Pharmacy Technician Bridging Courses

The Pharmacy Technician Bridging Program has been introduced by the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) to assist Pharmacy Technicians currently working in the profession to meet new regulatory requirements and expanded scope of practice.

For details about the process, please refer to the Alberta College of Pharmacists website.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet ONE of the following eligibility criteria for the bridging courses as determined by the Alberta College of Pharmacists:

• Successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board of Alberta (PTCB-AB) certification exam prior to June 2008; OR
• Successful completion of the OCP certification exam prior to December 2008; OR
• Successful completion of the PEBC Evaluating Exam; OR
• Successful completion of a CCAPP accredited training program; OR
• Inclusion on the ACP voluntary membership register; OR
• At least 2000 hours of practice experience in the field of pharmacy within the past 36 months
  
  
  Need more info?

  Phone: 403-410-3402
  Email: pharmbridging@bowvalleycollege.ca 
  Additional Resources
  
  

  Courses in Program

  The four bridging courses may be taken in any sequence. Applicants may choose to complete a Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) Challenge Exam. Three of the four bridging courses are PLAR-eligible (all courses EXCEPT Professional Practice for Pharmacy Technician Bridging). PLAR-Challenge exams may only be taken once.

  Class Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory. Unexcused absences will negatively impact success in the course.

  Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technician Bridging (PLAR eligible)
  This course provides a practical, applied approach to pharmacology.  Through a variety of learning tools such as assignments, quizzes, case studies, and group work, learners will enhance their ability to practice competently and contribute to a safe patient care setting. Participants will gain basic knowledge related to the pharmacological uses of drugs within a variety of commonly encountered medical conditions.

  Management of Drug Distribution Systems for Pharmacy Technician Bridging  (PLAR eligible)
  This course will examine various drug distribution systems in pharmacy practice, and prepare learners to manage operations in different practice settings to ensure safe and effective drug supply and distribution. Learners will explore distributive functions in institutional settings, as well as common drug plans and their formularies, adjudication challenges, inventory management elements, and common business practices. Accurate product release within the parameters of the pharmacy technician role receives special emphasis.

  Product Preparation for Pharmacy Technician Bridging (PLAR eligible)
  This course addresses the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for safe and accurate preparation of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products. For non-sterile preparation, students will focus on compounding practices for various internal and external preparations and specialty dosage forms, equipment and tools, professional guidelines, standards and legislation, pharmaceutical calculations, and documentation requirements. For sterile product preparation, areas of emphasis include infection control, aseptic technique, parenteral dosage forms, accurate calculations, appropriate use of equipment, and quality control. Best practices associated with the preparation of TPN and antineoplastics are also covered.

  Professional Practice for Pharmacy Technician Bridging 
  Students will be prepared for entry to practice in five main areas of focus: legal requirements, scope of practice, ethical principles, professionalism, and communication skills. Through a variety of learning strategies such as interactive case studies, assignments, quizzes and group work, the student will enhance his/her ability to practice competently within the professional practice framework.