Explore This Program
Program Overview
From helping prepare prescribed medication, counting tablets, and preparing labels to handling customer inquiries in-person and over the phone, operating the cash register and stocking shelves, Pharmacy Assistants play an integral role in the efficient operation of a pharmacy.
- Gain theory, lab, and practicum experiences so you can transition easily into your new work setting
- Be introduced to Community and Institutional Pharmacy procedures so you can be prepared to work in a variety of pharmacy settings
- Learn the basic math calculations used by Pharmacy Assistants in retail and hospital pharmacies
- Be introduced to basic human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and medical terminology that will help you identify the major classes of drugs to treat different conditions
This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) , and not currently licensed by the Private Vocational Institutions Branch in Manitoba. The PA program curriculum aligns with the knowledge and skills required for graduates to work as PAs in Manitoba.
Program Delivery
Hybrid Learning
- A mix of online and on-campus learning.
- Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning without sacrificing valuable in-person training under the guidance of your instructors.
- You only come to the campus for scheduled in-person labs! The theory portion of the program is delivered online through Brightspace, our online learning platform.
Visit our Hybrid Learning to learn more about this delivery format.
Campus Locations
This program is offered at multiple Robertson College campus locations. Select a campus below to view campus specific information, like schedule information and enrolment dates.
Select A Campus
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Contact AdmissionsCareer Opportunities
Career opportunities for Pharmacy Assistants exist in retail, institutional and long-term care pharmacies.
You could be earning in less than a year
Lifetime Career Services
Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.
Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.
Learn more about Lifetime Career Services.
Next Start Dates
To view enrolment dates for a specific location please select a Robertson College campus.
Select A CampusTopics of Study
Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology - 80 hours
Introduces students to the human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. Students learn medical terminology and pharmacology of major classes of drugs used in the treatment of common disease conditions.
Career Preparation - 40 hours
Explores the skills needed to effectively search for industry related employment, including preparing a resume, LinkedIn account, cover letter and interviewing skills.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills - 40 hours
Develops communication skills when engaging with pharmacy personnel, other health care professionals and customers. Students are encouraged to use effective listening skills when dealing with different or difficult individuals. Ethnic and cultural differences are celebrated and tolerance and understanding is applauded.
Community Pharmacy Procedures - 100 hours
Explores the fundamentals of dispensing Prescriptions, including translating Latin abbreviations, analyzing directions for patient use in order to calculate quantities, pricing, preparing labels, maintaining accurate patient profiles and ensuring all record keeping required by legislation is accurately maintained. Accuracy, quality assurance, and proper inventory management are emphasized. Students are exposed to a “hands-on approach” and learn retail software necessary to fill a prescription from start to finish with complete accuracy.
Compounding - 20 hours
Develops an understanding for mixing extemporaneous pharmaceutical solutions including liquids, suspension, ointments and creams. Special focus is given to the importance of accuracy in calculations, weighing and measuring as well as maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Institutional Pharmacy Procedures - 40 hours
Prepares students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work in an institutional pharmacy setting. Students are introduced to various drug distribution systems and policies and procedures applicable to handling and dispensing of medication in this setting.
MS Office Applications - 80 Hours
This course will prepare students to perform functions common to all Microsoft Windows applications. Elements include the ability to create and manipulate Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications, modify the display of toolbars and other on-screen elements, use online help, and perform file management, editing, formatting and printing functions common to most Windows applications.
Jurisprudence - 20 hours
Familiarizes students with the roles of the Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacist. In addition, students are introduced to the legislation governing the practice of pharmacy and to the professional standards and ethics.
Learning Experience
Classes
Have the flexibility to live your life while going to school with our half-day classes. Our flexible start dates and small class sizes give you plenty of opportunities to learn when it’s best for you and gain the hands-on skills to succeed in any industry.
Industry-Leading Instructors
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-life experience into the classroom. You can book office hours or get virtual support from your instructors through Brightspace, where you can schedule video appointments and use instant messenger to ask questions.
Lifelong Career Services
Connect with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that will help you with resume building, interview preparation and networking.
Financial Assistance and Funding
Robertson offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation. Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Questions about tuition and funding?
Contact Admissions
Practicum
The practicum is an essential part of a learner’s program. It is both a graduation requirement and an extension of in-class learning. The practicum asks you to apply the skills, theories, and concepts that you learned in your classes in an entry-level work experience situation.
Practicum must begin and end within the dates outlined in your program schedule and enrolment contract. Practicum is a full-time, unpaid commitment, and is jointly-procured — where you work directly with our Practicum team to obtain a training-related placement. Your active participation with our Practicum team in the search for your practicum placement will enhance your career development skills, industry networking opportunities, and professional communication skills.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is offered at multiple Robertson College campus locations. Select a campus below to view campus specific information, like schedule information and enrolment dates.