Get the Skills to Become a Pharmacy Technician Professional

7 Month* Hands-On Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Campus
Victoria or Nanaimo
Length
7 Months
Education Level
Diploma
Work Experience
Externship

Supportive Training That Fits Your Life

Built for those ready to launch a career in pharmacy, the Pharmacy Technician program at ER College equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for entry-level employment in retail, community, and hospital pharmacy settings. Graduates are prepared to confidently assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications and supporting patient care.

Students receive hands-on training in key pharmacy operations, including prescription interpretation, medication preparation and dispensing, pharmaceutical calculations, inventory management, and insurance claim processing. They also learn about drug classifications, dosage forms, routes of administration, over-the-counter treatments, and essential safety and infection control practices.

Designed with employability in mind, the program has a strong emphasis on professionalism, workplace success habits, and practical computer and keyboard skills. An integrated experiential component provides real-world pharmacy experience, helping students develop the confidence and competence needed to thrive as valued members of the healthcare team.

Gain the Skills for Success as a Pharmacy Technician

Rather than focusing only on pharmacy theory, the Pharmacy Technician program at ER College is designed to prepare learners for the day-to-day realities of pharmacy practice. By combining foundational pharmaceutical knowledge with hands-on training, students develop practical skills in medication preparation, pharmacy operations, and customer service used in real retail and hospital pharmacy settings. The result is preparation for entry-level employment, professional growth, and long-term opportunity within retail, hospital, and healthcare pharmacy environments.

You Will Learn

Pharmacy Fundamentals: Drug classifications, dosage forms, routes of administration, pharmacology, and medication safety practices
Prescription Processing: Interpreting and processing prescriptions, pharmaceutical calculations, and preparing medications accurately
Pharmacy Operations: Inventory management, pharmacy computer systems, insurance claims, and retail, community, and hospital pharmacy workflows
Professional Practices: Patient communication, ethics, safety and infection control, and professionalism in pharmacy settings

Our Learning Approach

  • Applied Learning Focus: Study pharmacy concepts as they are used in real pharmaceutical and healthcare environments
  • Practical Experience: Build skills through classroom and lab instruction with supervised, real-world practice during an externship
  • Career Readiness Emphasis: Develop employability skills, professionalism, and success habits alongside technical training
  • Instructor Guidance: Learn alongside experienced, approachable instructors

Key Program Objectives

  • Prepare for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician
  • Process prescriptions while supporting licensed pharmacists
  • Apply pharmacology and drug classification knowledge
  • Practice professionalism and patient communication

Is a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Right for You?

Take the ER College Pharmacy Technician Career Readiness Quiz
The fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

What Can You Do with a Pharmacy Technician Diploma?

Careers to Explore
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program are prepared for a range of entry-level positions supporting medication dispensing and pharmacy operations in healthcare settings.

With this diploma, you may find work opportunities in:
  • Retail pharmacies and drug stores
  • Hospital pharmacy departments
  • Outpatient care facilities
  • Mail-order and speciality pharmacies
High Demand for Medical Assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow about 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting ongoing demand for pharmacy support professionals**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.

Get Program Details

Click the button below to request details about our Pharmacy Technician Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Get Certified as a Pharmacy Technician & Stand Out to Employers

Graduate from ER College with your Pharmacy Technician Diploma and confidence in your next steps.

Our program is fully accredited by:
Allied counvil for program quality - Member Badge

Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities

ER College is committed to helping students access the financial support they need to begin their education with confidence. Our team works with students to explore a range of funding options, including scholarships, education benefits, and flexible payment solutions.

Federal Financial Aid

ER College's programs are eligible for Federal Financial Aid for qualifying students. This funding could include: 
 
  • Federal Pell Grants 
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
  • Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
  • Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students
  • Veteran's Affairs VA Training
  • Other Sources of Assistance and Institutional Loans

 

For more information about these options, view our Financial Aid Page.

Scholarship Opportunities

ER College supports students in exploring scholarship opportunities offered through industry organizations and partners. Available scholarships may vary by eligibility, award amount, and application requirements. Examples of scholarship opportunities include:

 

  • ER College Merit Scholarship: Up to $2,500 awarded to students demonstrating academic achievement and commitment to their field of study
  • Future Leaders Scholarship: A $1,500 scholarship for students who show outstanding leadership potential and community involvement
  • Career Starter Grant: Up to $1,000 for students entering high-demand career programs, based on financial need
  • Women in the Workforce Scholarship: A $2,000 scholarship supporting women pursuing career-focused education

Why Study Pharmacy Technician with ER College

1

Career Focused Training

Our programs are specifically designed to teach you skills that employers are seeking. Through our curriculum, our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared, and capable as you start a career.
2

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Your externship lets you apply your skills in an actual pharmacy setting. ER College arranges this placement for you, selecting a site close to your home for convenience and accessibility.
3

Personalized Support

At ER College, you're never just a number. Instructors and staff learn your goals, support your progress, and guide you step by step — from your first day of class through graduation.
4

Instructors with Real-World Experience

You will learn from instructors who have worked in the careers they teach. They bring industry insight and supportive guidance to help you understand how what you learn in the classroom connects to real-life scenarios.

Get Program Details

Click the button below to request details about our Pharmacy Technician Program including:
✓ Career Prospects
✓ Start Dates
✓ Tuition Costs
✓ Funding Options

Courses

  • 01
    PHT 2103 Anatomy and Pharmacology
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours
  • 02
    PHT 2206 Pharmacology
    48 Clock Hours, 3.5 Credit Hours
  • 03
    PHT 2215 Community and Hospital Pharmacies
    48 Clock Hours, 3.5 Credit Hours
  • 04
    PHT 3256 Pharmaceutical Compounding and Preparation
    48 Clock Hours, 3.5 Credit Hours
  • 05
    ANP 2105 Pharmacy Technology and Drug Administration
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours
  • 06
    PHT 2210 Pharmacy Technician Skills
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours
  • 07
    PHT 3205 Drug Classification
    48 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 08
    PHT 1105 Pharmacy Technician Ethics and Professionalism
    48 Clock Hours, 4.0 Credit Hours
  • 09
    PHT 2207 Pharmacy Practice & Lab Procedures
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours
  • 10
    PHT 2214 Non-Prescription Drugs and Treatments
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours 
  • 11
    PHT 2212 Serving Patients and Communication 
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours 
  • 12
    PHT 3125 Pharmaceutical Calculations
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours 
  • 13
    PHT 2270 Interpreting Prescriptions 
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours
  • 14
    PHT 3145 Pharmacy Practice and Operations 
    48 Clock Hours, 3.0 Credit Hours 
  • 15
    PHT 3125 Pharmaceutical PHT 4000 Pharmacy Technician Externship (84 Hours) 
    84 Clock Hours, 2.5 Credit Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting your career path at ER College is designed to be simple and supportive. The enrollment process begins by contacting the school to make an appointment with an Admissions Advisor. Our advisors provide personalized guidance to help you explore your interests and select the right program. ER College has a streamlined admissions process with frequent class start dates, ensuring a quick start to your education. Connect with Admissions

Start Your Application Today

The Pharmacy Technician program at ER College provides comprehensive, skills-based training for entry into the field. The curriculum covers essential subjects like Pharmaceutical Calculations, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, and Medical Terminology. A key focus is on developing practical skills in assisting in the preparation, compounding, and dispensing of medication, as well as the administrative side of pharmacy operations in both retail and hospital settings. The program aims to provide a strong foundation for a career assisting licensed pharmacists.

Explore Career Paths

ER College stands out for its student-centered learning environment. The school is committed to providing personalized support, ensuring every learner feels seen, valued, and never treated as just a number. From dedicated one-on-one advising to a warm, close-knit campus atmosphere, ER College creates a space where students, whether recent graduates, working adults, or those balancing family responsibilities, receive the guidance and attention they need to thrive in their career journey.

View Our Courses

For current tuition rates, fees, and detailed financial aid information, contact ER College's Financial Aid Office. We offer personalized assistance to help eligible students explore financial options, including federal and provincial programs. The Financial Aid team is dedicated to helping you determine your eligibility and navigate the process of funding your education.

Tour Our Campus

The curriculum includes hands-on learning through a required externship, allowing students to apply what they've learned in real pharmacy settings. During the externship, students gain practical and technical skills needed to assist in preparing, compounding, and dispensing medications. The program also emphasizes mastery of key responsibilities, including dosage calculations, inventory management, and the use of pharmacy software, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for both retail and institutional pharmacy environments.

Contact Financial Aid Office

What Our Graduates Say

I finally feel like I'm on a path that actually matters to me...
I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program after years of working retail, and it was the best decision I've ever made. The instructors don't just teach you the material, they genuinely want to see you succeed. I went from feeling stuck to being excited about my future. The hands-on training made me feel confident walking into my practicum, and I landed a job before I even graduated.
Read more
S
Sarah
I came here to learn to cook. I left with a whole new level of confidence...
The Culinary Arts program blew me away. The kitchen facilities are legit, and the chef instructors hold you to a professional standard from week one. What surprised me most was how much the staff cared about us outside of class too. They helped me with my resume, my interview skills, everything. I'm working at a restaurant downtown now and I love every shift.
Read more
T
Tyler
The staff here made me feel like I belonged from day one...
I was nervous about going back to school at 30, but everyone at ER College made it easy. My HVAC/R instructors brought real jobsite experience into the classroom and treated us like future colleagues, not just students. I'm now working full-time with a company that actually recruited through the school. I wish I'd done this years ago.
Read more
HA
Haylei August
ER College didn't just prepare me for a job, they prepared me for a career...
I graduated from the Business Management program in eight months and walked straight into an office coordinator role. The program covered real skills I use every day, not just textbook theory. My instructor still checks in on me, which says everything about the kind of people who work here.
Read more
J
Jasmine
This program gave me a career I'm genuinely proud of...
I chose Medical Billing and Coding because I wanted something stable, but I didn't expect to actually love it. The coursework was challenging and the instructors pushed me, but they were always available when I needed help. The small class sizes meant I never felt like just a number. I'm now working remotely for a clinic and I couldn't be happier.
Read more
P
Priya
I looked at a lot of schools before choosing ER College, and I'm so glad I did...
What set this place apart was how personal everything felt. In the Massage Therapy program, the instructors knew every student by name and adjusted their teaching to how each of us learned. The clinical hours gave me real confidence with real clients. I just passed my licensing exam on the first try and I'm already building my own client list.
Read more
D
Daniel

Is a Rewarding Career as a Pharmacy Technician Right For You?

If you’re interested in learning more about Pharmacy Technician careers and exploring whether ER College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable Admission Advisors are happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from courses to financial aid.
For immediate questions, call 

*When completed in normal program time
**Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm