Pharmacy Assistant

This course equips students with the technical pharmacy foundations and the professionalism, ethics, and communication skills needed for effective practice as a Pharmacy Assistant. You’ll explore the historical evolution of the profession, the roles within community and hospital settings, drug classification and regulation (including Canada’s National Drug Schedules), dosage forms and administration routes, prescription components and workflow, and essential medical terminology. In parallel, you’ll build strong written, verbal, and non-verbal communication and active- listening skills; learn conflict resolution, customer-service, and cultural-sensitivity strategies; and deepen your understanding of professional ethics, accountability, and teamwork. Case studies and role-playing exercises reinforce real-world application throughout.

This course provides a thorough exploration of medical terminology, the structure and function of human organs, and the interrelationship between body systems. Students will study the pathophysiology of various diseases, gaining an understanding of how these conditions affect normal body functions. This knowledge is essential for recognizing therapeutic classifications and the mechanisms by which drugs act. Understanding human physiology will improve students’ ability to grasp therapeutic applications.

This course is tailored for pharmacy assistants, providing a comprehensive overview of fundamental pharmacology concepts and primary therapeutic drug categories.  The curriculum covers the role of prescription medications in managing various medical conditions, focusing on drug action mechanisms, correct dosing,  contraindications, drug interactions, side effects, precautions, warning labels, and patient safety. Additionally, the course examines over-the- counter medications,  vitamins, and natural health products. Students will develop proficiency in utilizing key pharmaceutical references, including the Health Canada Drug Product Database and the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, with particular attention to the specific practices and regulations in British Columbia.

This course is designed to equip students with the fundamental calculation skills necessary for pharmacy practice. The curriculum includes understanding numerals and symbols, reviewing arithmetic, Latin abbreviations, ratio and proportion, interpreting physician’s orders, different measurement systems and conversions, calculating prescription quantities and doses, expressing concentration, strength, and dilution, as well as compounding calculations for both sterile and non-sterile preparations. Additionally, business mathematics will be covered. The course emphasizes accuracy in calculations and the identification of common errors in pharmacy calculations.

This introductory course equips pharmacy assistants with the essential skills to use pharmacy software (e.g., KROLL) for medication processing and dispensing in a community pharmacy. The curriculum covers managing patient profiles, updating drug information, and maintaining physician profiles. Students will learn how to interpret prescriptions, calculate quantities and directions, create labels, handle third-party billing, and manage inventory.

Practical training is provided to ensure students become proficient in accurate data entry and efficient navigation of various software interfaces. Emphasis is placed on developing skills that adhere to pharmacy regulations and ensure proper prescription handling.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of community pharmacy operations, highlighting the responsibilities of pharmacy assistants. Students will gain knowledge in managing prescriptions legally, navigating third-party insurance processes, maintaining records, overseeing inventory, and implementing security protocols within a community pharmacy. Additional topics include ensuring patient safety, preventing medication errors, handling health care products and utilizing compliance aids. The course emphasizesmaintaining professionalskills andmeeting practice standards specific to pharmacy assistants.

This course introduces pharmacy assistants to the fundamentals of extemporaneous compounding. The curriculum covers common compounding ingredients, drug stability, and compatibility. Students will practice calculations and measurements for ingredients and learn various product preparation techniques. Emphasis is placed on using compounding formulas and pharmacy software for managing compounded prescriptions. Additionally, the course includes instruction on maintaining and operating basic compounding equipment.

This 20-hour course introduces students to fundamental customer service principles and professional communication skills essential for today’s workplace. Students will explore the foundations of customer service excellence and develop practical communication abilities through interactive learning activities and real world applications.

Throughout the course, students will learn and practice active listening techniques, empathetic communication, and conflict resolution strategies. The curriculum covers communication across various platforms including phone, email, digital chat, social media, and in-person interactions.

Key topics include cultural awareness and inclusive service practices, enabling students to effectively communicate with diverse populations. Students will study systematic problem-solving methods, appropriate escalation procedures, and follow-up techniques that promote customer satisfaction. The course also addresses professional communication standards, non-verbal communication awareness, and personal skill development planning.

This course is designed for students entering the workforce or those seeking to strengthen their interpersonal and professional communication skills. No prior customer service experience is required. Students will complete practical assignments, participate in group discussions, and demonstrate their learning through various assessment methods. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in customer service principles and communication skills applicable across multiple industries and career paths.

This work experience provides students with hands-on experience in a community pharmacy setting. Students will observe and participate in the daily operations of a pharmacy, including receiving, dispensing, and replenishing orders. They will gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants, as well as the workflow and procedures specific to community pharmacies. This work experience allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their program.

A pharmacy assistant can work in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings that dispense medication.

Yes, pharmacy assistants are in high demand across Canada as pharmacies and healthcare facilities continue to support patients with their medication needs.

A pharmacy assistant should have good communication skills, attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and the ability to work well as part of a team. Basic computer knowledge and customer service skills are also important.

A pharmacy assistant helps prepare prescriptions, manages inventory, labels medication, answers customer questions, and supports the pharmacist with daily tasks.

No, you do not need prior work experience. The program provides the training you need to prepare for a career as a pharmacy assistant.

A pharmacy assistant supports the pharmacist with administrative and clerical tasks but does not hold a license or liability insurance. A pharmacy technician must be licensed, carry liability insurance, and work more independently with less supervision.