Medicine Hat College kicks off pharmacy technician program amid high demand

“We listen to the needs of our region and through conversations in our communities we heard that pharmacy technician was a much needed but difficult position to fill,” Brown said.

Pharmacist technicians work under the direction of pharmacists and help handle the flow of the pharmacy environment.

Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of community pharmacies, hospitals and long-term care facilities and can also find employment with health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacy suppliers.

Pharmacist-led clinics are seen by some as a way to eliminate strain on hospital emergency rooms.

A 2019 study found 35 per cent of avoidable emergency-room visits in Canada could be handled by pharmacists.

Alberta pharmacists have the largest prescribing authority in the country, according to a 2024 study from the Montreal Economic Institute.

They are able to substitute prescribed medications, which can help address issues such as adverse reactions caused by interaction with other treatments.

From 2016 to 2020, there was a 20 per cent increase in the number of registered pharmacy technicians.

MHC will deliver NorQuestCollege’s nationally accredited curriculum, the college said in a news release.

Practicums and work integrated learning opportunitieswill be regionally focused, supporting the needs of businesses and health care providers in southern Alberta.

“The program is an excellent example of both postsecondary system and partnership collaboration,” said Brown, the provost.

by Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat College kicks off pharmacy technician program amid high demand

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