Program Overview

Pharmacy Assistant with Practicum Program

The Pharmacy Assistant Diploma with Practicum at Excel Career College is a 30-week program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in pharmacy settings. The program combines in-depth classroom learning with a 4-week practicum to deliver the practical skills and real-world experience needed to assist pharmacists in dispensing, customer service, inventory management, and regulatory compliance.

Program Overview

Through a combination of online synchronous learning, in-person labs, and supervised practicum placement, students gain hands-on experience using pharmacy software, preparing medications, and managing workflow in community or retail pharmacies.

• To practice as a Pharmacy Assistant in British Columbia, graduates:
  • Can begin working immediately after graduation in community or retail pharmacies
  • Will work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist
  • Receive training aligned with industry practices and expectations

Career Opportunities

• Community Pharmacy Assistant
• Pharmacy Stock and Inventory Clerk
• Compounding Pharmacy Assistant

Courses

• Pharmacy Assistant: This course equips students with the technical pharmacy foundations and the professionalism, ethics, and communication skills needed for effective practice as a Pharmacy Assistant.
• Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology: This course provides a thorough exploration of medical terminology, the structure and function of human organs, and the interrelationship between body systems.
• Introduction to Pharmacology for Pharmacy Assistants: This course is tailored for pharmacy assistants, providing a comprehensive overview of fundamental pharmacology concepts and primary therapeutic drug categories.
• Pharmacy Calculations for Pharmacy Assistants: This course is designed to equip students with the fundamental calculation skills necessary for pharmacy practice.
• Pharmacy Software Fundamentals: This introductory course equips pharmacy assistants with the essential skills to use pharmacy software for medication processing and dispensing in a community pharmacy.
• Community Pharmacy Practice: This course offers an in-depth exploration of community pharmacy operations, highlighting the responsibilities of pharmacy assistants.
• Pharmacy Compounding Techniques: This course introduces pharmacy assistants to the fundamentals of extemporaneous compounding.
• Certifications: This course will provide opportunities for industry certificate workshops.
• Practicum: This work experience provides students with hands-on experience in a community pharmacy setting.

Admission Requirements

• Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Achieve a minimum of 50% on Excel’s in-house math assessment.
• Provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
  • Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages.
  • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
  • Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below.

English Language Proficiency Tests

• 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) – 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

Program Details

• Duration: 30 weeks
• Format: In-class, Distance, Combined
• Total Program Hours: 620
• Total Weeks: 30
• Duration in Months: 7

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Are there any exams or practical assessments in this program?: Yes, the program includes both written exams and practical assessments to test your knowledge and skills in real-life scenarios.
• Do I need previous healthcare experience to do well in this program?: No. This program is designed for beginners. You’ll start with the basics and gradually build your skills through guided instruction, hands-on practice, and real-world training.