How To Become A Pharmacy Assistant In Calgary

Calgary is one of Canada’s most dynamic cities, home to diverse and sprawling communities that drive more than the city’s fair share of the country’s economic successes. It’s the largest city in Alberta and one of the larger metropolitan areas in Canada. Since 2022, Calgary has had a population of over 1.4M, requiring several types of healthcare supports for multiple age demographics.  

Calgary’s age demographics skew towards 20, 30, 40 and 50-year-old groups, so it’s earned a demographic reputation as a “young” population — but that might change in coming decades. The older your city’s population gets, the more important access to life-saving medication gets. 

Pharmacies serve as an essential pillar in a city’s healthcare ecosystem, linking pharmaceutical companies with the public while offering a wide array of healthcare services beyond just medication dispensing. 

In this vital network, Pharmacy Assistants play a critical role in ensuring smooth operations, patient safety, and effective healthcare delivery. They work under the supervision of Pharmacists and alongside Pharmacy Technicians. They also perform essential assistants’ duties at a pharmacy such as preparing medications, managing inventory, serving customers, and taking care of administrative duties that keep the pharmacy ready and able to fill and refill prescriptions. 

Pharmacies are vital to the health and well-being of Calgary’s widespread communities, and they require workers of all levels of responsibility to be effective, conscientious, and safety minded. The best preparation for this important role is a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program because the courses you take cover topics that pharmacy workers must know. But what else do you need to know to become a successful Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary or anywhere else in Alberta? 

This article explores skills education, salary outlook, and the current opportunities available in several types of pharmacy settings in Calgary and surrounding areas — which include populations in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, and Strathmore. 

Education And Training Requirements For Becoming A Pharmacy Assistant In Calgary

As a Pharmacy Assistant, you have the opportunity to work in two main types of healthcare settings that provide essential medication access and services to the community. These settings fall into two main categories: hospitals and retail or community pharmacies. Some of these settings include: 

• Retail & Community Pharmacies 
• Drug Stores  
• Supermarkets 
• Wholesale Outlets 
• Medical Clinic Pharmacies 
• Retirement Homes 
• Pharmacy And Travel Clinics 
• Institutional Pharmacies 
• And more 

To become a Pharmacy Assistant and secure a job in one of these Calgary workplaces, you need to show that you have the skills and knowledge to work in a pharmacy. While some employers may consider applicants with a high school diploma, most employers prefer Pharmacy Assistants who have completed a comprehensive post-secondary (college) program.

With a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma in hand, you can prove that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in these settings with minimal training. Completing a Pharmacy Assistant program gives you a competitive edge in your job application by showing your ability to handle Pharmacy Assistants’ daily administrative tasks — using pharmacy inventory management systems and other necessary skills and training. These workers know enough about human physiology and pharmacology to take direction from licensed Pharmacists.

What Are The Benefits Of A Pharmacy Assistant Diploma In Calgary? 

If you want to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary, you might be wondering what kind of education you need to get started. There are different types of career-focused Pharmacy Assistant programs available, i.e., certificate programs and Diploma programs. Both programs will teach you the basic skills and knowledge you need to work as a in this role, such as: 

• How to fill, refill, package, and label pharmaceutical prescriptions safely 
• How to maintain prescription records and inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products 
• How to use pharmaceutical inventory software like KROLL and physical pharmacy equipment 
• How to communicate effectively with both customers and pharmacy professionals 

However, there are some significant differences between certificate and Diploma programs that could affect your career opportunities and satisfaction. A certificate program is shorter and less comprehensive than a Diploma program. It usually takes an average of six months to complete and may not include a practicum due to time constraints. 

A practicum is a supervised work experience that allows you to apply your skills and knowledge in a real pharmacy setting. It can help you gain confidence, network with potential employers, and showcase your abilities. A Diploma program with a practicum is longer and more comprehensive than a certificate program; it usually takes about 10 months to complete and allows enough time to balance studies with your practicum. 

By choosing a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program over a certificate program for your Pharmacy Assistant career, your resume will stand out in the following ways: 

• You’ll learn more advanced skills and knowledge that will make you more qualified and competent for the role. You’ll learn about pharmacology, drug interactions, pharmaceutical inventory management software, and terminology essential to receiving direction from a Pharmacist.  
• You’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills and apply your knowledge in a real pharmacy setting through a practicum. 2023 Pharmacy Assistant Graduate, with Honours, —  Alyssa S., shared said that in your practicum, you learn “what it’s actually like to work in a pharmacy.” This type of education will give you valuable hands-on experience that introduces you to the workplace and provides the opportunity to impress potential employers.

Pharmacy Assistant Diploma programs also benefit from the advantage of online learning management systems, removing a program’s restriction to on-campus studies. You can earn a respected academic credential from the comfort of your home in Calgary and graduate ready for work in this city.

What Is The Salary And Job Outlook For Pharmacy Assistants In Calgary?

e curious about how much you can earn and how easy it is to find a job in this field. Pharmacy Assistants are in demand across Canada, especially in urban areas like Calgary, with more healthcare facilities and community pharmacies serving proportionally more people. That means more jobs for aspiring Pharmacy Assistants like yourself! According to the Government of Canada, Pharmacy Assistants have good job prospects in Alberta for the foreseeable future. 

Calgary is a great place to work in this role, being that it’s one of the world’s most livable cities, with a variety of settings and employers to choose from. You can find job opportunities in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and long-term care facilities — and excel in the different demands of a pharmacy practice, such as refilling, dispensing, inventory management, and customer service. 

To refine your search for open Pharmacy Assistant positions in Calgary, you can use Google’s Job Search feature to filter by location, date posted, type, company, and more across many different online job boards. You can also visit the websites of potential employers such as Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Sobeys, Walmart, or Alberta Health Services. 

How Much Do Pharmacy Assistants Make In Calgary, Alberta? 

The average wage for a pharmacy assistant in Calgary is $23.86 per hour, or $49,628.80 per year. The salary range can vary depending on your experience, skills, employer, and location. This is noticeably higher than Alberta’s minimum wage of $15 per hour, or $31,200 per year. The top-paying workplaces for Pharmacy Assistants in Calgary tend to be run by Alberta Health Services (AHS). 

By completing a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program from a reputable college such as Sundance College, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary. You can also enjoy a competitive salary and a positive job outlook in this growing career position — if you optimize your job search strategy just as much as you optimized your education!

Tips To Increase Your Starting Wage As A Pharmacy Assistant In Calgary 

As a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary, you can enjoy a rewarding and stimulating career in health and wellness. These workers are essential personnel, there to help Pharmacists serve the community. 

The top 10% of Pharmacy Assistants in Calgary earn $25.12 per hour or $52,249.60 per year! Pharmacy Assistants’ salaries and wages depend on various factors, including education, experience, performance, and seniority.  Salary or wage also depends on the type of workplace and employer you choose, as some pay more or offer more benefits than others. 

If you want to increase your chances of making more money as a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary, here are some tips to follow: 

• Complete a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program from a reputable career college like Sundance College. This program will teach you all the advanced skills and topics you need to work in this role. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice your skills and apply your knowledge in a real pharmacy setting through a practicum — you may even get hired right from your practicum. 
• Look for a job in an upscale clinic or elder care facility with a pharmacy counter. These settings may pay more than a small community pharmacy or a long-term care facility. You’ll also have more variety and challenge in your work as you’ll deal with different types of patients and medications. 
• Use your professional network and seek out the best opportunities. Ask your classmates, instructors, practicum supervisors, or career services advisors for network contacts, referrals, or recommendations.  
• Keep updating your skills and knowledge of community, retail, and institutional pharmacy software. The more skills and familiarity you have, the more valuable you are to employers. 

What Skills Do You Need To Be A Successful Pharmacy Assistant In Calgary?

To become a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary, you’ll need a variety of skills to fulfill your duties efficiently and effectively. As mentioned, Pharmacy Assistants are responsible for assisting Pharmacists with various tasks, from preparing and dispensing medications, to maintaining records, processing payments, and providing good customer service. And as a Pharmacy Assistant, you can expect to interact with the public or other healthcare professionals on a regular basis, so you need to have both hard skills and soft skills when completing your day-to-day duties.

Hard Skills For Pharmacy Assistants 

Hard skills are technical skills that can be learned through college education and on-the-job training. They are specific to your job and can be measured or evaluated in pharmacy courses’ tests, quizzes, and assignments. Some examples of the hard skills that Pharmacy Assistants in Calgary should have include:

1. Record-keeping: Managing patient files and prescription records. 

2. Inventory Management: Tracking and restocking medication and other pharmacy supplies. 

3. Prescription Handling: Preparing prescriptions for a Pharmacist’s review. 

4. Data Entry: Using the pharmacy’s computer system to input prescription information. 

5. Cash Handling: Operating cash registers and managing financial transactions. 

6. Sanitization: Properly cleaning equipment and workspaces.

7. Compliance: Knowledge of relevant laws, guidelines, and pharmacy policies. 

8. Insurance Verification: Handling and confirming details of customer insurance plans. 

9. Supply Orders: Knowing how to place orders for medications and supplies. 

Soft Skills For Pharmacy Assistants

Conversely, soft skills are personal skills that are related to your character, attitude, and behaviour. They can be learned. They are often transferable across different jobs and industries, and they tend to be harder to quantify or assess. In all likelihood, your soft skills will be informally assessed in an interview, and if you get the job, for the first few months after your first day. Here are some examples of soft skills that Pharmacy Assistants getting started in Calgary should be ready to demonstrate:

1. Customer Service: Greeting and assisting customers, answering customer questions, and providing general support. 

2. Communication: Clearly conveying information to customers, pharmacists, and other staff. 

3. Teamwork: Collaborating efficiently with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. 

4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accurate handling of prescriptions, payments, and records.  

5. Problem-Solving: Being able to troubleshoot issues such as inventory shortages or customer complaints. 

6. Organization: Managing multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively. 

7. Patient Outreach: Demonstrating empathy and courtesy when calling patients for reminders or updates. 

8. Adaptability: Being flexible in handling various tasks and adapting to changes in a fast-paced environment. 

9. Ethical Conduct: Upholding patient confidentiality and the reputation of the pharmacy. 

Why Should You Learn Pharmacy Assistant Skills Through A Diploma Program?  

The best way to learn these essential skills and gain the necessary knowledge to start a career as a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary is to enroll in a Diploma program from a reputable college — with good reviews on Google!

The right program comes with both theoretical and practical training in the core aspects of Pharmacy Assistant. You will learn from experienced instructors who have worked in the field and have insights into success formulas and best practices. Through a Diploma, you will also have opportunities to apply your skills in real-world scenarios through academic assessments like quizzes and exams, projects, and, notably, a practicum. 

The advantage of finishing your Diploma off with a practicum lies in its design as a supervised and career-relevant work integration with your Diploma (you get course credit for it) — allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a Calgary pharmacy setting. In a practicum, you get your start working alongside Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and other Pharmacy Assistants, performing tasks that make use of your comprehensive education. 

Practicum opportunities allow you to receive feedback from the Pharmacist, who will help you develop your skills (both hard and soft) as well as your confidence. Practicum is a valuable learning opportunity that can also help you network with potential full-time employers and increase your chances of getting a higher wage after graduation. 

It means that when you graduate, you will already have relevant work experience on your resume. You may even get hired in your practicum placement. 

How To Start Your Career As A Pharmacy Assistant In Calgary

If you have a passion for helping people and working in the health field, becoming a Pharmacy Assistant in Calgary can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a team environment with Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and other Pharmacy Assistants — as well as the flexibility to work in different pharmacy settings, including community, retail and institutional pharmacies of all sizes. 

If you are in the Calgary area, you have the option to study on campus or online at Sundance College Calgary Campus and start your new career as a Pharmacy Assistant in as little as 10 months. Our program includes a 7-week practicum work experience to help you transition to your new career. 

From admissions to education to our career services team, all Sundance College team members’ mission is to support student success.   

Stephen S., one of our Pharmacy Assistant Graduates shared his experience at Sundance College :”Sundance was great from start to finish. Every member of the staff was extremely helpful at every step along the way from the initial enrollment process, all the way up until graduation. My instructors did everything they could to be available to the students outside of our class time (even with a few extra classes outside of school hours to ensure the success of our class). All our instruction was clear, interesting, and gave me the knowledge to feel confident moving into my new career. Thanks to everyone at Sundance for helping me along the way.”  

If you are thinking about a career as a Pharmacy Assistant, get in touch with us today to find out about admission requirements, funding options and practicum experiences available for you.