Pharmacy Technician

Description and Responsibilities

The pharmacy technician performs complex technical tasks under the supervision of an authorized professional, is able to work independently or in collaboration with others, and possess specific analytical skills. They perform tasks related to dispensing medications efficiently and accurately. They coordinate a wide range of tasks within the pharmacy.

The pharmacy technician assists pharmacists, completing various tasks related to pharmaceutical care and services, including interacting with customers and other health care professionals, as required.

They also provide on-the-job training to pharmacy technical assistants (PTA) and supervises PTA interns.

The salary scale is not final.

Education and Training Requirements

The pharmacy technician must have successfully completed a DEC in pharmacy technology (PT) at a recognized educational institution or applied for recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies in pharmacy technology (RAC-TP).

Completion of the requirements for recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies in pharmacy techniques (RAC-TP) leads to a diploma of college studies (DEC) in pharmacy techniques (165.A0).

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) offers scholarships (in French only) to candidates seeking to obtain recognition of prior competencies.

Required Interests, Skills and Personality Type

• Must be a good communicator and listener
• Must be methodical, responsible and organized
• Must enjoy completing repetitive tasks according to established standards
• Must enjoy physical work and handling (medical) instruments
• Must enjoy working in a team with colleagues and other professionals
• Must have an aptitude for using robotic devices and computerized systems

Personality Type (RIASEC)

ICS

• I - Prefers studying, understanding and solving problems
• C - Prefers to work in a methodical and structured way, according to established standards
• S - Prefers to be in contact with people and to help them

Work Environment

Pharmacy technicians mainly work in integrated health and social services centres (CISSS) and integrated university health and social services centres (CIUSSS), including hospitals (in French only) and residential and long-term care centres (CHSLD) (in French only).

This job title officially came into effect on August 15, 2022, for the health and social services network.

Useful Links

• Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec  (in French only)
• Other Health Service Support Staff – Emploi-Québec 
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie VR360 – Collège d’Alma  (in French only)
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie – Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup  (in French only)
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie – Cégep Drummond  (in French only)
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie – Cégep Gérald-Godin  (in French only)
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie – Cégep Limoilou  (in French only)
• Vidéo : Technique de pharmacie – Collège d’Alma  (in French only)