College celebrates grand opening of Pharmacy Technician lab space
Expanding the ability to provide dynamic lab spaces and learning opportunities for its students, Medicine Hat College (MHC) is proud to celebrate the new lab space for its Pharmacy Technician diploma program.
In a grand opening celebration on January 28, college representatives and regional partners gathered to celebrate this achievement, generously supported by the Yuill Family Foundation.
“This program and lab space reflects MHC’s commitment to meeting the needs of our region and preparing students for meaningful careers,” says Jason Openo, dean of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services. “The Pharmacy Technician program is a response to a growing demand in healthcare and an opportunity to strengthen patient care across southeastern Alberta.”
From left: Kent Smith, Kevin Shufflebotham, Emily Eresman, Jason Openo, and Elizabeth Yuill celebrate the opening of the new lab space with a ribbon cutting.
The program launched in Fall 2025 with a cohort of 20 students, who are receiving the training necessary to compound, prepare, and dispense prescriptions and pharmaceutical products under the direction of pharmacists and help handle the flow of the pharmacy environment. The lab space, located in Co-op Mall, will simulate a realistic work environment for the students in the program.
Program coordinator and instructor, Maryanne Foerster, says the role of the regulated pharmacy technician has become essential to the safe and effective operation of community pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
“We are extremely fortunate that Medicine Hat College recognized the growing need for skilled, pharmacy technicians in our region and across Alberta,” says Foerster. “I am incredibly proud of our students and deeply appreciative of all who have supported this program from the beginning.”
MHC is the only postsecondary institution in southern Alberta to offer the high-demand pharmacy technician diploma program, following approval from the provincial government in March 2025.
The inaugural class of the Medicine Hat College Pharmacy Technician program.
Foerster says pharmacies today cannot meet patient needs without the competence, precision, and professionalism of pharmacy technicians, a vital role in the healthcare system.
After reaching full capacity in its inaugural year, the program continues to see strong demand. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid waitlisting.
To learn more about the Pharmacy Technician program at MHC, visit www.mhc.ab.ca.