Pharmacy Assistant

• Five-month certificate
• Fall and winter starts
• Includes a retail pharmacy practicum
• Self-study supported with class and lab days
• Graduates in high demand

Program Description

As our population grows and ages, there is a vital need for trained professionals to provide pharmacy-related assistance. This program trains students to become knowledgeable and skilled pharmacy assistant. Theory is taught in class and practiced in the laboratory. A four-week retail fieldwork practicum completes the training. The pharmacy assistant is responsible for receiving prescriptions, preparing drugs, undertaking clerical and computer duties, managing inventory and providing customer service. Pharmacy assistants must always work directly under the supervision and guidance of the pharmacist. They allow the pharmacist to spend more time with the client in his or her care.

In this five-month certificate program, students spend approximately 16 hours per week on campus in theory-based courses and laboratory practice. Course content in the first semester includes pharmacy concepts, pharmaceutical calculations, body systems and pharmaceutical implications and order processing, as well as professional standards and workplace communications. In the second semester, students complete their practicum in a community retail pharmacy to gain competency integrating theoretical knowledge with dispensing practice and customer service.

Students must have a personal computer and access to the Internet. Most classes are taught at SAIT, but some require online access. All courses require additional self-study. Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the day. in large retail stores. Most classes are taught at SAIT, but some require online access.

Your Career

Graduates may work in hospitals, community-based retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, or veterinary clinics as pharmacy assistants.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with an overall average of at least 60% in the following courses or equivalents:

• Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 or Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, AND,
• English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

To be included in selection, applications along with all supporting documents must be submitted.

Selection is done on a continuous basis and will continue until the program is full. All applications received after the program has been filled will be placed on a waitlist.

Selection Process

Qualified applicants will be required to complete a Keyboarding Skills assessment. The keyboarding assessment is a Pass/Fail exam - applicants who are unable to type at least 30 words per minute net or better will not be eligible to continue in the selection process.  Qualified applicants will be contacted by the program with more information on how to schedule the assessment through SAIT.

Student Success

• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
• Pharmacy assistants are detail oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
• As keyboarding and basic computer skills are not taught in this program, students are expected to be proficient in these areas prior to admission. It is strongly recommended that students have a typing speed of 35 wpm or better.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Pharmacy Assistant.

Accreditation

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Pharmacy Assistant.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.
• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
• The cost for a criminal record check, which is a requirement for practicum, is up to $40 or more.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $500.
• Students are required to have access to a personal computer with the specifications listed in Fees and Expenses.

Program Outline

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8500
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Web: School of Health and Public Safety
Academic Chair: Patricia Reader-Downey

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• NorQuest College

Transfer options may be available at post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs could be evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary educational institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition