Reference Documents
Print Version Printer version


Now that pharmacy technicians are actually registered…What can they do?

Members of the pharmacy profession are asking what pharmacy technicians can do, how does their role change and what documents should they refer to regarding their scope of practice? While the College can provide some answers, the full role and added value of a pharmacy technician is in early stages of development, as the first group of regulated technicians begin to explore their new working relationships and models of practice – something that couldn’t be accomplished until the regulations were approved in December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE that “Pharmacy Technician” is now a protected title and it is an offence for anyone other than those who are registered with OCP as pharmacy technicians to call or present themselves as pharmacy technicians. Other non-registered dispensary personnel must now use other designations, such as dispensary, or pharmacy assistants. While we appreciate that this is a transition period we expect that the use of title to the public becomes an immediate change. A detailed discussion in your place of practice around where the title is being used, displayed and the steps for implementing the changes in the near future should take place.

  • Pharmacy technicians now have the authority to perform the technical aspects of the controlled act of dispensing. They may release the final product, after completing a final check prior to release for all (new, repeat, narcotic) prescriptions. They will also ensure collaboration with the pharmacist in order to confirm that review of the therapeutic appropriateness of every prescription (new and repeat) has occurred.
  • Pharmacy technicians are able to accept verbal prescriptions with the exception of Narcotics and Controlled substances.
  • Once legislative changes to the Food and Drug Act regulations are in place, pharmacy technicians will also be able to complete transfers.
The Professional Competencies for Pharmacy Technicians at Entry-to-Practice in Canada (NAPRA, 2007) found below, serve as the foundation for the curriculum and accreditation of education programs as well as the entry-to-practice evaluations (e.g. PEBC Qualifying Exam, Structured Practical Training). Model Standards of Practice for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians have also been published (November 2011) by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and can also be found below for guidance.

The following related practice documents are available for reference.
Partners in support of the Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians

There are many national and provincial organizations that are in support of the initiative to regulate pharmacy technicians. The College has been working in partnership with the following organizations on various aspects of the project.

PEBC - The College is working in partnership with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) towards the development of an entry to practice examination for pharmacy technicians seeking registration with the College.

CCAPP – The College is supporting CCAPP‘s development of accreditation standards for pharmacy technician education programs.

NAPRA – Development of national competencies for pharmacy technicians will support regulation of pharmacy technicians across the country.

CPhA – The College is supporting the work of CPhA and other partners in the exploration of the human resource issues for the profession of pharmacy. CPhA is developing a blueprint for action for the profession, which includes the role of pharmacy technicians

CAPT – The national association for pharmacy technicians has provided representation for pharmacy technicians in Canada in relation to the regulation initiative.