Pharmacy Assistant

Program Description

The Pharmacy Assistant Program is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to work in a variety of pharmacy settings (hospital, community, retail). Learn pharmacy fundamentals, the relevant laws, communication skills, prescriptions, math skills, business management and employment strategies. This pharmacy program reflects the current trends and practices in pharmacy assisting in Canada and uses an interprofessional, collaborative, client/customer-focused approach. Current research and best practices provide the foundation for learning.

Career Occupation (if applicable)

Pharmacy Assistant

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.

English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

Applicants must provide evidence of a negative tuberculin test, taken no more than six months before the date of application (or evidence of an appropriate follow-up if the test was positive).

A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Criminal Records Review Office.

English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements

Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary school (Grades 8-12) has been completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.

Evidence of post-secondary education completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Overall score of 46

Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall Score of 40

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Assist licensed pharmacists in providing medication and other health care products to patients
Perform tasks to help prepare prescribed medications, such as counting tablets and labelling bottles
Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, stocking shelves and receiving payments

Additional Information

Method(s) of Evaluation*

Quizzes, Assignments, Midterms, Final Exams, Case Studies.

Completion Requirements*

Completion Requirements* Students must pass the practicum and attain a minimum grade of 70% in each of the other courses in the program.

Delivery Method(s)

Indicate how the program is delivered:

In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.

Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, excluding work experience hours, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.

Required course materials

List textbooks, equipment, uniform and other educational materials required to complete this program.

Program Organization*

Key Information

Start Date: 20 January 2025
End Date: 08 September 2025
Program Duration: 660 Hours | 33 Weeks
Homework Hours: 100 Hours
Total Tuition Fee: $3,500
Delivery Method(s): In-class instruction + Distance education