Pharmacy Assistant

Prepare for a career as a Pharmacy Assistant in Canada with practical training in pharmacy operations, prescriptions, pharmacy law, communication, and customer care.s

☰ Program Description

The Pharmacy Assistant Program prepares students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in a variety of pharmacy settings, including hospital, community, and retail pharmacies. Students will learn pharmacy fundamentals, relevant pharmacy laws, communication skills, prescription processing, pharmacy math, business management, and employment strategies.

The program reflects current pharmacy assisting trends and practices in Canada and follows an interprofessional, collaborative, and client/customer-focused approach. Current research and best practices provide the foundation for learning and help students develop skills relevant to today’s pharmacy workplace.

General Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma, General Education Development (GED), or BC Dogwood Diploma.

  • Minimum age of 19 for applicants without a high school diploma or equivalent educational qualification.

  • 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 proficiency, either through prior education at grade 10 level or higher or by passing an English language assessment (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent). Adequate English language skills are essential for success, as the program is taught in English.

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 labeling bottles.

  • Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and receiving payments.

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.

If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:

Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time’ with instructors and classmates.

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