Real-world scenarios in the simulation centre
Students in the Pharmacy Technician program will soon have access to a new set of simulation lab exercises designed by Carmen Ibáñez, a faculty member in the School of Health Sciences. The new modules focus on complex patient care scenarios, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the demands of a modern pharmacy.
Ibáñez, who teaches in the Allied Health & Wellness department, developed the exercises to help students practice critical decision-making skills in a safe, controlled environment. The scenarios mimic real-life situations pharmacists and technicians encounter daily, from managing medication interactions to counselling patients on proper usage.
"The goal is to build confidence before students ever step into a clinical placement," Ibáñez said. "By practising these high-stakes conversations and technical tasks in the simulation centre, they can make mistakes and learn from them without risking patient safety."
The new lab exercises are part of a broader effort by the School of Health Sciences to enhance hands-on learning. The program's simulation centre, located in Corvid Hall, already features advanced technology for nursing and health sciences students, and these new pharmacy modules add to that resource.
Current Pharmacy Technician students will begin using the new scenarios later this term. The exercises cover a range of topics, including:
- Advanced drug interaction analysis
- Patient counselling for chronic conditions
- Emergency response protocols in a pharmacy setting
- Interprofessional communication with healthcare providers
For more information about the Pharmacy Technician program, including admission requirements and course details, please visit the Pharmacy Technician page. You can also find contact information for faculty members on the Directory.
The School of Health Sciences continues to invest in simulation-based learning to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. These new exercises reflect the program's commitment to providing practical, relevant training that meets the needs of the industry.