KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS GAINED
The program is designed to develop career-focused pharmacy support skills. Students learn Canadian healthcare system concepts, healthcare ethics and law, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology basics, pharmaceutical calculations, and the professional communication skills required in pharmacy and healthcare settings.
Students gain practical experience with pharmacy software and computer applications, including Kroll-based prescription processing, patient, drug, doctor and SIG information, adjudication, prescription label printing, billing, reporting, inventory control, and data security. Students also develop Microsoft Office skills that support documentation, communication, spreadsheet use, and administrative tasks in the pharmacy environment.
The program includes hands-on and applied learning in community pharmacy dispensing, non-sterile compounding, hospital pharmacy concepts, institutional pharmacy and sterile practice, pharmacy systems management, inventory control, First Aid and CPR, career preparation, and practicum placement. Graduates are prepared to assist with pharmacy workflow, customer service, prescription support, medication storage, record keeping, and workplace professionalism under appropriate supervision.
THIS PROGRAM IS OFFERED IN A HYBRID FORMAT
- Training is conducted in an online classroom and also in person at the campus for practicals and labs.
- Evaluations like Quizzes, Midterms, Exam, and some Assignments are offered in LISA. Watch the video to learn more!
- The practicums are hands-on components which are completed onsite at an approved host facility.
- There are many hands-on components which are completed onsite at the campus.
NEXT PROGRAM START DATES
| S.ID | START DATE | END DATE | DAY | TIMING | STATUS | REGISTER |
|---|
| 7827 | December 14, 2026 | October 27, 2027 | MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | | Register Now |
| 7846 | March 15, 2027 | January 24, 2028 | MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI | 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | | Register Now |
| 7847 | June 14, 2027 | April 24, 2028 | MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | | Register Now |
View All Schedules
Contact us directly for other start dates
Seats Available
Seats Available
Limited Seats
Class Full
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Microsoft Office Applications - This course is meticulously crafted to equip students enrolled in the diploma program with the fundamental skills required in Microsoft Office Applications. It is tailored to their roles within the industry, aiming to empower them with the competence to effectively utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. These applications will be instrumental in enhancing productivity, facilitating communication, and streamlining data management processes. Given the global ubiquity of Microsoft Office, this module is strategically designed to bolster students' career prospects and augment their employability within the sector.
Business Communication - College Success - This course is designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful and fulfilling college experience. Topics include personal development, time management, critical thinking, academic success strategies, interpersonal skills, health and wellness, financial literacy, and career planning.
Canadian Healthcare System, Ethics & Law - This course introduces a conceptual framework of the healthcare environment in Canada. It covers topics about the structure of Canadian healthcare systems and the role of administrative health professionals. It also includes ethical and legal aspects related to decision making in healthcare administration.
Medical Terminology - This course is meticulously crafted to empower pharmacy assistants with fundamental medical terminology essential for effective communication in healthcare settings. Participants will decode a spectrum of medical terminologies commonly used to describe intricate bodily structures and functions. The module places significant emphasis on cultivating accurate pronunciation and the appropriate contextual application of medical terms within specific medical scenarios.
Applied Anatomy, Physiology, & Pharmacology - This course includes different basic processes and terminologies of body functions, diseases, and medication. It introduces the body systems' structure and parts from a cellular level, the effect of various medicines, administration of medication and their side effects.
Pharmaceutical Calculations - This intensive course is meticulously designed to equip pharmacy assistants with essential mathematical skills necessary for accurate medication preparation, dosing, and pricing within a pharmacy environment. Through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online learning, participants will gain proficiency in dosage calculations, compounding techniques, pricing strategies, and inventory control.
Pharmacy Software-Kroll - This course takes a hands-on learning approach to learning Kroll to optimize operations and enhance customer experience, improve processes with features such as Rx filling (patient, drug, doctor, and SIG), adjudication, label printing, inventory, accounts receivable, extensive reporting and audit trails.
Pharmacy Computer Applications & Billing - This course equips students with practical skills in pharmacy management software, focusing on the Kroll program. Students learn prescription processing, drug interaction management, third-party medical plans, and the Netcare system. The module emphasizes data security and patient confidentiality.
Non-Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Assistant Course - This course provides a comprehensive exploration of compounding prescriptions, focusing on the preparation of mixtures, creams, ointments, solutions, and suspensions. The module emphasizes precision, accuracy, and the creation of high-quality pharmaceutical products.
Introduction to Hospital Pharmacy - In this course, students will be introduced to hospital pharmacy and the differences compared to community practice. In addition, students will familiarize themselves with different hospital organizations and the roles and relationships of different health care professionals caring for patients. The legislation governing hospitals will be discussed. The course will also look at drug distribution, including ward stock, unit dose, etc.
Community Pharmacy Dispensing and Lab Skills - This course provides an introductory exploration of the essential knowledge and skills needed for effective performance in a community pharmacy setting. Students will learn about pharmacy workflow, medication dispensing procedures, lab skills, legal and ethical considerations, and effective communication within a retail pharmacy environment.
Institutional Pharmacy & Sterile Practice - Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the operational function of an institution-based pharmacy. This course will enable students to understand the pharmacy team members’ roles and scope of practice. Students will also identify various types of automation and the use of drug distribution systems.
Pharmacy Systems Management &Inventory Control - This introductory course equips students with the fundamental knowledge and skills essential for employment in a retail pharmacy setting with a focus on inventory management. Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice in a simulated pharmacy laboratory, students will gain proficiency in the Kroll Pharmacy system and accurate prescription data entry.
First Aid & CPR Training - Comprehensive 15-hour course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work requirements Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.
Career and Employment Success Strategies - This course is designed to provide Pharmacy Assistant program students with essential career and employment success strategies to excel in their field. The module focuses on practical skills such as job search techniques, resume writing, interview skills, workplace culture, and professional expectations specific to the pharmacy industry. Students will engage in on-site classes to support their field-based work experience and will collaborate individually and in groups for their capstone projects. Additionally, students will receive guidance from student advisors to develop effective strategies for career advancement after completing their core modules of study.
Practicum Placement - students complete 200 hours of clinical work placement in a community pharmacy or similar organizational setting. CIMT College assigns students to Retail Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, Long-Term Care Facilities, Compounding Pharmacies, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
Pharmacy Assistant is a practical healthcare support program that prepares students to work as part of a pharmacy team in community, hospital, institutional, long-term care, and related pharmacy environments. The program combines healthcare knowledge, pharmacy software training, calculations, dispensing support, compounding concepts, inventory control, communication, customer service, and practicum experience. Students who are detail-oriented, organized, professional, and comfortable working with people may find this program a strong pathway into the healthcare support field.
ASSOCIATED NATIONAL OCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION (NOC) CODES
After earning a Diploma in Pharmacy Assistant, you are eligible for positions falling under the following NOC Codes:
NOC - 33103 - Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
Common Job Titles which you can apply for include – pharmacy assistant, pharmacy aide, pharmacy helper, pharmacy supply assistant, dispensary assistant, drugstore dispensing assistant, drugstore side room attendant, pharmacy side room attendant, and pharmacy technical assistant.
JOB FUNCTIONS
Pharmacy Assistants may perform some or all of the following duties under appropriate supervision:
- Assess prescriptions for completeness
- Enter clients’ information and prescription details in databases
- Help pharmacists and other pharmacy staff with preparing, packaging and labelling of pharmaceutical products
- Assist in maintaining inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products
- Compound oral solutions, ointments and creams
- May process medical billing information
- May price and stock items on shelves.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Job openings in the Pharmacy Assistant field commonly require strong communication skills, attention to detail, professionalism, computer literacy, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately. Employers may look for candidates who have completed a pharmacy assistant college program or have related training and experience. Graduates should be prepared to work under supervision, maintain confidentiality, support pharmacy workflow, perform accurate data entry, use pharmacy software, assist with inventory and billing tasks, and provide courteous customer service in a healthcare environment.
EMPLOYMENT AREAS & PROSPECTS
The Pharmacy Assistant program develops skills that may support employment in community pharmacies, retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, institutional pharmacies, long-term care pharmacy settings, pharmaceutical support environments, and similar organizational settings. Graduates may support pharmacists and pharmacy teams with prescription workflow, customer service, billing, inventory, medication storage, documentation, and related pharmacy support tasks.
In-Person Labs and Hands-on Training
The program includes applied learning components that help students connect theory to pharmacy workplace practice. Students should be prepared to complete practical activities, software-based learning, lab-related skills, and a supervised practicum placement as required by the program schedule and campus delivery plan.
Labs may be arranged to be 4-5 hours per day or one longer 8-9 hour day, at the sole discretion of the Campus Manager and Instructor. Hybrid Students must be prepared to travel and attend labs in either timing.