Traits, skills and aptitudes
Pharmacy assistants tend to be methodical, innovative and objective.
You need:
- fine motor skills and manual dexterity
- composure and the ability to regulate your emotions in stressful situations
- a caring attitude toward others
- effective communication skills
- mental alertness while doing routine tasks
- attention to detail
- the ability to type 35 words per minute accurately.
Pharmacy assistants work on their feet and perform repetitive movements with their hands, wrists and arms for prolonged periods. Some positions require extended hours and shift work, including nights and weekends.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for pharmacy assistants to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You’ll participate in a practicum during your second semester, where you’ll apply your knowledge and skills in a pharmacy setting with a designated clinical partner.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Specialized intakes
The spring (May) intake for this program is reserved for applicants currently residing in Edmonton and rural Alberta, who can provide proof of their home address. All practicum placements will occur within Edmonton and rural Alberta.
In this intake, you’ll attend your lectures online, and labs on campus and subsequently complete a practicum placement. To accommodate those with significant distances to travel, on-campus lab days will be scheduled in groups of four to five consecutive days and occur approximately once per month.
Practicums will be arranged outside the Calgary area in collaboration with SAIT’s partner pharmacies. Though the location is not guaranteed, you are encouraged to consider your ideal practicum location beforehand. There is a high demand for pharmacy assistants in Edmonton and the surrounding area.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate.
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103)
- Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment (32109)
- Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
- Pharmacists (31120)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Pharmacy Assistant certificate requires 24 credits (10 courses) to complete.
The program spans 24 weeks, over two semesters.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
A portable personal computing device is required. An Android laptop or tablet is needed as the software used in this program is not compatible with Apple products. Phones are not suitable device types.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
You are required to wear scrubs to your labs. Scrubs must be cleaned and pressed.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Safety - maintain patient safety at all times.
- Professional and personal development - demonstrate professional conduct as a pharmacy assistant in all interactions.
- Professional communication - demonstrate professional written, verbal, and nonverbal communication.
- Collaboration - use effective and respectful interpersonal skills in all settings.
- Critical thinking - use critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills appropriate to the role
- Regulations and ethics - apply the legal and ethical requirements of a pharmacy assistant.
- Technical skills - demonstrate best-practice technical skills for a pharmacy assistant.
- Professional development - commit to lifelong learning.
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