Pharmacy Assistant Diploma

Pharmacy Assistant Course Online
Next program start dates:
Monday, April 1, 2024
Monday, May 6, 2024
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Engaging Classrooms
Passionate and knowledgeable instructors use both practical and theory components for easy learning
Real Pharmacy Experience
Students practice their skills in a mock pharmacy lab on-campus and have an extended 8-week practicum in a real pharmacy
Industry-Standard Software
Students learn first-hand with software programs that are mostly used in modern pharmacy settings
Diploma
Certificate

Pharmacy Assistant Diploma

Duration

53 Weeks

Campus

Calgary

Offered

On-site / Online / Combination

Available

Morning / Evening / Weekend

Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Summary

ABM College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students with all of the skills and knowledge they will require to become a professional Pharmacy Assistant. With hands-on training in realistic simulation labs and a full 8-week practicum in retail and facility setting placements, students are uniquely and effectively prepared to succeed in this rewarding and exciting career opportunity.

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Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Highlights

Students gain relevant knowledge of the technical and clerical aspects of the pharmacy profession. Students end the program with an intensive 8-week practicum that allows them to gather real-world experience in both a retail and institutional setting. Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate is qualified to work as a pharmacy assistant in a wide variety of healthcare facilities as well as retail pharmacy environments.

Discover key features of the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program:

  • Learn the roles of a Pharmacy Assistant in both a community/retail environment and a medical/hospital environment.
  • Study the mathematical calculations and clerical skills required for proper dosage, compounding, and inventory maintenance.
  • Gain an understanding of the effects of medications on anatomy and physiology.
  • Learn the concepts and procedures behind pharmacy compounding with an emphasis on patient safety regulations during sterile preparations.
  • Explore the fundamentals, core features, and functions of the industry standard KROLL software, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Career Opportunities

  • Pharmacy Assistant
  • Hospital Pharmacy Assistant
  • Clinic Pharmacy Assistant
  • Compounding Pharmacy Assistant
  • Pharmacy Distribution Clerk

Salary Range

Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Information Kit

This kit includes important details on the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program at ABM College.

Note: For non-domestic students with a study permit or visa, please see our International Students form here.

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Pharmacy Assistant Diploma

Admission Requirements

Standard Admission

1. Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent. 2. Passing score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. 3. Passing score on the Accuplacer Test. 4. Successful interview with ABM College Admissions.

Mature Admission

1. Applicants must be out of high school for at least two years. 2. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to admission. 3. Passing score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam. 4. Passing score on the Accuplacer Test. 5. Successful interview with ABM College Admissions.

Detailed & International Requirements

For any other program or region-specific requirements, please contact one of our Admissions Advisors. For International Students, please refer to the International Students Admission Requirements.

Domestic Detailed Admission Requirements

Thank you ABM College for helping me in several ways to upgrade my skills and abilities . I was able to get my professional certificate which will open doors for me in getting employment opportunities in the field of Healthcare.

Biruk beza Lewi

Course Curriculum

Principles of Pharmacy

This course will focus on helping students understand the role of the pharmacy assistant and their duties and responsibilities. The course will discuss specifically on the gradual stages of development in the pharmacy profession. We will also learn to differentiate among various workplace environments such as community and institutional. This course will also educate students on the Law and Ethics in the pharmacy workplace. At the end of the course, students will be able to explain the various cultural origins of pharmacy and their impact on the profession.

Community Pharmacy

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the retail pharmacy workplace. This course takes a practical view in educating the students on how to receive prescriptions and be efficient at problem solving. We will emphasize customer communication skills and body language. The course will also explore the importance of inventory management within the pharmacy. We intend to develop skills needed for being an efficient Pharmacy Assistant in a retail environment.

Hospital Pharmacy

This course outlines how the hospital pharmacy works and the role of the pharmacy assistant within it. It gives students a look at how the hospital pharmacy operates differently from the community pharmacy. It explains single-unit dose medications and equipment like PACMED machines, which are involved in packaging the unit dose medication. The course also outlines sterile compounding and the safety procedures that have to be followed before, during and after sterile procedures.

Pharmacy Math

The aim of this course is to help students perform the required mathematical calculations while working in a pharmacy. The course will mainly focus on dosage and other calculations required for basic compounding in the pharmacy. It is essential for a pharmacy assistant to be able to understand the importance of decimals, as little change in decimals could lead to medication errors.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy is defined as the study of the body structures, and Physiology is the function of the body structures. It is important for a pharmacy assistant to have a brief idea of the body systems and how they work. This course will help them in understanding Pharmacology, and where and how medications act in the body.

Pharmacology

The study of pharmacology equips students with knowledge about medications, their uses, side effects and mode of action. Students will learn about these drugs in a systematic way as they are used in the treatment of different diseases.

Compounding Theory

This module focuses on helping students understand the concepts and procedures of compounding. It will emphasize patient safety regulations during sterile preparations and help students develop basic and advanced compounding skills.

Pharmacy Software (Kroll)

This course will help students learn the basic and advanced skills of industry-standard pharmacy software system Kroll.

Microsoft Office

This training will help students to effectively utilize all the features of Microsoft Office products, and increase productivity. Students become well versed in the Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook applications. This 4-week module helps students sharpen their computer and Office skills and prepare for the main course modules.

Capstone Career Prep

Students work with a professional career counsellor to develop and optimize a professional resume to put forward for employers. Additional support in job searching, interview techniques, and other career transition skills are offered to ensure students have the best possible work prospects.

Practicum

Students will gain practical and hands-on experience to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class to real-world experiences in a professional capacity during a practicum placement.

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