An Inside Look Into a Career as a Pharmacy Assistant

Robertson College (RC): What sparked your interest in becoming a Pharmacy Assistant?

Jamie Clark (JC): My journey to pharmacy was a little different than most. I was working as a cashier supervisor at a Shoppers Drug Mart while trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I drew up. I had gone to university and had a degree but that path was not turning out to be what I wanted for my future. While at Shoppers, the owner approached me and asked if I would be interested in becoming a pharmacy assistant as one of the current technicians was going to be leaving to work with Alberta Health Services. I have always loved learning things and with nothing else really planned, I decided that I would give it a shot and it has been my field ever since.

RC: With various other Pharmacy Assistant programs out there, why did you choose Robertson?

JC: I researched what post-secondary institutions were offering pharmacy assistant programs and Robertson was one of the top options that I came back to. Comparing program length, tuition, and what came as part of the course fees, Robertson was vey competitive with its shorter program and overall lower costs compared to other schools. It also had the added bonus of being local to where I lived and worked at the time, making it easy to find flexible options so that I could still keep earning while learning.

RC: What was the most impactful thing you learned as a student in the program?

JC: I don’t think it’s any one thing from the classes that I took away, but the whole experience. It was also the realization that in pharmacy you are never truly alone. You are always part of a team. You will be able to ask for help, learn more, and eventually be involved helping the next waves of pharmacy assistants, techs, and pharmacists in their careers.

RC: What do you love most about being an instructor at Robertson?

JC: I love being able to make pharmacy approachable to students and make it fun. I always try to make my classes a welcoming environment for learning, exploring, and practice. It is nice to hear students look forward to class, feeling comfortable enough to ask questions, and fostering a sense of community. I enjoy being a source of encouragement and sharing stories with students to make them feel more prepared for the journey ahead of them and less overwhelmed with everything they have to learn. It is very gratifying to help students recognize their strengths and succeed. 

RC: You certainly have a lot of valuable insight on the pharmacy field by being a student, instructor, and practitioner! Given that range of experience, what would you say is the most valuable thing the Robertson Pharmacy Assistant Program provides students?

JC: I think in addition to having instructors who are experts in the field and can provide current knowledge, Robertson has a team of instructors who truly care about their students’ success. We all strive to support our students inside and outside of the classroom and be mindful of the challenges that daily life can bring. This learner centred instructional support carries over to both students and alumni after they leave the college and start their careers too. I’m not sure any other school gives students so much support outside of the classroom. In addition, the hybrid format of the Pharmacy Assistant program gives students flexibility to fit their studies into their own schedules. 

“…in pharmacy you are never truly alone. You are always part of a team. You will be able to ask for help, learn more, and eventually be involved helping the next waves of pharmacy assistants, techs, and pharmacists in their careers.”

RC: What would you say to students interested in pursuing a career as a Pharmacy Assistant (but might be on the fence about it)?

JC: It’s worth giving it a try! I think being a Pharmacy Assistant is a very rewarding healthcare career and it will be something you’ll enjoy more and more. Once you gain some experience and make connections,  you’ll begin to trust yourself to be amazing. You will have a bigger appreciation for healthcare workers, a better understanding of medications, the importance of the questions that your physicians and pharmacists ask, and gain understanding and empathy towards people. The skills and experiences you gain in the program and out in the field will last you a long time.  These are all things you can take with you, no matter where you end up. Come on, give it a try!

Program Details

• Format: Hybrid learning with in-person instruction at our Winnipeg, Edmonton, or Calgary campuses. 
• Duration: 29 Weeks (7 Months)
• Schedule: 5 Days a Week, Monday to Friday
• Practicum: 4 weeks

Ready to discover a fulfilling career in pharmacy? 

If you’re interested in pursing a meaningful career in pharmacy enrol in Robertson’s Pharmacy Assistant diploma program and start as early as Jan 29, 2024!