Please Note: While NLPB does not require that all pharmacy support staff register as pharmacy technicians, some employers may determine that this is the most appropriate path for their organization and require that some or all of their staff become registered. Regardless, the title of “pharmacy technician” is restricted under the Pharmacy Act, 2012 to those registered as such with NLPB. Those who choose not to register with NLPB, or are in the process of registration, may not refer to themselves as pharmacy technicians and will have to use another title, such as “pharmacy assistant”.
Registration Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians
In addition to meeting general requirements for registration in NL, as detailed on the Registration Requirements page, pharmacy technicians must also meet specific education, practical training, and examination requirements. For specific information regarding the registration process, please choose the appropriate option below:
- New Graduates of Canadian CCAPP-Accredited Pharmacy Technician Programs
- Pharmacy Technicians Currently Registered in Another Canadian Jurisdiction
- Pharmacy Technicians Resuming Practice after an Absence
Applicants for registration as a pharmacy technician must complete a period of practical training under the supervision of an approved preceptor. This training is in addition to any experiential training completed as part of an accredited pharmacy technician education program.
Applying to complete practical training is a two-step process. First, applicants must pre-register with NLPB as a pharmacy technician candidate. Once pre-registered, applicants may then apply to to complete practical training. Both of these applications are available on the Application Portal.
Please note that you are not permitted to begin the practical training period until you have received confirmation that both of these processes have been completed; credit will not be given for time served prior to the application being approved.
The approval email will also include a manual containing:
- a variety of activities designed to evaluate the applicant’s ability to apply their learned knowledge and skills in a real-world setting; and
- an evaluation form to be completed and submitted by the preceptor at the end of the training period.
PLEASE NOTE: If, for any reason, you are unable to complete the practical training period, or if a change of preceptor is required, please contact us at registration@nlpb.ca as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Choosing a Preceptor
Visit the NLPB Public Register to identify registrants authorized as preceptors.
For more information regarding practical training requirements, please review the Practical Training Requirements for Registration as a Pharmacy Technician Interpretation Guide.
Register as a Pharmacy Technician
Once all other requirements have been met, applicants can begin the final steps of registering as a pharmacy technician by completing and submitting the application appropriate to their situation on the Application Portal.
For a list of applicable fees and timeline estimates, visit the Fees & Timelines page.
For more information, contact our Registration team at registration@nlpb.ca.
