32124
Pharmacy technicians
- Express Entry skill level
- Yes
- Regulated in Québec
- No
- In demand in Manitoba
- Yes
Classification
Health
3 › 32 › 321 › 3212
Definition
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.
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.
Example job titles
- •pharmacy technician
- •pharmacy technician supervisor
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Pharmacy Technicians are classified under code 32124, falling within the TEER 2 category. These skilled professionals work under the supervision of pharmacists to compound, pack, and label pharmaceutical products, manage prescription records, maintain inventories, and assist with pharmacy operations. Employment in this field typically requires the completion of an accredited college program in pharmacy technician studies and registration with a provincial regulatory body in most Canadian jurisdictions.
As a TEER 2 healthcare occupation, foreign nationals qualifying under NOC 32124 are eligible for several Canadian immigration pathways. This includes the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Additionally, pharmacy technicians are highly sought after in healthcare-targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and may qualify for specialized category-based Express Entry selection draws focusing on healthcare professionals.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or a qualified immigration lawyer.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Commonly confused codes
Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.