Pharmacy Technician

On January 1, 2014, the new Pharmaceutical Act along with its accompanying Pharmaceutical Regulation, came into effect in Manitoba. As of January 1, 2014, in order to practice as a pharmacy technician in Manitoba, you must attain the qualifications listed in the regulations and be listed with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba.

A Pharmacy Technician’s Scope of Practice focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the technical aspects of prescription and patient information, and of product and drug distribution. Pharmacy technicians collaborate with pharmacists and other health care providers in providing optimal care to their patients.

While all pharmacy technician applicants must meet the same competencies, there are essentially two pathways to registration.

The process to becoming a pharmacy technician in Manitoba may differ based on the individual’s current qualifications and experience.

Training & Education Routes

Links to Sites

Pharmacy Technician

In modern pharmacy practice, the pharmacy technician’s role is essential to meeting the ever-increasing demands for health care efficiency and improved patient experience. Today, pharmacy technicians are entrusted with assisting in preparing medications, collecting medical histories, and educating patients – all of which allow the pharmacist more time to focus on patient care.

Since 1987, the MITT Pharmacy Technician Program has prepared students to work collaboratively and competently with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The diploma program curriculum – designed by specialized pharmacy experts to reflect the current scope of practice, as well as emerging healthcare trends and technologies – focuses on the core competencies of everyday pharmacy technician practice. It also aligns with the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) Accreditation Standards for Canadian Pharmacy Technician Programs. Through innovative curriculum and high-impact simulated learning experiences, students are prepared for career success in today’s ever-changing pharmacy environment.

Strong math skills are an absolute must for pharmacy technicians, which is why this program emphasizes a zero tolerance for math errors. An essential part of the job involves performing calculations to determine dosages and quantities to prepare and dispense medications.

In discussion with CCAPP, MITT anticipates CCAPP will award the new Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program Provisional Accreditation upon review of the program in May 2020. Provisional Accreditation is the category of accreditation granted to new program initiatives. Graduates from a school designated as having Provisional Accreditation will be deemed by CCAPP to be graduates of an accredited program and will be eligible to write the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada’s Qualifying Exam. The MITT Pharmacy Technician Program has qualified for accreditation since 2010. The program curriculum aligns with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice and the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association (CPTEA) Educational Outcomes for Pharmacy Technician Programs in Canada. This program qualifies students to write the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exam. With a PEBC Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Qualification, graduates of this program may pursue listing with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba.

Contact Information:
Colleen Little- Academic Coordinator
Phone: 204-989-7739
Website: www.mitt.ca