دبلوم فني الصيدلة
Diploma in Pharmacy Technician

Diploma in Pharmacy Technician

The National Qualifications Center (NQC) in the UAE accredited the Diploma in Pharmacy Technician (DPT) program (Valid till 20th August 2028). The DPT is a two–year (92 credits) program spread over 4 semesters. The DPT program equips graduates with specialized knowledge and skills to practice as pharmacy technicians in various healthcare and industrial practice settings; including hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies and pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacy technicians are critical members of the healthcare team and are essential in providing patients with safe and effective medication therapy. A pharmacy technician works closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, community pharmacies and industry settings.

The program is meticulously designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical practices and patient care. Our hands-on training equips students with practical skills, ensuring they are prepared for success in diverse healthcare settings.

Program Highlights

  • Only institution offering this program in Northern Emirates
  • Support from NAFIS
  • Training at American Hospital Dubai, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Ajman
  • Hands on training at Thumbay University Hospital (on-campus)
  • Partnerships with many community pharmacies
  • Clinical Simulation Center and pharmacy skill labs
  • Opportunities for academic progression to become a licensed Pharmacist
  • Highest quality & most affordable program in the UAE
  • Flexible payment plan

Goals

The goals of the Diploma in Pharmacy Technician program are;

  • Train students proficiently assist in the accurate dispensing of medications, ensuring patient safety through proper dosage calculation and medication labeling.
  • Ensure that student comply with applicable regulatory requirements and standards
  • Direct students on effective management of pharmacy inventory and handle the process of ordering necessary supplies.
  • Develop student skills for compounding pharmaceutical preparations
  • Engage students in activities related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and patient care, fostering a well-rounded skill set in pharmacy practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes (PLO) are aligned with the national and international standard documents such as UAE pharmacy guidelines, International Standard Classification of Occupation (ISCO), Occupational information network (ONET), United States of America, American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) accreditation standards Pharmacy Technician education and training program, and national competency framework for primary care Pharmacy Technicians endorsed by Royal College of General Practitioners, United Kingdom (UK).

PLO Codes PLO Statements
PLO1 Incorporate basic biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences knowledge to drug use in pharmacy practice.
PLO2 Perform pharmaceutical compounding, dispensing and administering medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
PLO3 Prepare medications for dispensing to patients based on prescriptions and medication orders with necessary dose calculations and instructions.
PLO4 Assist in pharmacy operations including inventory control, drug storage, billing, insurance claims submission, automation, and drug distribution.
PLO5 Communicate effectively and professionally with patients and healthcare professionals.
PLO6 Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements upholding ethical and moral standards in the pharmacy profession.
PLO7 Engage in pharmacy practice at technician-level in innovation, entrepreneurship and other value-added services
PLO8 Demonstrate mutual respect, self-awareness, and continuous professional development.

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Juny Sebastian
Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy

Name of the Program Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
NQC Qualification title Level 5 Diploma in Pharmacy Technician
NQC Qualification Code HLT05007RQ
Credits 92
Semesters 4
Duration 2 Years

Year 1

Semester 1

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
HLT05065RU Professional Communication Skills 4 0 4 None
HLT05044RU Information Technology 3 1 2 None
HLT05043RU General and Organic Chemistry  – Theory 3 3 0 None
HLT05042RU General and Organic Chemistry  – Practical 3 0 3 None
HLT05062RU Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology – I Theory 3 3 0 None
HLT05061RU Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology – I Practical 2 0 2 None
HLT05055RU Pharmacy & Health care I 2 2 0 None
Semester Total 20 9 11  

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

 

Semester 2

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
HLT05036RU Behavioural Science and Ethics 3 3 0 None
HLT05052RU Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry 3 3 0 None
HLT05058RU Physical Pharmacy 2 2 0 None
HLT05059RU Practical Physical Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry 3 0 3 None
HLT05063RU Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology – II 4 2 2 None
HLT05064RU Professional Skills in Pharmacy Practice 3 1 2 None
HLT05056RU Pharmacy and Healthcare II 2 2 0 None
Semester Total 20 13 7  

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

 

Year 1 Summer Semester

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
Summer term 1
HLT05047RU Inventory Management & Billing 2 1 1 None
HLT05060RU Prescription Processing Skills 2 0 2 None
Summer term 2
HLT05039RU Community Pharmacy Practice Experience  I 3 0 3 (160 hours) BLS training
Semester Total 7 1 6  

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

Year 2

Semester 3

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
HLT05037RU Biochemistry – I 2 2 0 None
HLT05049RU Microbiology – Theory 3 3 0 None
HLT05048RU Microbiology – Practical 2 0 2 None
HLT05051RU Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Calculations 4 3 1 None
HLT05066RU Sterile and Non- Sterile Compounding 4 0 4 None
HLT05050RU Pathophysiology 3 3 0 None
Semester Total 18 11 7  

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

 

Semester 4

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
HLT05041RU Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability 3 1 2 None
HLT05038RU Biochemistry – II 2 2 0 None
HLT05057RU Pharmacy Law and Ethics 2 1 1 None
HLT05053RU Pharmacology and Therapeutics – I 4 2 2 None
HLT05054RU Pharmacology and Therapeutics – II 4 2 2 None
HLT05035RU Pharmacy Automation 3 1 2 None
Semester Total 18 9 9  

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

 

Year 2 Summer Semesters

Module Code Module Title C H L H N L H Prerequisites
Summer term 1
HLT05040RU Community Pharmacy Practice Experience II 3 0 3 (160 hours) None
Summer term 2
HLT05045RU Institutional Pharmacy Practice Experience I 3 0 3 (160 hours) None
HLT05046RU Institutional Pharmacy Practice Experience II 3 0 3 (160 hours) None
Semester Total 9 0 9  

CH – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H- Non-Lecture Hours

  1. The applicant must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education
  2. All applicants must complete 17 years of age on or before the 31st of December in the year of admission for students for the student visa purpose.
  3. The applicant must have English Language Proficiency Tests with a minimum score as follows:
    • Minimum 950 in Emirates Standardised Language Tests (EmSAT) for English (only for UAE resident applicants)
    • 32-34 in TOFEL iBT
    • 4.5 in IELTS for Academic
    • Pass in GMU English test
  4. Applicants from various educational systems must comply as follows
Country Education System Minimum Grade requirements as per UAE Grade Equivalent
UAE UAE Students should secure an overall minimum score of

  • 60% for General stream
  • 60% for Advanced stream
  • 60% for Elite stream
  • 60% for Professional (Vocational) / Applied stream

Three science subjects Biology, Chemistry and Physics for general, advanced and elite stream) or Applied Science (for vocational/applied stream) should be completed in 10th, 11th or 12th grades

India Indian State Board or Indian central Board – CBSE/ICSE Student should secure an overall minimum score of 35% in the 12th grade in science track
Pakistan

Bangladesh

Pakistan Board

Bangladesh Board

Student should secure an overall minimum score of 35% in the 12th grade in science track
UK IGCSE/GCE Student should secure an equivalent score of minimum 60% of UAE system of education

Student should have been studied 3 science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) in O level and at least two science subjects in AS/A level (grade below E will not be acceptable)

International Baccalaureate Student should have secured an overall minimum 21 points

(Must have at least 2 science subjects (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics)

USA American Diploma Student should have secured an overall minimum score of 60% in science track

(SAT (Math) to be complete for equivalency

Africa WAEC

NECO

Student should secure an overall minimum score of 40% in the 12th grade in science track

 

  1. Applicants from any other Non-UAE educational systems (Standardised International Systems) not listed above must have secured a minimum aggregate score equivalent to 60% of UAE education system as per the International Grade Conversion Table Published by World Education Services
  2. Applicants from any other Non-UAE system must submit an Equivalency Certificate of their High School certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE
  3. Students complete science subjects (Biology, Chemistry in 10th, 11th, or 12th Grades). Applicants who lack sufficient background in English or Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) may register for non-credit remedial courses offered by the university.
  4. The admission committee shall evaluate all Applicants for cognitive and non-cognitive traits demonstrating their aptitude for the chosen area of study. On successful completion of the EmSAT or the admission exam, the applicant and parent meet the admission committee
  5. The decision of the admission committee shall be final and binding.

HLT05065RU:  Professional Communication Skills

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively communicate with customers, patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. This module focuses on developing communication skills that are essentials for pharmacists to provide safe and effective medications to their customers and patients.

HLT05044RU: Information Technology

This module is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to proficiently incorporate technology into their pharmacy practice. It encompasses a comprehensive introduction to diverse software applications and the effective usage of electronic health records, medication management systems, clinical decision support tools, and telepharmacy. Students will engage in practical hands-on activities and assignments, which will enable them to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the course. Ultimately, upon completion of this module, students will have acquired the necessary skills to leverage technology effectively to enhance patient care and safety in their pharmacy practice.

HLT05043RU: General and Organic Chemistry – Theory

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge related to fundamentals concepts of general and organic chemistry with an emphasis on pharmaceutical applications essential for pharmacy technicians. This includes an overview of general aspects of chemistry such as atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, molecular forms, and intermolecular forces. In addition to the physical and chemical properties of ionic and molecular compounds, emphasis is given to topics like acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, and radioactivity. The course also includes an introduction to organic chemistry common reactions with emphasis and focus on nomenclature and different reactions of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes

HLT05042RU: General and Organic Chemistry – Practical

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to conduct laboratory experiments in general and organic chemistry, and to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in the laboratory setting. Upon completion of this module, learners will have a solid understanding of laboratory safety procedures and the use of laboratory equipment for measurements of mass, volume, and temperature. They will be able to prepare standard ionic solutions, identify the reactions of ionic compounds such as redox and precipitation reactions, and conduct identification tests for anions and cations. Learners will also be able to understand the chemistry of coordinate compounds and complex ions, and their application to the Law of Chemical Equilibrium and Le’chatelier Principle. Additionally, they will have knowledge of the physical properties of ionic and molecular compounds, laboratory tools to measure pH, and titration techniques to determine the molarity of solutions. By the end of the module, learners will have acquired the necessary skills to conduct experiments, analyze data accurately and effectively, and write laboratory reports in a clear and concise manner.

HLT05062RU: Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge required to integrate knowledge of both the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the muscular, integumentary, endocrine, and nervous system.

HLT05061RU: Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Practical

This module aims to provide learners with the skill required to identify the cells and tissues of the body and perform general practical procedure in hematology

HLT05055RU: Pharmacy and Healthcare I

This module aims to provide learners with the introductory knowledge related to the healthcare system in UAE and worldwide including historical improvements that have occurred in the health profession, key features of public health and disease prevention, and interprofessional education and role of healthcare team members. The module also aims to help students understand their professional responsibilities as pharmacy technicians in healthcare delivery and ability to communicate effectively with healthcare teams.

HLT05036RU: Behavioral Science and Ethics

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to understand dynamics of behavior, mental processes, perception, learning, motivation, intelligence, human development, personality, socialization, social groups, changes in trends and universal ethical principles. Students will learn and practice strong values, ethical conduct and social responsibilities, especially personal, academic, and professional integrity while developing collaboration in diverse team settings. Students will be trained to display sensitivity to cultural, psychosocial, and ethical issues.

HLT05052RU: Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry

The aim of the Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry module is to provide pharmacy technician learners with a fundamental understanding of the essential concepts in organic chemistry and their applications in the pharmaceutical sciences. Throughout this module, students will learn about the structure, properties, and functions of various pharmaceutically significant functional groups, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alkyl and aryl halides, alcohols, ethers and epoxides, phenols, amines, carboxylic acids and esters, and heterocyclic compounds. The course will focus on the significance of functional groups in the pharmaceutical industry, covering topics such as molecular structures, classification, conformations, nomenclature, physical properties, preparation, and reactions. In addition, the basics of stereochemistry, as well as the impact of structural effects on drug actions, will be discussed with examples of drugs currently on the market. By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical organic chemistry.

HLT05058RU: Physical Pharmacy

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform important pharmacy related physical principles in areas such as phase rule, surface and interfacial tension, solubility and distribution phenomenon, buffers and isotonic solutions, rheology and preformulation

HLT05059RU: Practical Physical Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry

This module aims to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform physical pharmacy experiments, including solubility, surface and interfacial tension, phase rule and phase equilibria, viscosity, and buffers. Additionally, it covers practical aspects of pharmaceutical organic chemistry, focusing on the impact of molecular structure on the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical organic compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aliphatic and aromatic acids, and phenols. Another objective is to facilitate the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs or drug intermediates, encompassing compounds such as aspirin, ethyl acetate, methyl salicylate, and benzylidene aniline.

HLT05063RU: Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology  II

This course provides learners with the knowledge and skills related to the anatomical structure and physiological functions of Nervous, cardio-vascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary and Reproductive system

HLT05064RU: Professional Skills in Pharmacy Practice

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform the patient care services such as general physical assessments, communication, history taking, medication reconciliation, prescription handling, identification of drug related problems and medication errors, drug information skills and evidence based practice.

HLT05056RU: Pharmacy and Healthcare II

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to engage in health promotion and community engagement activities provided through a pharmacy. This includes understanding the key principles of self-care, over the counter drug use, different stakeholders influencing the drug use, organizational aspects of healthcare delivery settings such as hospitals and other institutional settings. This module also provides the learners with knowledge and skills required to assist their customers in health care services such as smoking cessation, weight reduction and quitting alcoholism.

HLT05047RU: Inventory Management and Billing

The aim of the module in pharmacy inventory management and billing is to provide students with an understanding of the importance of inventory management and accurate billing in the pharmacy industry. The module aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage pharmacy inventory efficiently and accurately, and to ensure that the pharmacy is complaint with legal and regulatory requirements. By the end of the module, students should be able to understand factors that impact inventory management, evaluate inventory management processes and apply best practices for managing inventory. Additionally, students should have a clear understanding of the billing process, claim submission process, and how to avoid common billing errors. Overall, the course aims to enhance the ability of pharmacy professionals to ensure patient safety and improve quality of care in the pharmacy setting.

HLT05060RU: Prescription Processing Skills

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to handle prescriptions in a pharmacy.

HLT05039RU: Community Pharmacy Practice Experience I

This module aims to provide learners with the practice experience to solidify knowledge and skills required to perform the patient care services such as noticing signs and symptoms, communication, history taking, medication reconciliation, prescription handling, identification of drug related problems and medication errors, drug information skills and evidence-based practice.

HLT05037RU: Biochemistry I

This module is designed to provide pharmacy students with a comprehensive knowledge of the structure, the classification, and the function of the macromolecules including protein, carbohydrates and lipids. Metabolic pathways including glycolysis, Krebs’s cycle, electron-transport system, amino acid and fatty acids pathways are discussed. It will also cover the metabolism and energy production of small and macromolecules.

HLT05049RU: Microbiology – Theory

This module aims to provide knowledge about the fundamental characteristics of microorganisms, their pathogenesis and prevention of diseases caused by them. This will help the learner incorporate this basic knowledge in pharmacy practice.

HLT05048RU: Microbiology – Practical

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform Microbiology techniques such as sterilization, disinfection & infection control, gram and acid-fast staining, culture media & methods used in the identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi & parasites and also serological reactions.

HLT05051RU: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Calculations

This module aims to provide learners with the comprehensive, deep and overarching knowledge on the different types of pharmaceutical dosage form and their preparations like solid, liquid and semi solid dosage forms. This course focuses on acquiring a comprehensive understanding of various formulations emphasizing the exploration of their physical and chemical properties, such as solubility, pH, stability, hydrotrophy, and co-solvency. Students will also delve into the advantages and disadvantages of different formulations, while learning about proper storage conditions and labelling instructions. The concept of drug stability and its influencing factors will be covered, alongside an in-depth analysis of physical, chemical and therapeutic incompatibilities. Students will also explore techniques employed to overcome potential issues of incompatibility.

HLT05066RU: Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to compound medications in a safe, effective, and accurate manner. It helps to understand the principles of aseptic technique and infection control. It helps in gaining knowledge of drug stability and compatibility and developing skills in accurate measurement, mixing, and dispensing of medications. The module helps in learning the skills to compound sterile products, including parenteral medications, and understanding the importance of environmental monitoring and validation procedures. It helps gain proficiency in the preparation of non-sterile dosage forms such as creams, ointments, and solutions, as well as suppositories. It helps Understand the regulatory requirements, standards, and guidelines for compounding medications and the importance of labelling, documenting and record-keeping.

HLT05050RU: Pathophysiology

This module aims to provide learners with the basic knowledge that is required to study the causes and mechanisms of diseases. The responses to injury that are dealt first at the cellular level followed by morphologic changes at the level of tissues and organs. The students then learn to apply the concepts of disease mechanisms in the setting of each organ system. To learn the clinical consequences of different diseases based on the underlying pathologic basis of systemic diseases.

HLT05041RU: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in Pharmacy

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to develop and implement innovative and sustainable practices within the pharmacy industry. The module aims to equip students with an entrepreneurial mindset and to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in starting and growing a pharmacy business. By exploring topics such as business planning and strategy, product development and commercialization, financing and funding, legal and regulatory issues, and sustainable business practices, the module aims to help students develop a holistic understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation in the pharmacy industry. The module also aims to expose students to emerging technologies and innovations in pharmacy practice, and to encourage ethical and socially responsible entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the aim of this module is to prepare students to be successful and impactful pharmacy entrepreneurs, capable of driving positive change within the industry.

HLT05038RU: Biochemistry II

This module is designed to cover the regulation and integration of major metabolic pathways, roles of enzymes, coenzymes and their mechanisms of action, isoenzymes & its role in health & illness are also highlighted. It also explores the vitamins as well as minerals and their important functions at the cellular level and in the biological system. The course is designed to provide a firm foundation in biochemistry for understanding the interpretation of clinical lab data

HLT05057RU: Pharmacy Law and Ethics

This module aims to provide learners with knowledge about the components of the pharmaceutical legislations in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the course will enable the students to adhere to the national and international ethical standards related to the profession. The legal aspects of starting a pharmacy and its operations will be discussed.

HLT05053RU: Pharmacology and Therapeutics I

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to understand the basic knowledge and understanding of medications, route of administration and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics parameters

HLT05054RU: Pharmacology and Therapeutics II

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to understand the basic principles of pharmacology along with the mechanism of action and adverse effects of the drugs commonly used in health professional practice.

HLT05035RU: Pharmacy Automation

Pharmacy Automation module is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to automate systems used in pharmacy settings. The course emphasizes the importance of technology in streamlining pharmacy operations, enhancing patient safety, and improving overall efficiency. Students will gain an understanding of various automated processes and systems utilized in pharmacies, including robotics, dispensing machines, inventory management software, and electronic prescription systems. Through a combination of lectures, practical training, and assessments, students will develop the necessary skills to operate and troubleshoot pharmacy automation equipment.

HLT05040RU: Community Pharmacy Practice Experience II

This module aims to provide learners with the practice experience to solidify knowledge and skills required to perform the patient care services such as noticing signs and symptoms, communication, history taking, medication reconciliation, prescription handling, identification of drug related problems and medication errors, drug information skills and evidence-based practice.

HLT05045RU: Institutional Pharmacy Practice Experience I

&

HLT05046RU: Institutional Pharmacy Practice Experience II

This modules aim to provide learners with an opportunity to gain practical experience (320 hours) in pharmacy practice and prepare them for their future careers as pharmacists. This practice experience will expose students to the practice of pharmacy in various institutional settings and provide them with an understanding of the role of a pharmacist in these settings.

  • Completion of 92 credits
  • A grade of ‘competent’ (minimum percentage score of 60%) for each of the module
  • A minimum attendance of 80% with each module and 100% attendance in work-based trainings

Pharmacy technicians work in various settings including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, long-term care facilities and government agencies.

Pharmacy technicians can progress in their careers and explore related occupations through further education, training and professional experience. Some related job titles and progression opportunities include:

  1. Licensed pharmacy technician
  2. Lead pharmacy technician
  3. Pharmacist
  4. Pharmaceutical sales representative
  5. Medical and health services manager
  6. Healthcare manager/administrator
  7. Pharmaceutical research and development scientist

Fee Details:

The detailed fee structure of the program for the current academic year is provided below: [link]