:
– The combined Language Arts – Reading AND Language Arts – Writing test results have a minimum average Standard Score of 520 AND:
– Mathematics ONE OF:
– Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)
– Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U)
– Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
– Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
(Note: minimum final grade required for each course is 65)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 577 for the paper-based test (PBT), or 91 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years, IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in any of the four bands.
9. Lambton College
Lambton College is globally renowned as a higher education provider for Canadian and overseas students for more than 50 years.
Originally founded in 1966, the college is the second oldest public college in Ontario
They offer an exceptional line-up of certificate, diploma, and postgraduate programs with co-op (internship) work integration.
Credential awarded
- Ontario College Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Sarnia, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $27,347
Admission requirement:
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60% in the following:
Grade 12 English C or U
Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics C or U
Grade 11 or 12 Biology C or U
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
Admission into a CCAPP-accredited Pharmacy Technician program should be limited to candidates who provide documentation of one of the following as evidence of language proficiency: a. Language proficiency test results that meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada, or b. Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits, or c. Graduation from a College d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive first-language English or French courses/credits, or d.
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English or French.
IELTS (International English Language Testing Score) overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, Language proficiency test results that meet the NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada, Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits, Graduation from a Collège d’enseignment général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with three consecutive, first language English or French courses/credits, An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada whose instruction was provided in English or French
10. Nova Scotia Community College
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) offers more than 130 programs and hundreds of courses to nearly 20,000 students each year. They offer a Pharmacy technician course as well.
Credential awarded
- Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Dartmouth, Canada
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Entry score
- 6.0 IELTS
Total course fee:
- CAD $22,700
Admission requirement
School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Grade 12 Academic English, Chemistry, and Biology.
A minimum mark of 75% in Grade 12 Academic Mathematics. High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country.
IELTS: minimum score of 6.0 on each test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
TOEFL IBT:80, TOEFL PBT: 550
11. Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology provides innovative pathways to quality high school, post-secondary education, and apprenticeship training in partnership with industry and the communities.
Credential awarded
- Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Winnipeg, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5 IELTS
Total course fee
- CAD $37,300
Admission requirement:
Applicants must have a Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion 45 days prior to the program start date), or equivalent, including:
Senior Level Math or equivalent,
Senior Level Biology or equivalent,
Senior Level Chemistry or equivalent, and
Senior Level English Language Arts or equivalent.
A minimum equivalent grade of no less than 60% is required in each of these senior-level courses.
IELTS:6.5
TOEFL iBT: 91(Speaking – 23, Writing – 25, Reading – 22, Listening – 21)
12. Red Deer Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic has a variety of different programs. For the international students of pharmacy technician course, Red Deer’s program is designed to challenge and prepare students for their future.
Program credential options include certificates, diplomas, university transfers, and degrees and their length ranges from several months to four years, depending on the area of study.
The pharmacy technician program here receives a diploma.
Credential awarded
- Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Red Deer, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 7.0
Total course fee
- CAD $33,034
Admission requirement
Submit your official documents to RDC by the document deadlines per the chart at the top of the page. Documents should include Secondary school transcripts, Post-secondary school transcripts. IELTS – 6.5 with at least 6.0 on each band score. TOEFL (overall score) – 91 iBT
577 PBT.
13. Okanagan College
Located in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Okanagan College offers post-secondary education.
It offers more than 120 programs in a wide range of areas of study such as business, health and social development, and technologies. In this regard, they offer a Pharmacy technician program.
Credential awarded
- Certificate in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Vancouver, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5
Total course fee
- CAD $7,220
Admission requirement
British Columbia school graduation or equivalent (Adult Graduate Diploma).
For applicants whose first language is English: English 12 with a minimum of 60% or alternatives.
For applicants whose first language is not English:
Language proficiency test results that meet the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Language Proficiency Requirements
A TOEFL score of at least 91 (Internet-based), or
an overall band score of 6.5 on the academic version of IELTS
TOEFL paper score – 550
14. Bow Valley College
Established in 1965, Bow Valley College has been a student-centered community college helping learners achieve their academic and career goals.
It offers affordable education with a graduate employment rate of 88 percent.
The college currently has over 2000 international students.
Credential awarded
Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
- Calgary, Canada
Program Length (duration)
- 2 years
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5
Total course fee
- CAD $29,262
Admission requirement
High School Diploma or equivalent
Minimum 60% in English 30-1 or 70% in English 30-2 or equivalent
Minimum 60% in:
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or equivalent
Biology 30 or equivalent
Chemistry 30 or equivalent
IELTS Academic* 6.5 with a minimum band score of 6.0.
TOEFL – 91 with minimum scores, Listening – 21, Reading – 22, Writing – 25, and Speaking -23.
15. NorQuest College
Credential awarded
- Pharmacy Technician Diploma
Location
- Calgary, Canada
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.5
Total course fee
- CAD $39,053
Admission requirement:
Language Arts: this requirement can be met with any of the following, or an equivalent course:
60% in English Language Arts 30-1
70% in English Language Arts 30-2
60% in ESLG 1860
70% in ESLG 1898
Mathematics: This requirement can be met with any of the following, or an equivalent course:
60% in Mathematics 30-1
60% in Mathematics 30-2
Biology: This requirement can be met with the following, or an equivalent course:
60% in Biology 30
Chemistry: this requirement can be met with the following, or an equivalent course:
60% in Chemistry 30
high school diploma, general education diploma (GED), or equivalent
successful completion of NorQuest College’s Pharmacy Technician diploma arithmetic assessment*
IELTS Academic: 6.5, no section score below 6
TOEFL iBT: 91, no score below 21 in listening, 23 in speaking, 22 in reading, 25 in writing
MELAB: 81, no score below 80 in listening, 3+ in speaking, 83 in reading, 80 in writing
CanTEST: no score below 4.5 in listening, 4.5 in speaking, 4.5 in reading, 4 in writing
16. New Brunswick Community College
Established in the 1970s, the college offers various full-time, specialized programs, graduate, online and part-time programs in a wide range of subject areas.
They offer Pharmacy Technician courses to both foreign and local students. Currently, they have hundreds of international students.
Credential awarded
Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Location
Saint John, Canada
Course qualification
Bachelor Degree
Entry score
6.0
Total course fee
CAD $18,936
Admission requirement:
High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
Foundations of Mathematics 110
or
Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112
Biology 112 or 122
Chemistry 112 or 122
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic test only – Minimum score of 6.0 with no subject test score less than 5.5.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Minimum score of 80 with no subject test less than 18 (iBT Test)
17. Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program prepares graduates for various careers in pharmacy including community, hospital, industry and long-term care settings.
Enjoy hands-on learning in simulated labs with low student/teacher ratios and expert faculty who are active in the pharmacy profession.
In addition, learn from guest speakers who are pharmaceutical industry experts.
Credential awarded
- Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
Program length
- 4 semesters
Course qualification
- Bachelor Degree
Entry score
- 6.0 IELTS
Total course fee
CAD $32, 788
Admission requirement
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent). Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent).
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent). Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent).
A minimum TOEFL score of 550 for paper-based tests or 80 (20L, 20W, 20S, 20R) for internet-based tests or IELTS with an overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5.
Having seen this list of programs with all the rudimentary information you need, my guess is, you must have made your pick!
If you have, then kudos to you!
Don’t forget to check our other articles about pharmacy-related courses. What are your thoughts about the pharmacy technician course in Canada for international students listed above? Please leave a comment below.