ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Mature Student Status
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative
• Two letters of reference
• Resume
• Criminal Record Check

CURRICULUM

• Pharmaceutical Fundamentals
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Computer Application
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Community Retail Pharmacy
• Compounding Lab
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Introduction to Pharmacy
• Computer Applications
• Professional Skills
• Field Training

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Retail Pharmacy
• Government Medical Plan Offices
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Rehabilitation Clinics
• Drug Representative
• Pharmacy Software Vendors
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Clinical Research

Class Hours

Classes are Monday to Thursday of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum within a community or hospital environment.

The students have a Winter, Spring and Summer break, and statutory holidays. Class may also be held off campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below our attendance rate or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Hands-on equipment; i.e. diabetic pens/blood testing, blood pressure gauges, mortars, etc.
• Compounding materials in the Health Sciences Lab under the close direction of the Instructor
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry,
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Students practice the filling of medications from copies of prescriptions
• Participate in seminars and field visits
• Specialized training in Kroll.
• Licensed Pharmacist to instruct students for specialized modules.

Pharmaceutical Fundamentals

This course begins with an overview of medical terminology. It then focuses upon the language used in the pharmacy, including Latin abbreviations and terms and the appropriate use of medical terminology. Drug forms, dosages, dose calculation, drug names, drug line labeling and auxiliary labeling will be discussed.  Routes, timing of drug administration and interactions of drugs are thoroughly explained. This course introduces basic concepts in dispensing prescriptions: interpreting the prescription; translating Latin abbreviations; calculating the quantity from the directions for patient use; typing labels; pricing; maintaining accurate patient profiles, including all record keeping required by legislation. The advantages and disadvantages of various dosage forms including factors that influence stability, storage and administration of drugs will be included. The ability to choose the correct product for prescriptions commonly encountered in community dispensing will be practiced. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the CPS, auxiliary labels and assigned textbooks.

Pharmacology

This course provides an introduction to general principles of pharmacology. It includes an overview of body systems that will enhance the understanding of drug actions. An emphasis is placed on learning brand and generic drug names used in common medical conditions. Common drug interactions and side effects are included. In this course the student will be introduced to the effects of drugs on the human body.

Pharmacy Computer Applications

This course covers basic prescription processing skills, with emphasis placed on literacy training in Kroll. This course is a hand's on introduction to a patient management pharmacy software system. Using community pharmacy software, the student will be familiarized with entry and filling prescriptions for patients in a retail setting, a group home and the community. Students will product select generic manufacturers for prescriptions according to Nova Scotia legislation using the Nova Scotia Formulary.

Hospital Pharmacy

This course will introduce the student to the organization of hospitals, the functions and services of the hospital pharmacy, the role of the hospital pharmacy technician, the director of pharmacy and pharmacists. Practical experience in methods of drug distribution in institutions will be encountered. Emphasis will be placed on manual and computerized orders, traditional drug distribution systems, unit dose, patient profiling, and associated record keeping. Pharmacy services including purchasing and inventory control. Students will also gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of microbiology and the importance of infection control in the health care setting. The student will expand on practical experience in methods of drug distribution for in-patients and out-patients of institutions.

Community Retail Pharmacy

This course offers an overview of community pharmacy operations. This module will outline the roles and responsibilities of staff and the community pharmacy itself.  Particular attention is paid to third party billing and the management of dispensary receivables. The course will include: consumer behaviour, retail marketing factors, retail location, retail image, store design and layout, retail product assortment, retail pricing and promotion, customer service and loyalty, handling customer complaints. Inventory management techniques such as inventory levels and pricing are within the course material. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the CPS, auxiliary labels and assigned textbooks. In addition students will be using pharmacy computer software and perform some basic functions such as inventory, prescription filling, and labelling.

Compounding Lab

This module will cover compounding of non-sterile drug products and the aseptic techniques that are necessary in preparing individual patient medications. This module reviews all aspects of compounding function. The correct preparation of various mixtures, creams, ointments, solutions, suspensions, aseptic techniques and intravenous admixtures will be emphasized. This will prepare students for the work place. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and the preparation of a pharmaceutically elegant product.

Anatomy and Physiology

This module is designed to introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology as it directly relates to pharmacology. Structure and function of the human body will be discussed to provide a background, which will enable the student to understand the basic concepts of health and of disease processes. Basic anatomical concepts and terminology; cells and tissues the skeletal system and the muscular system are covered within this module. This module is designed to introduce students to the structure and functions of the human body so that this information can be directly applied within their new professional career. The student will also be introduced to the pharmacological classifications of drugs and their use in the treatment of various disease states of the ANS, cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

Pharmaceutical Calculations

Beginning with number systems, decimals, and fractions, the fundamentals of pharmaceutical math concepts are used to perform calculations. Emphasis is on the metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada. Also included are ratios and proportions, dilutions and concentrations, percentage strengths, milliequivalents, and conversions among systems such as Apothecary, Avoirdupois and household measurements. This course includes all pharmaceutical calculations and concentrates on pharmaceutical calculations encountered in institutional settings and some specialized community pharmacies

Introduction to Pharmacy

This module outlines both the regulatory federal and provincial laws governing the dispensing of pharmaceuticals and the roles and functions of the pharmacist will be reviewed as will the context of practice for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician. Students will be introduced to a number of ethical issues of both the pharmacist and pharmacy technician and an overview of the functions of the College of Pharmacists in regulation of their practice will be covered. There will be exposure to a combination of classic ethics literature and contemporary ethics literature in health care. Students will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

Computer Applications

This module is designed for the person who is new to the personal computer. It includes an examination of computer hardware and a discussion on computer viruses. The Windows environment is examined as well as basic word processing. Students will be able to develop a better understanding of information technology; its applications and software. Basic keyboarding and speed development will also be discussed. 30 wpm with 95% accuracy is required in order to graduate. Students will be expected to practice throughout the whole program and will be tested periodically.

Professional Skills

This module will introduce students to the basics of becoming a professional in the field of pharmacy technology.  Many different aspects are covered in order to allow students the opportunity to begin the process of learning employer ready skills that will be necessary to obtain employment.  Students will cover retail and merchandising (including inventory, cash flow, profit margins), current trends and issues facing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; the complementary roles of the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician in providing pharmaceutical care and other pharmacy services.

Field Training

Students must have received a passing grade in all theory modules in order to qualify for field training. Field training is mandatory for diploma completion.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Mature Student Status
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative
• Two letters of reference
• Resume
• Criminal Record Check

CURRICULUM

• Pharmaceutical Fundamentals
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Computer Application
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Community Retail Pharmacy
• Compounding Lab
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Introduction to Pharmacy
• Computer Applications
• Professional Skills
• Field Training

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Retail Pharmacy
• Government Medical Plan Offices
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Rehabilitation Clinics
• Drug Representative
• Pharmacy Software Vendors
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Clinical Research

Class Hours

Classes are Monday to Thursday of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum within a community or hospital environment.

The students have a Winter, Spring and Summer break, and statutory holidays. Class may also be held off campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below our attendance rate or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Hands-on equipment; i.e. diabetic pens/blood testing, blood pressure gauges, mortars, etc.
• Compounding materials in the Health Sciences Lab under the close direction of the Instructor
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry,
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Students practice the filling of medications from copies of prescriptions
• Participate in seminars and field visits
• Specialized training in Kroll.
• Licensed Pharmacist to instruct students for specialized modules.

Pharmaceutical Fundamentals

This course begins with an overview of medical terminology. It then focuses upon the language used in the pharmacy, including Latin abbreviations and terms and the appropriate use of medical terminology. Drug forms, dosages, dose calculation, drug names, drug line labeling and auxiliary labeling will be discussed.  Routes, timing of drug administration and interactions of drugs are thoroughly explained. This course introduces basic concepts in dispensing prescriptions: interpreting the prescription; translating Latin abbreviations; calculating the quantity from the directions for patient use; typing labels; pricing; maintaining accurate patient profiles, including all record keeping required by legislation. The advantages and disadvantages of various dosage forms including factors that influence stability, storage and administration of drugs will be included. The ability to choose the correct product for prescriptions commonly encountered in community dispensing will be practiced. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the CPS, auxiliary labels and assigned textbooks.

Pharmacology

This course provides an introduction to general principles of pharmacology. It includes an overview of body systems that will enhance the understanding of drug actions. An emphasis is placed on learning brand and generic drug names used in common medical conditions. Common drug interactions and side effects are included. In this course the student will be introduced to the effects of drugs on the human body.

Pharmacy Computer Applications

This course covers basic prescription processing skills, with emphasis placed on literacy training in Kroll. This course is a hand's on introduction to a patient management pharmacy software system. Using community pharmacy software, the student will be familiarized with entry and filling prescriptions for patients in a retail setting, a group home and the community. Students will product select generic manufacturers for prescriptions according to Nova Scotia legislation using the Nova Scotia Formulary.

Hospital Pharmacy

This course will introduce the student to the organization of hospitals, the functions and services of the hospital pharmacy, the role of the hospital pharmacy technician, the director of pharmacy and pharmacists. Practical experience in methods of drug distribution in institutions will be encountered. Emphasis will be placed on manual and computerized orders, traditional drug distribution systems, unit dose, patient profiling, and associated record keeping. Pharmacy services including purchasing and inventory control. Students will also gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of microbiology and the importance of infection control in the health care setting. The student will expand on practical experience in methods of drug distribution for in-patients and out-patients of institutions.

Community Retail Pharmacy

This course offers an overview of community pharmacy operations. This module will outline the roles and responsibilities of staff and the community pharmacy itself.  Particular attention is paid to third party billing and the management of dispensary receivables. The course will include: consumer behaviour, retail marketing factors, retail location, retail image, store design and layout, retail product assortment, retail pricing and promotion, customer service and loyalty, handling customer complaints. Inventory management techniques such as inventory levels and pricing are within the course material. Emphasis will be placed on the use of the CPS, auxiliary labels and assigned textbooks. In addition students will be using pharmacy computer software and perform some basic functions such as inventory, prescription filling, and labelling.

Compounding Lab

This module will cover compounding of non-sterile drug products and the aseptic techniques that are necessary in preparing individual patient medications. This module reviews all aspects of compounding function. The correct preparation of various mixtures, creams, ointments, solutions, suspensions, aseptic techniques and intravenous admixtures will be emphasized. This will prepare students for the work place. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and the preparation of a pharmaceutically elegant product.

Anatomy and Physiology

This module is designed to introduce the student to the basics of anatomy and physiology as it directly relates to pharmacology. Structure and function of the human body will be discussed to provide a background, which will enable the student to understand the basic concepts of health and of disease processes. Basic anatomical concepts and terminology; cells and tissues the skeletal system and the muscular system are covered within this module. This module is designed to introduce students to the structure and functions of the human body so that this information can be directly applied within their new professional career. The student will also be introduced to the pharmacological classifications of drugs and their use in the treatment of various disease states of the ANS, cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

Pharmaceutical Calculations

Beginning with number systems, decimals, and fractions, the fundamentals of pharmaceutical math concepts are used to perform calculations. Emphasis is on the metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada. Also included are ratios and proportions, dilutions and concentrations, percentage strengths, milliequivalents, and conversions among systems such as Apothecary, Avoirdupois and household measurements. This course includes all pharmaceutical calculations and concentrates on pharmaceutical calculations encountered in institutional settings and some specialized community pharmacies

Introduction to Pharmacy

This module outlines both the regulatory federal and provincial laws governing the dispensing of pharmaceuticals and the roles and functions of the pharmacist will be reviewed as will the context of practice for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician. Students will be introduced to a number of ethical issues of both the pharmacist and pharmacy technician and an overview of the functions of the College of Pharmacists in regulation of their practice will be covered. There will be exposure to a combination of classic ethics literature and contemporary ethics literature in health care. Students will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

Computer Applications

This module is designed for the person who is new to the personal computer. It includes an examination of computer hardware and a discussion on computer viruses. The Windows environment is examined as well as basic word processing. Students will be able to develop a better understanding of information technology; its applications and software. Basic keyboarding and speed development will also be discussed. 30 wpm with 95% accuracy is required in order to graduate. Students will be expected to practice throughout the whole program and will be tested periodically.

Professional Skills

This module will introduce students to the basics of becoming a professional in the field of pharmacy technology.  Many different aspects are covered in order to allow students the opportunity to begin the process of learning employer ready skills that will be necessary to obtain employment.  Students will cover retail and merchandising (including inventory, cash flow, profit margins), current trends and issues facing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; the complementary roles of the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician in providing pharmaceutical care and other pharmacy services.

Field Training

Students must have received a passing grade in all theory modules in order to qualify for field training. Field training is mandatory for diploma completion.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.