35 – 43 Weeks
Pharmacy Assistant Diploma
Develop skills to support pharmacists with daily operations, customer service, and administrative tasks. Learn medical terminology, drug classifications, and prescription handling.
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Support the Healthcare Community
The Pharmacy Assistant program at Western Community College prepares students for careers as Pharmacy Assistants in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and distribution companies.
The curriculum provides comprehensive training in pharmacy-related skills, including customer service, computer applications, bookkeeping, medical terminology, pharmacology, billing, math, and pharmacy practice.
- Training in customer service, medical terminology, and pharmacy practices.
- Development of organizational and communication skills.
- Preparation for roles in community pharmacies, hospitals, and distribution companies.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Career Opportunities
Enter the Thriving Healthcare Industry
$27*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
Graduates from this program can enter into the following occupations.
- Pharmacy Assistant: Support pharmacists with administrative tasks and customer service.
- Dispensary Assistant: Assist in preparing and dispensing medications under supervision.
- Pharmacy Clerk: Manage inventory and handle transactions in a pharmacy setting.
- Pharmaceutical Customer Service Representative: Address customer inquiries and provide product information.
- Medication Reconciliation Assistant: Ensure accurate medication records during
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).
- Grade 10 Math or equivalent.
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: English 10 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher. Secondary Education Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in English at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum overall score of 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any module) |
| 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 |
(Validity period of these test results is two years.)
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 |
Apply Now
Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
Apply Now760
Total program
hours
120
pRACTICUM HOURS
$27*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
| 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 |
Our Academic Partners
We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.
Our PartnersFee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
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.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options-
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