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Pharmacy Assistant
Work alongside pharmacists and other health care providers to support the needs of patients. As a pharmacy assistant, you handle prescription filling, pharmacy compounding, and customer service. Learn essential skills in pharmacy calculations, Kroll software, and retail and institutional pharmacy procedures.
Credential
Diploma
Duration
43 weeks
Practicum
7 weeks
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Employment Opportunities
- Retail Pharmacy Assistant
- Hospital Pharmacy Assistant
- Central Fill Dispensary Assistant
- Pharmaceutical Business Development Assistant
- Pharmacy Administrative Professional
What You Could Earn
Up to $56,350
Benefits
Our Pharmacy Assistant course is eligible for student aid funding; other options available.
Industry-experienced instructors bring firsthand knowledge from actual roles in their fields.
As part of your specialized training, you will learn this leading pharmacy management software to enhance your ability to manage prescriptions, patient records, and pharmacy operations efficiently.
Gain real pharmacy experience and training through practicum placements in pharmacy environments.
Start your Pharmacy Assistant diploma online. Access course materials anywhere at any time.
Benefit from lifetime access to our Career Services team for job search help and career advice.
Receive personalized, individual attention and support during your studies.
We provide the tools you need to succeed in your program, including a new laptop you keep.
Pharmacy Assistant Diploma: Overview
Sundance College’s Pharmacy Assistant course equips you with the career-focused skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to become a pharmacy assistant.
In just 43 weeks, our diploma program prepares you to play an essential role in the today’s pharmacy and healthcare fields with training in pharmacology, pharmacy compounding, Kroll software, inventory management, anatomy and physiology, as well as retail and institutional pharmacy procedures.
Our program balances primary medical and pharmaceutical knowledge including pharmacy procedures, health and ethics with the administrative and communication skills you need to excel in this busy patient-facing position.
Our program also includes a 7-week practicum or practical work experience in a retail, institutional, long-term care pharmacy or other pharmacy setting, providing you with real world experience in the pharmacy industry.
Program Overview: Pharmacy Assistant
Learn about Sundance College’s Pharmacy Assistant diploma program and how it prepares students for pharmaceutical career success.
Is a career as a Pharmacy Assistant right for you?
Take the Sundance College Career Training Readiness Quiz. The Career Quiz is a free tool that will help you identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!
Take Our Career QuizProgram Courses
Core
Health and Ethics
This course provides students with coverage of health, ethics and privacy in today’s pharmacies. Related topics include HIA, FOIP and Ethics from the Alberta College of Pharmacists.
Anatomy and Physiology
Gain a fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students will explore topics such as structure, function, and terminology. Students will learn to describe the anatomy of systems such as the digestive, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems.
Pharmacology 1
Explore the basic concepts and principles of pharmacology. You will learn drug classes related to specific body systems (e.g., nervous, musculoskeletal) and therapeutic uses (e.g., antihypertensives, anticoagulants). From this course, you will understand mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, clinical uses, adverse reactions, and interactions of each drug class.
Pharmacology 2
You will apply the basic pharmacologic concepts and principles from the first course and explore drug classes related to specific body systems (e.g., respiratory, endocrine) and therapeutic uses (e.g., antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptics). Understand the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, clinical uses, adverse reactions, and interactions of each drug class.
Pharmacy Calculations
Develop essential pharmacy math calculation skills that are used in both community and institutional pharmacy practice. Different types of calculations will be introduced such as how to interpret medication dose, ratio-proportion methods, conversions, and abbreviations.
Community Pharmacy Procedures
Community Pharmacy Procedures provides students with an overview of the community health care system. Students will learn about community pharmacy procedures such as current technology, monitoring, and drug administration. Quality assurance will be emphasized throughout this course.
Institutional Pharmacy Procedures
In Institutional Pharmacy Procedures, students will gain an understanding of pharmacy procedures in a hospital. Students will work hands-on to demonstrate their understanding of filling, dispensing, preparing and labeling the various types of prescription drugs. The importance of sterilization and infection control will also be examined throughout this course.
Compounding
Explore the importance of pharmacy compounding policies and procedures. Students will apply their knowledge of formulations and techniques to perform critical dosage and compounding calculations. Topics of interest include weighing, leveling, trituration, and geometric dilution.
Pharmaceutical Software
Provides an overview of pharmacy software in both community and institutional settings. Students will learn how to effectively and efficiently use the KROLL pharmacy software.
CPR, First Aid, WHMIS and FOIP
This course provides students with hands-on training in first aid. Topics include medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, environmental emergencies, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns and respiratory emergencies and much more.
Foundation
Becoming a Master Student
This course helps students make the transition to post-secondary education and teaches them how to make the most of their chosen career education path as they prepare for the workforce. Topics include learning styles, goal setting, note-taking, and testing.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
This course prepares students to use proper speaking skills to give effective and professional oral presentations. Students will learn what to do before, during, and after the presentation, and how to design effective visual aids.
Digital Literacy
Learn the foundational knowledge needed to excel on computers and the use of the internet. Develop the essential computer and internet skills crucial for modern pharmacy practice, so you can navigate digital tools effectively. The Internet and Computing Core Digital Literacy Certification tests basic computer skills and understanding of the Internet to promote success in school, work and life.
Microsoft Word
Learn how to create, format, and manipulate Microsoft Word documents through practical hands-on training.
Career Management
Work hands-on to build the opportunity-finding skills needed in today’s job market. You will learn essential skills needed to be successful throughout the entire job application process and how to achieve gainful employment. You will plan, write, and complete a resume; search for employment; and develop your presentation skills.
Practicum
Your diploma program includes a 7-week practicum in a retail, institutional and long-term care pharmacy. For students unable to complete a practicum (e.g., due to remote location), a capstone project will be offered as an alternative to fulfill the diploma requirements.
Admissions Steps
Whether you're just starting to explore or are ready to take the next step, we're here to help you navigate your journey. Get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Admissions RequirementsConnect with an Advisor
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Find Out What Our Students
Say About Us
I actually got a job right away. They hired me on the spot! There are many things that I learned in my program that I am super grateful for now that I am in my field today. We got to learn Kroll and I use that in my day-to-day tasks every day. Do it. Just do it! Even if you’re terrified, just do it. It was worth it.
Alyssa C.
Pharmacy Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a pharmacy assistant do?
Pharmacy assistants support pharmacists by ensuring operations in the pharmacy run smoothly. Their tasks include preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, investigating discrepancies, processing prescriptions, and offering great customer service.
How much do pharmacy assistants make in Canada?
The salary of a pharmacy assistant in Canada will vary depending on factors such as education, location (province, city), experience, and employer. On average, they can earn up to $56,350 a year.
How do I become a pharmacy assistant?
To become a pharmacy assistant in Canada, complete a Pharmacy Assistant diploma program. These programs provide you with the knowledge and skills required to enter the pharmacy field. To find out more about how to become a pharmacy assistant, read our blog ‘How to Launch a Career as a Pharmacy Assistant’.
I don’t have experience in the healthcare field. Can I take the Pharmacy Assistant course?
Yes! Our program is designed for individuals with varying levels of experience.
Whether you’re looking to move up in your current pharmacy career or are brand new to the health industry, you’ll receive the comprehensive hands-on training you need for a successful career in a pharmacy setting.
How do I balance my studies with my work and family commitments?
Many of our students and graduates have work and family commitments that they balanced with their studies. You will study only one course at a time instead of 4 or more. This allows you to immerse yourself and increase your knowledge retention and academic success.
As well, our flexible learning model allows you to study around your other commitments. And you can take your Pharmacy Assistant program online.
For more tips on finding the right work-life balance during your Pharmacy Assistant diploma program, read our blog ‘Achieve Work-Life Balance: Tips from College Graduates’.
What jobs can I expect to get once I graduate from the Pharmacy Assistant program?
Graduates of our Pharmacy Assistant program can pursue careers in areas like retail pharmacies, hospitals, central fill dispensaries, pharmaceutical business development, and pharmacy administration.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacy assistant?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacy assistant is the opportunity to have a direct impact on patient health and wellness. You will play a crucial role in the healthcare team, assisting with the accurate dispensing of medications and providing essential support to pharmacists and patients, and contributing to the smooth operation of a pharmacy.
Do you have other questions about our diploma programs or need guidance?
If you need more information about our programs, admissions requirements, financial aid, or practicum experiences, our admissions advisors are ready to assist you. Connect with a professional today to get the support and information you need to make informed decisions about your education and career path.
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