Pharmacy Assistant

Program Overview

The Pharmacy Assistant diploma program at triOS College encompasses 38 weeks of comprehensive training, combining 32 weeks of intensive coursework with a 6-week (200-hour) community pharmacy internship. Delivered through live online instruction with campus support available across 8 Ontario locations, this credential equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in community pharmacy environments. The curriculum develops proficiency in prescription processing and dispensing, pharmacy compounding, pharmacology, pharmaceutical mathematics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacy law and ethics. Students gain hands-on experience with computerized dispensary systems and industry-standard equipment while developing professional communication and customer service competencies. Graduates demonstrate a 90% employment rate within 12 months, establishing rewarding careers contributing to quality pharmaceutical care delivery.

Core Competencies

• Prescription & Pharmacy Operations - Students develop expertise in prescription interpretation, medication safety protocols, billing procedures, inventory management systems, and computerized dispensary operations utilized throughout community pharmacy practice
• Pharmaceutical Compounding & Calculations - The program cultivates skills in customized medication preparation including weighing, measuring, mixing, and quality control procedures, plus mathematical proficiency for dosage calculations, prescription pricing, and compounding formulations
• Pharmacological & Medical Knowledge - Students acquire comprehensive understanding of drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, potential side effects, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and commonly prescribed Canadian medications
• Regulatory Compliance & Professional Practice - The curriculum encompasses legal frameworks including Food and Drugs Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, provincial regulations, ethical decision-making, professional responsibilities, plus Standard First Aid/CPR/WHMIS certification

Career Pathways

Entry-level positions: Pharmacy Assistant, Dispensary Assistant, Pharmacy Supply Assistant, Clinic Assistant in retail pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Rexall, Costco), institutional healthcare settings, home healthcare companies, pharmaceutical distributors

Professional advancement: Graduates build stable careers in Ontario's essential healthcare workforce with earning potential of $22-$33/hour, many advancing to senior pharmacy assistant roles or transitioning to pharmacy technician positions through additional education

Industry demand: Community and institutional pharmacies require qualified pharmacy assistants to ensure efficient operations and deliver critical pharmaceutical care, supporting pharmacists in medication dispensing, patient safety, and healthcare service delivery

Better Jobs Ontario Funding: This program may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario government funding. Eligible participants can receive financial support for tuition, books, and living expenses. Contact an Employment Ontario service provider to determine your eligibility and begin your application.