Healthcare
Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy assistants work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist assisting them with the tasks required to keep the pharmacy or related department running smoothly and efficiently.
Type
Diploma
Duration
32 Weeks
Internship
6 Weeks
About The Program
Open the door to an impactful career in healthcare with our 32-week Pharmacy Assistant diploma program at Eastern College. Here, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of critical areas, including pharmacy compounding, medication preparation and dispensing, pharmacy laws and ethics, and inventory management. Whether on campus in Halifax or through online, instructor-led sessions in New Brunswick—supported by campus locations in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John—this program is tailored to fit your learning needs and prepare you for success in the pharmacy field.
Engage in a dynamic learning environment enriched by real-world pharmacy simulations and a 6-week field placement that immerses you in hands-on experience. This combination of classroom knowledge and practical application will allow you to build a professional network and gain the confidence to step into your career with readiness.
Career Opportunities
As a Pharmacy Assistant, you’ll work as part of a health care team to ensure that consumers receive the best possible pharmaceutical care. Graduates of the Eastern Pharmacy Assistant program may work for Pharmacists in retail pharmacies, home healthcare divisions/companies, insurance companies, institutional settings and pharmaceutical distribution wholesalers/manufacturers.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
- Costco Pharmacy
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Pharmachoice
- Jean Coutu Pharmacy
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Medicine Shoppe
Salary
Employment Rate*
Average Wage/hr**
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 3414 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar and based on Nova Scotia data. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Available Learning Options
At Eastern College, you can choose the learning option that meets your needs. This program is currently available in:
On-Campus
Instructor-led classes held in-person at one or more of our 4 campuses.
Pharmacy Assistant
Duration: 32 Weeks
Internship: 6 Weeks
Online: Remote Classes
Instructor-led classes on a set schedule, held remotely live on video over the Internet.
Pharmacy Assistant
Duration: 32 Weeks
Internship: 6 Weeks
Program Details
Pursue a career where your skills directly support patient care and enhance the pharmacy’s role within healthcare. Our Pharmacy Assistant program equips you with the essential tools to excel in entry-level positions across retail pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. From prescription intake and pharmacy software to mastering compounding techniques and inventory management, you’ll learn to perform every task with precision and care.
You’ll also develop expertise in managing confidential records, handling third-party billing, and collaborating effectively within healthcare teams. With the guidance of expert instructors and practical experience, you’ll graduate prepared to make a real impact in a variety of pharmacy settings, from retail pharmacies and mail-order services to patient education roles in pharmaceutical companies.
Step into a future where your knowledge and skills contribute to a healthier world, and join the ranks of Eastern College graduates who are excelling in the rewarding field of pharmacy assistance.
Students enrolled in the program will receive:
- Classrooms that stimulate real-world pharmacy settings, including relevant equipment;
- Microsoft Office, Microsoft Imagine Standard, and Windows are included in the program fees.
Course Listings: New Brunswick
Bookkeeping Level I and II
Business English
Business Math
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
Digital Literacy for Professionals
Finance
Intermediate & Management Accounting
Internal Control
Personal Income Tax
QuickBooks
Computerized Accounting with Sage 50
Software Lab - Database Management
Software Lab - Presentations
Software Lab - Word Processing
Software Lab - Spreadsheets
Student Success Strategies
Course Listings: Nova Scotia
CPR and First Aid/WHMIS
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
Pharmacy Compounding
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
Digital Literacy for Professionals
Pharmacy Assistant Field Placement
Pharmacy Mathematics
Pharmacology
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Pharmacy Software
Retail Pharmacy Practice
Student Success Strategies
Admission Requirements
- Student has Grade 12 or equivalent or meets criteria for Mature Student Status.
- Mature students must be 19 years of age, pass a qualifying test, and provide a Letter of Intent OR resume that supports their skills and aptitudes to be successful in the program.
- The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!