Healthcare
Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy assistants work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist assisting them with the tasks required to keep the pharmacy or related department running smoothly and efficiently.
Type
Diploma
Duration
32 Weeks
Internship
6 Weeks
About The Program
The 32-week Pharmacy Assistant diploma program at Eastern College is your gateway to becoming a vital part of the pharmacy world. This program offers an in-depth understanding of pharmacy compounding, laws and ethics, medication preparation and dispensing, inventory management, and more. The Pharmacy Assistant Program is available in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In Halifax, classes are offered on-campus, while in New Brunswick, you can study online through instructor-led sessions with the added support of campus locations in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John.
Take advantage of a dynamic learning environment with real-world pharmacy simulations that prepare you for success. Our program includes a valuable 6-week field placement, giving you hands-on experience and the chance to expand your professional network.
Career Opportunities
As a Pharmacy Assistant, you’ll work as part of a health care team to ensure that consumers receive the best possible pharmaceutical care. Graduates of the Eastern Pharmacy Assistant program may work for Pharmacists in retail pharmacies, home healthcare divisions/companies, insurance companies, institutional settings and pharmaceutical distribution wholesalers/manufacturers.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
- Costco Pharmacy
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Pharmachoice
- Jean Coutu Pharmacy
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Medicine Shoppe
Salary
Employment Rate*
Average Wage/hr**
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 3414 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar and based on Nova Scotia data. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Available Learning Options
At Eastern College, you can choose the learning option that meets your needs. This program is currently available in:
On-Campus
Instructor-led classes held in-person at one or more of our 4 campuses.
Pharmacy Assistant
Duration: 32 Weeks
Internship: 6 Weeks
Online: Remote Classes
Instructor-led classes on a set schedule, held remotely live on video over the Internet.
Pharmacy Assistant
Duration: 32 Weeks
Internship: 6 Weeks
Program Details
Step into a career where your expertise helps improve patient care and supports the vital functions of healthcare.
Our program is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in retail pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. You’ll master everything from prescription intake and pharmacy software to compounding techniques and inventory control. Learn how to maintain accurate, confidential records, handle third-party billing, and communicate effectively within a healthcare team.
With a blend of expert instruction and practical experience, you’ll graduate ready to make a significant impact in various pharmacy settings, including retail pharmacies, mail-order services, and patient education roles within pharmaceutical companies.
Graduates typically find employment opportunities in retail pharmacies and other environments such as mail order pharmacies, and in areas such as patient education within pharmaceutical companies.
Students enrolled in the program will receive:
- Classrooms that stimulate real-world pharmacy settings, including relevant equipment;
- Microsoft Office, Microsoft Imagine Standard, and Windows are included in the program fees.
Course Listings: New Brunswick
Bookkeeping Level I and II
Business English
Business Math
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
Digital Literacy for Professionals
Finance
Intermediate & Management Accounting
Internal Control
QuickBooks
Computerized Accounting with Sage 300
Computerized Accounting with Sage 50
Software Lab - Database Management
Software Lab - Presentations
Software Lab - Word Processing
Software Lab - Spreadsheets
Student Success Strategies
Course Listings: Nova Scotia
CPR and First Aid/WHMIS
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
Pharmacy Compounding
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
Digital Literacy for Professionals
Pharmacy Assistant Field Placement
Pharmacy Mathematics
Pharmacology
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Pharmacy Software
Retail Pharmacy Practice
Student Success Strategies
Admission Requirements
- Student has Grade 12 or equivalent or meets criteria for Mature Student Status.
- Mature students must be 19 years of age, pass a qualifying test, and provide a Letter of Intent OR resume that supports their skills and aptitudes to be successful in the program.
- The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!