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.
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- 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 condition
This program will be offered in a blended delivery format. Students will complete the theory coursework online and the laboratory components on site at the Winnipeg campus location.
Formats Available
This online program is also available on campus. Select a campus below to learn more.
Program Details
Quick Facts
Format:
Online Learning
Duration:
29 Weeks (7 Months)
Schedule:
5 Days a Week
to
Admission Requirements
Our admissions agents can work with you to ensure you meet the program’s criteria. This program is not currently open to International Students. Need advice? A Student Admissions Advisor is here to support you.
Contact AdmissionsCareer Opportunities
Career opportunities for Pharmacy Assistants exist in retail, institutional and long-term care pharmacies all across Manitoba
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
We accept new students into this program regularly at specified start dates. All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, our online-learning hub. When you enroll, you’ll access your course materials, hand in assignments and connect with your instructors and peers through the online tool. Please contact a student advisor for upcoming start dates.
New start dates are being released all the time. Contact us for more dates.
Live near a Robertson campus? This course is also delivered on-campus.
Click here
to learn more.
Topics of Study
Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology - 80 hours
This course provides pharmacy assistants with the knowledge, background and understanding necessary to assist patients and pharmacists in the dispensing of medications and treatments.
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 - 60 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.
Pharmacy Calculations - 60 hours
This course refreshes students on math fundamentals that form the basis of calculations done in the pharmacy. Students will then expand their knowledge into pharmacy-specific systems of measurement, conversion, and interpretation so they can interpret, enter, and complete prescriptions accurately.
Pharmacy Jurisprudence - 20 hours
This course provides pharmacy assistants with the theory and understanding behind the regulations, rules, and ethics surrounding the practice of pharmacy, the roles of pharmacy team members, and the way in which prescribers, pharmacy, and patients interact.
Online Learning
Study Anywhere
You choose where you learn. Robertson Online offers flexible courses that give you the freedom to study where, when and how it works best for you. You’ll stay up-to-date with weekly assignments and quizzes on Brightspace, so you won’t fall behind.
Instructor Support
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-life experience and insight into the classroom. You’ll have virtual support from your instructors through Brightspace, where you can book video appointments and use the instant messenger to ask questions.
The Power of Brightspace
All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, our online-learning hub. You can study anytime, anywhere and access your course materials, submit assignments and connect with your instructors and peers, all through the online tool.
How It Works
Getting Started
Our flexible start dates give you plenty of opportunities to plan for school and live your life around it.
Taking the Course
All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, an online platform designed to give you everything you need to succeed in remote learning.
Entering the Workforce
Our programs set you up to adapt to industry changes and thrive in our modern digital workforce.
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 student’s program. It is not merely a graduation requirement; it is an extension of the 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.
Let's Get Started
Fill out the form below and one of our Student Admissions Advisors will get in touch with you to guide you through enrolling for this program and answer any questions you have.
