This program is designed to prepare the student with the skills and knowledge that they will require to become a pharmacy assistant. Students will become familiar with pharmacology, pharmacy math, and pharmacy billing software. They will be introduced to the basic mathematic principles, and will be able to understand computer applications and keyboarding.
Graduates of the program can work as Pharmacy Assistants in:
Earn up to $27.30 per hour
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary (Grades 8-12) education in a country where English is the language of instruction, This includes successful completion of a BC adult Graduation program.
OR
Option 2: Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education (education for English language learners not included) in a country where English is the language of instruction.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test:
Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
---|---|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). | Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” |
Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Accepted Countries for Prior Education The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
– | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
Full time: 760 hours /38 weeks
Part time: 760 hours / 47.5 weeks
Course Number | Name of Course | Hours |
---|---|---|
PA 01 | Customer Service and Communication | 20 |
PA 02 | Computer Applications and Keyboarding | 80 |
PA 03 | Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting | 60 |
PA 04 | Medical Terminology | 80 |
PA 05 | Pharmacology | 80 |
PA 06 | Pharmacy Billing | 80 |
PA 07 | Pharmacy Math | 80 |
PA 08 | Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice | 80 |
PA 09 | Aseptic Techniques | 80 |
PA 10 | Practicum | 120 |
Total | 760 hours |
# | PARTICULARS | FEE | REMARKS |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tuition Fee | $6080 | Domestic Students |
2 | Registration Fee | $250 | |
3 | Text Books | $700 | |
Total | $7030 | ||
1 | Tuition Fee | $8740 | International Students |
2 | Registration Fee | $250 | |
3 | Text Books | $700 | |
Total | $9690 |
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Western Community College 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.
In British Columbia, it typically takes about 1-2 years to complete a pharmacy assistant program.
To work as a pharmacy assistant in British Columbia, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a pharmacy assistant program from an accredited institution is also preferred by employers.
According to WorkBC, the median hourly wage for pharmacy assistants in British Columbia is around $20 per hour.
The worth of being a pharmacy assistant in British Columbia is subjective and varies from person to person. However, it can be a good career choice for individuals interested in the healthcare field and who enjoy working with people.
In British Columbia, a pharmacist assistant helps pharmacists in dispensing medication, maintaining inventory, and communicating with patients and healthcare providers. They also process insurance claims, manage patient records, and perform administrative tasks.
With a pharmacy assistant course in British Columbia, you can work in various settings such as hospitals, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. You may also choose to pursue further education and training to become a licensed pharmacist or other related healthcare professions.
In British Columbia, a pharmacist has completed a degree in pharmacy and is licensed to prescribe medication, while a pharmacy assistant supports pharmacists in dispensing medication, maintaining inventory, and communicating with patients and healthcare providers.
In British Columbia, pharmacy assistants cannot provide medical advice, interpret prescriptions, or dispense medication without the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
In British Columbia, a Grade 1 Pharmacist Assistant is an entry-level position in the pharmacy industry. It typically involves basic tasks such as greeting customers, handling cash, and performing administrative duties.
In British Columbia, the highest level in pharmacy is a licensed pharmacist who has completed a degree in pharmacy and is authorized to prescribe medication.
Mon – Sunday 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.
Unit 201 8318 120 St
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
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Unit 900 13761 96 Ave,
Surrey, BC V3V 0E8
Our campus is strategically located at 13761 96 Ave #900, Surrey, BC V3V 0E8. With its proximity to major transit hubs, including prominent bus loops and the King George SkyTrain station, commuting to and from the campus has never been easier.