Pharmacy Assistant

In just under 6 months, you'll graduate with the essential skills needed to excel as a pharmacy assistant.

Our up-to-date curriculum is designed to reflect the latest trends in the pharmaceutical field, keeping you ahead.

Learn from experienced instructors with real-world pharmacy expertise, ensuring you receive practical guidance.

Gain hands-on experience in diverse pharmacy settings and build your professional network within the pharmaceutical community.

Program Highlights
Duration 27 weeks / 6 months / 550 hours (including 100 hours work experience)
Work Experience Hours 100
Curriculum

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a good understanding of computer operation and basic cybersecurity.
  • Utilize Microsoft 365 for word processing and email communication.
  • Recall knowledge of medical terminology, pharmaceutical products, including brand and generic names, uses, and side effects.
  • Demonstrate accuracy to process prescriptions, including data entry and medication dispensing procedures.
  • Summarize regulations related to controlled substances handling and storage.
  • Develop skills in inventory management, including ordering and restocking medications.
  • Assist pharmacists in patient consultations regarding medication instructions and potential interactions.
  • Develop the ability to effectively engage with customers and offer support in addressing their medication-related questions and concerns.
  • Gain proficiency in operating pharmacy software systems for prescription processing.
  • Ensure adherence to pharmacy laws and ethical standards in all interactions with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Implement proper techniques for labeling, packaging, and organizing medication supplies.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in operating a cash register, handling cash transactions and process payments and other products.
Certification Diploma
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code 51.0805 - Pharmacy technician/assistant
Compliance Pharmacy Assistant was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Please note that this program does not lead to employment in a career occupation regulated by a regulator.

Admissions Requirements
  • All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
  • Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:

    Age Requirements

    • Be a mature student (minimum 19 years of age) OR a Grade 12 graduate (parent/guardian consent required if under 19 years of age)

    Language Proficiency Requirements

    • Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
      • Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
      • Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
        • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
        • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
        • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
        • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
        • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
        • Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
        • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
        • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

    Background and Health Requirements

    • Clear criminal record check
    • Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and may be required for the work placement portion of the program:

      2 doses of COVID vaccine, Influenza (required annually)

Tuition and Fees
Tuition $7,730
Fees:
Assessment Fee $100
Books $385
Scrubs / Uniform $140
Administrative Fee $5
Application Fee $250
Total Tuition and Fees $8,610

Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free , typically split into 6 equal monthly payments of $1,435.

Other funding options may be available for students who qualify.