National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

32124 - Pharmacy technicians

Pharmacy technicians perform technical functions relating to prescriptions including gathering patients' information, product preparation, product distribution and inventory control. They work closely with pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care to clients. Pharmacy technicians are employed in retail and hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities and by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Pharmacy technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • pharmacy technician
    • pharmacy technician supervisor

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Pharmacy clerk (See 64100 Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers)
    • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (See 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants)

  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Assist pharmacists to maintain inventories of medications and prescription records of pharmaceutical products
    • Assess prescriptions for completeness and ensure information is accurate
    • Gather and enter client information in databases and prepare medications for clients in collaboration with pharmacists
    • Compound pharmaceutical products such as intravenous injections, oral solutions, ointments and creams
    • Process payment of prescriptions and other pharmacy services including direct billing to third party insurers
    • Provide instructions on how to use health aids, and medical devices such as drug administration devices and monitoring devices
    • May help with scheduling and workflow.

  • Employment requirements

    • Pharmacy technicians usually require a two-year pharmacy technician college program or completion of a two- to three-year college program in pharmaceutics and supervised practical training.
    • Completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) certification exams is required for pharmacy technicians.
    • Registration with a regulatory body is required for pharmacy technicians in all provinces except Quebec.

  • Additional information

    • Pharmacy technicians may progress to supervisory positions with experience.
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