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 last 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.
The healthcare field has a strong focus on health, wellness, and fitness to practice due to the demanding nature of the work and Occupational Health and Safety requirements. As such, special considerations will not be granted based on individual circumstances or preferences, except those stated as protected grounds when an accommodation has been approved.
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
Standard delivery intakes
The Spring semester intake (standard delivery) 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 collaboration with our 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.
In this intake, you’ll attend your lectures online and labs on campus. 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.
Extended delivery intake
There are two Winter semester intakes for this program. One is a standard delivery intake, and the other is an extended delivery intake. The extended delivery intake in the Winter semester is open to international students and is the only intake through which international students are eligible for acceptance into the program.
Credential
Upon successful completion this program, you will be awarded a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate.
Program length
6 or 10 months
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
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 30-2, and
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 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 six months (two semesters) for those enrolling in the standard delivery intakes, and 10 months (three semesters) for those enrolling in the extended delivery intakes.
Standard delivery intakes are offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters each year, while the extended delivery intake is offered in the Winter semester only.
International students are only eligible for acceptance into the extended delivery intake.
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.
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. Your device must be portable. An Android laptop or tablet is needed as the software used in this program is not compatible with Apple products. Phones are not suitable alternatives.
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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