Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician program at the College of the North Atlantic prepares students to become vital members of the healthcare team, supporting pharmacists and patients in both community and hospital settings. As the role of pharmacy technicians has grown—particularly following the global pandemic—these professionals now contribute directly to clinical decision-making by gathering patient information and ensuring safe, accurate preparation of medications. The program reflects this evolving scope of practice, offering a strong foundation in communication, ethical responsibilities, and professionalism to prepare students for patient-centered care across a range of pharmacy environments.

Over two years, students receive technical training in essential skills such as prescription assessment, sterile and non-sterile compounding, injection preparation, inventory management, and the use of pharmacy computer systems. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, precision, and safety in all aspects of medication handling and distribution. Through simulated labs and real-world learning, students gain the confidence and competence needed to support health outcomes, work collaboratively within interprofessional teams, and contribute to innovative pharmaceutical practices, including roles in manufacturing and critical care settings.

Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Interact professionally and ethically with patients to establish positive working relationships that promote health outcomes.
• Collect patient information to establish accurate medication records used to inform clinical decision making.
• Educate patients regarding medication information and the effective use of medication devices.
• Increase accessibility of medications to patients through transfers between pharmacies and navigation of billing issues.
• Verify dispensed medications to ensure accuracy and safety for patients.