Overview
We are the only CEGEP to offer this program in English
The program
The goal of the Pharmacy Technology program is to teach students to perform technical, administrative, and clinical pharmaceutical tasks in an optimal manner as well as to ensure constant vigilance for the safety of the medication circuit with a patient centered approach. Students will be trained in information technologies, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, biology, pathology, quality assurance, sterile and non-sterile compounding and more through a mix of lectures and interactive, hands-on labs based on real life scenarios.
This program is for you if…
- You want to be part of the healthcare system
- You want an AI proof, well paying job
- You like working with the public and helping others
- You have effective communication skills
- You are meticulous and detail-oriented
- You work well independently and collaboratively
- You are comfortable with technology
Work function of a pharmacy technician
With the increasing demands and responsibilities placed on pharmacists, pharmacy technicians play an integral role in the smooth, efficient and safe functioning of medication circuit. The pharmacy technician works under the supervision of, and collaboratively with, the pharmacist to process prescriptions and requests as well as to dispense medications and optimize patient care. They manage the technical staff of the pharmacy, the inventory and storage of medication and implement quality control, risk management, and continuous improvement measures within the pharmacy.
Internship
In the final semester of the 3-year Pharmacy Technology program, students gain essential practical experiences through the mandatory 9-week internship in a community pharmacy as well as in the hospital setting. There are opportunities to do internships in communities in Northern Quebec.
Where Pharmacy Technology can take you!
Pharmacy Technicians will find a rewarding, well paying career in healthcare facilities (including hospitals, university hospitals, integrated health and social service centres), community pharmacies (including chain and banner pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and compounding pharmacies) or in industry. Graduates from the John Abbott College Pharmacy Technology Program have started their careers being paid $35 per hour or more!
FAQs
Will completing the Pharmacy Technology Program get me into Pharmacy program in University?
NO. You would have to finish the pre-university Science program at cegep to apply to pharmacy at the university level
Will I be a pharmacist when I finish my DEC?
NO. You will be a Pharmacy Technician and will be possess the skills and knowledge to do many of the non-clinical aspects of a pharmacist.
What do I do if I apply to the Pharmacy Technology Program, but do not get accepted?
If you do not get accepted into the Pharmacy Technology Program, it is strongly encouraged to contact the Pharmacy Technology Program directly so that the team can direct you on how to proceed dependent on the reason given for your non-acceptance into the program. Please e-mail Genevieve Lamarre (Chair of program) at: Genevieve.lamarre@johnabbott.qc.ca
Do I need to work in a pharmacy or a hospital to succeed in the Pharmacy Technology program?
NO. however it is strongly encouraged to gain experience in the pharmacy setting to gauge whether you enjoy the environment and to gain an understanding of the expectations and the dynamic pace of the pharmacy setting.
Do I need to be bilingual (French & English) to succeed in the Pharmacy Technology program?
NO, but we strongly encourage our students to become fluently bilingual because they must be effectively communicate important information to patients and healthcare workers. Additionally, students must take 2 core courses that are taught in French as well as French classes in the general education component of their DEC.
Can I start the program in the winter semester?
NO. Admission into the Pharmacy Technology program occurs once a year in the Fall Semester and courses build upon each other. It is recommended to not drop Pharmacy Technology courses as this will delay graduation by at least one year.
Can I do the Pharmacy Technology program part-time?
It is not recommended to do the Pharmacy Technology program part-time as the courses build upon each other. If you feel like the course load is too heavy, it is recommended to follow the Pharmacy Technology program courses and take fewer General Education courses during the semester. Some General Education courses can be taken during the summer or winter intersessions. Academic Advising is always available to help guide you on how to best proceed with courses to ensure your academic success.
Once I finish the Pharmacy Technology Program, can I work as a Pharmacy Technician anywhere in Canada?
You will have met the specific provincial requirements to be a pharmacy technician in Quebec. To work as a Pharmacy Technician in any other Canadian province or territory you would need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Qualifying Examination administered by Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. To find out more information visit the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory website at www.napra.ca
Do I need to be up to date on vaccinations to participate in the Pharmacy Technology Program?
No, you do not need to be up to date on your vaccines to be a student in the Pharmacy Technology Program, however it is a requirement for internships in the final semester of the program.
Admission Requirements
CEGEP Requirements
A Secondary School Diploma which includes:
- Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
- Secondary 5 Second Language
- Secondary 4 Mathematics
- Secondary 4 Science and Technology
OR Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology - Secondary 4 History and Citizenship Education
Program Prerequisites
This program has specific prerequisites.
Secondary 4 Science and Technology AND Environmental Science Technology OR Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology AND Science and the Environment
OR a Secondary School Vocational Diploma which includes:
- Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
- Secondary 5 Second Language
- Secondary 4 Mathematics
Please Note
Applicants who have not studied in Québec must have education deemed equivalent by the College.
How To Apply
John Abbott College is affiliated with the Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain (SRAM) and uses its online application service.
The application deadline is March 1.
Warning: The documents and payment must be submitted by the deadline.
Program start: Fall
To apply:
- Complete the online SRAM application
- Select John Abbott and the program of your choice along with the corresponding SRAM program number: 165.A0
- Upload any necessary documents directly to your online SRAM application
Students whose prerequisites are more than five years old should contact the Admissions Office.
Admissions Office
514-457-6610 x5358, 5355 & 5361
admissions@johnabbott.qc.ca
Pharmacy Technology Department
pharmacy.technology@johnabbott.qc.ca
Student for a Day Program
You are interested in John Abbott College and would like spend a few hours on campus?
Please follow this link to fill out the form Student for a day, and someone will contact you to set up a time for you to come to JAC and discover our campus.
During the tour, you will visit our newly renovated library, our sports facilities, the campus store, the cafeteria, etc. You will also be shown all the services offered on “Main Street”. If you have questions about application and programs, you can speak to someone in Admissions.
