Top 5 Career Paths for Pharmacy Assistant Graduates in Canada

Do you have a passion for health care and a keen eye for detail? A pharmacy assistant diploma can open doors to diverse and rewarding career paths within the pharmacy field. 

Sundance College’s Pharmacy Assistant program instructor Noor S., shares a number of different pharmacy assistant career opportunities and how career-focused training can help you start a long and successful career: 

“Pharmacy assistant graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. They can find employment in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and even government agencies. This ability to work in different settings enhances professional growth.” 

This article explores five options you can pursue with your Pharmacy Assistant Diploma, providing a deeper dive into each role, salary ranges, and specific work arrangements.

Listen to “Top 5 Career Paths for Pharmacy Assistant Graduates in Canada”

1. Retail Pharmacy Assistant: The Frontline of Community Care

Retail and community pharmacy assistants are the friendly faces you encounter at your local drugstore or other community setting. They support pharmacists and ensure a smooth customer experience. Here’s a glimpse into what your day as a pharmacy assistant might look like: 

• Processing prescriptions and medication refills: You’ll meticulously verify prescriptions, ensure accuracy, and prepare medications for pharmacist review for patient pick-up. 
• Assisting customers: Answering questions about over-the-counter medications (where applicable by provincial regulations). 
• Maintaining inventory: Keeping medication shelves stocked and managing inventory records are necessary tasks for a smooth pharmacy operation. 
• Building customer rapport: Providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive in-store experience are essential aspects of this role. 

Salary Range (Canada): $34,000 – $45,000 per year (depending on experience and location) 

Work Environment: Fast-paced, customer-focused, working within a team. 

Common Workplace Settings: Community pharmacies, national drugstore chains, grocery store pharmacies.  

2. Hospital Pharmacy Assistant: Ensuring Medication Safety Behind the Scenes

Hospital pharmacy assistants work to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of medications within hospitals. Their work environment is fast-paced and requires meticulous attention to detail. Here are some of your potential responsibilities: 

• Preparing medications for inpatients and outpatients: This may involve tasks like measuring dosages, picking dosage forms, labelling medications, and preparing intravenous solutions (under the supervision of a pharmacist). 
• Sterile compounding: In some hospitals, you could specialize in sterile compounding, which involves preparing sterile medications in a controlled environment. 
• Maintaining medication dispensing systems: Ensuring systems for dispensing medications function smoothly and efficiently is important for timely medication delivery to patients. 
• Working collaboratively with healthcare professionals: You’ll collaborate with pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare staff to ensure optimal patient care. 

Salary Range (Canada): $34,000 – $43,000 per year (depending on experience and location) 

Work Environment: Fast-paced, high-pressure, working within a team in a hospital setting. 

Common Workplace Settings: Hospitals of all sizes, specializing in specific departments (e.g., oncology, pediatrics).

3. Central Fill Dispensary Assistant: Efficiency and Accuracy in High Volume

Central fill dispensaries distribute pre-packaged medications to pharmacies, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This role requires a focus on accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Here’s what your typical day-to-day duties might involve: 

• Quality control and verification: Meticulously checking pre-packaged medications for accuracy and ensuring they meet safety standards is a key responsibility. 
• Inventory Management: Maintaining accurate inventory levels and fulfilling medication orders efficiently is crucial. 
• Packaging and labeling: Preparing medications for shipment according to specific protocols and labeling requirements is an important task. 
• Working with automation: Central fill dispensaries often utilize automation technology. You might be responsible for operating and maintaining this equipment. 

Salary Range (Canada): $41,000 – $65,000 per year (depending on experience and location) 

Work Environment: Fast-paced, detail-oriented, working with automation in a warehouse setting. 

Common Workplace Settings: Central fill distribution centers, pharmaceutical company warehouses.

4. Pharmaceutical Business Development Assistant: Stepping Outside the Pharmacy

A pharmaceutical business development assistant supports the business development team by conducting market research, assisting with projects, managing administrative tasks, and contributing to the development of the company’s plans to expand the company’s market presence. The role involves: 

• Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Identifying business opportunities, monitoring competitors, and analyzing industry trends. 
• Administrative Support: Manage schedules, prepare correspondence, and support team operations.
• Business Development Support: Create proposals, presentations, and manage customer relationships. 
• Marketing and Sales Collaboration: Contribute to marketing strategies and collaborate with sales teams. 
• Event Management: Assist in planning and executing industry events. 

Salary Range (Canada): $45,000 – $65,000 (entry to Intermediate depending on location and level of experience) 

Work Environment: Fast-paced, dynamic, involves travel and potential for remote work (depending on the company). 

Common Workplace Settings: Pharmaceutical company offices, attending industry events and conferences (travel involved). 

5. Pharmacy Administrative Professional: The Backbone of Pharmacy Operations

Pharmacy administrative assistants keep the wheels turning behind the scenes. These roles require strong organizational and communication pharmacy assistant skills to ensure smooth pharmacy operations. Here’s a closer look: 

• Providing administrative support to pharmacists: You’ll assist pharmacists with various administrative tasks, freeing them to focus on patient care.
• Ensuring adherence to pharmacy regulations and compliance standards: Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of pharmacy regulations in Canada and ensuring the pharmacy adheres to all compliance standards is crucial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with pharmacists, staff, and external stakeholders. 

Salary Range (Canada): $39,000 – $55,000 per year (depending on location, skills and experience) 

Work Environment: Varied, could involve office work, interacting with staff and pharmacists, and potentially managing other administrative tasks. 

Common Workplace Settings: Independent pharmacies, national drugstore chains, hospital pharmacies, government health agencies. 

How to Apply: Tips from Sundance Career Services

Pharmacy Assistant instructor, Noor S. emphasizes the importance of career-focused training as your first step towards a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry: 

“Taking a Pharmacy Assistant program will allow you to play a crucial role in supporting pharmacists in providing patient care and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of pharmacies. You’ll be equipped to assist with various tasks, including processing prescriptions, managing inventory, labelling medications, compounding medications, and providing customer service. 

Once you’ve completed your pharmacy assistant training, you’ll have all the skills and knowledge you need to pursue the many careers available to pharmacy assistants, pharmacy aides, and pharmacy technical assistants. There are also opportunities for you to advance and upgrade your skills as you progress through your career.” 

Now that you know the opportunities that await you, let’s talk about how you can seek them out and get a job in the pharmacy field. 

Landing your ideal pharmacy assistant role requires strategic planning and preparation. Here, Tim Harrison, a career coach from Sundance College with 8 years of experience in career counselling, shares three key insights specific to applying for pharmacy assistant positions: 

1. Build Relationships Early

While enrolled in your pharmacy assistant courses, reach out to local pharmacies and drug stores. Introduce yourself, explain your program, and express your interest in potential practicum placements. A friendly and professional approach can go a long way in establishing rapport with pharmacists who may be your future employers. 

2. Make the Most Out of Your Practicum Placement

Unlike some healthcare professions, pharmacy assistant roles often place a strong emphasis on on-the-job experience. This presents a unique opportunity for you to gain a competitive edge while you’re still studying. 

Securing experience in a real pharmacy practice allows you to gain valuable real-world experience under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. By showcasing your dedication, skills, and knowledge, as well as positive work ethic during your practicum, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving a job offer from the same pharmacy – even before graduation!  

This is a common success story for many Sundance College pharmacy graduates since a 7-week practicum placement is an integral part of Sundance College’s Pharmacy Assistant diploma program. 

3. Enlist Support from Sundance Career Services

At Sundance College, we’re committed to your success beyond the classroom. Our dedicated career services team offers a variety of resources to help our students and alumni excel in their search for pharmacy assistant jobs in Canada: 

• Resume and Cover Letter Creation: We guide students in crafting a compelling resume and cover letter highlighting their knowledge and skills relevant to pharmacy assistant positions. 
• Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Our team conducts mock interviews to help students build confidence and refine their interviewing skills. 
• Practicum Placement and Job Search Assistance: We help our students connect with local pharmacies and healthcare providers to secure valuable practicum placements and potential job opportunities. 

Not Yet a Sundance College Student? 

That’s okay! We’re here to help you take the first step towards your rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant. Simply fill out this easy online form, and a friendly admissions representative will contact you to discuss your Pharmacy Assistant program options and enrollment process.