The Pharmacy Technician Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students to support pharmacists and healthcare teams in hospitals, community pharmacies, and clinical environments. This nationally accredited program provides comprehensive training in prescription processing, medication preparation, pharmaceutical calculations, inventory management, and insurance claim processing.
Students gain hands-on experience in simulation labs that replicate real pharmacy environments. The program includes two mandatory practicum placements totaling 360 hours, providing real-world experience in both community and hospital pharmacy settings.
The program is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) and prepares graduates to pursue Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) status following successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification and Alberta College of Pharmacy registration requirements.
Graduates may also pursue transfer pathways to Bachelor-level programs in Health Sciences or Technology.
- Academic Requirement: Students must have: High School Diploma with minimum 60% in each of: • Biology • Chemistry • English • Mathematics OR Successful completion of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree. Indian Equivalent (for your system entry): 12th Science (Biology + Chemistry mandatory) with minimum 60% in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. Students must possess strong basic math calculation skills (fractions, percentages, ratios, conversions, dosage calculations).
- ELP Requirement: This program requires meeting NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for licensure in Canada. NAPRA IELTS Requirement: IELTS Academic: 7.0 in Reading, Listening & Speaking 6.5 in Writing RDP Health Program Requirement: IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band) Other Accepted Tests: Duolingo: 130 TOEFL iBT: 92 Oxford ELLT: 8 overall (7 each band) OET: B in Reading, Listening & Speaking, C+ in Writing
- Special Requirement: • Accredited by Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) until June 30, 2028 • Must meet NAPRA English Language Proficiency requirements for licensure • Two Practicum Placements: 160 hours Community Pharmacy 200 hours Hospital Pharmacy • Eligible to write Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exam • Alberta College of Pharmacy registration pathway • Strong math and dosage calculation skills required • Technology and typing skills required • Health program standards apply
- Application Fee: $150
- LOA Deposit: $1,500
- Annual Tuition Fee: $18,249
- Total Tuition Fee: $38,710
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: September 2026
Eligibility
□ 12th Science with Biology and Chemistry
□ Minimum 60% in Biology, Chemistry, Math and English
English Requirement
□ IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band)
OR accepted equivalent (Duolingo 130 / TOEFL 92 / OET B level)
Documents
□ Passport
□ 10th and 12th marksheets
□ English test result
□ Statement of Purpose
Fees and Admission
□ Application Fee – CAD 150
□ Tuition Deposit – CAD 1500
□ PAL Required
Program Confirmation
□ Duration – 2 Years
□ Intake – Fall 2026
□ 360 Hours Practicum (Community + Hospital)
□ Licensing pathway (PEBC + ACP)
□ PGWP Eligible