Pharmacy Assistant Course Online – Diploma Program
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Pharmacy Assistant Course Online
Diploma Summary
ABM College's pharmacy assistant course online is a 53-week diploma program, including an 8-week practicum. It's designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge required to become a professional Pharmacy Assistant. With hands-on training in realistic simulation labs and practicum, students are uniquely and effectively prepared to succeed in this rewarding career opportunity.
During the course, students gain relevant knowledge of the technical, laboratory, and clerical aspects of the pharmacy profession. The program concludes with an intensive 8-week practicum in either retail or institutional facility placements that allows students to gain real-world experience in both settings. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are qualified to work as pharmacy assistants in a wide variety of healthcare facilities, as well as retail pharmacy environments. With support from our professional career counselors, you'll be working in your new field before you know it.
Pharmacy Assistant
Course Highlights
- Flexible Delivery Modes: The program is available through online, in-person, or hybrid formats, providing students with options to balance their academic requirements alongside personal and professional commitments.
- Diverse Career Training: Students prepare for professional practice in multiple healthcare environments, including community/retail pharmacies and institutional/hospital settings.
- Quantitative and Clerical Competency: The curriculum covers the mathematical and clerical proficiencies necessary for accurate pharmaceutical dosage calculation, sterile/non-sterile compounding, and inventory management.
- Laboratory and Technical Proficiency: Students gain hands-on training in laboratory procedures essential for functioning effectively within compounding and hospital pharmacy environments.
- Pharmacological Foundations: The program provides an in-depth overview of pharmacological principles, including mechanism of action, therapeutic effects, common side effects, and identification of drug-drug interactions.
- Industry Software Application: Students achieve technical proficiency in KROLL pharmacy management software, in addition to the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), to meet standard workplace requirements.
2024–25 Graduate Outcomes
Our Alberta-licensed Pharmacy Assistant Diploma, studied online by students across Canada, reported a 70.83% job placement rate for 2024–25 graduates.*
Career Services support with resumes, interviews and your job search, during your program and after graduation.
*Job placement rate as reported to Alberta Advanced Education (Institution Annual Report, April 2024 – March 2025, “Job Placement Rate for Advertising Purposes”). Rates reflect one reporting year and may vary between graduating groups. Past results do not guarantee employment.
Pharmacy Software & Tools You'll Learn
Gain hands-on experience with the pharmacy management tools and software used daily in retail pharmacies, hospital dispensaries, and compounding facilities across Canada.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| KROLL | Prescription processing, patient records, dispensing workflows |
| Microsoft Excel | Inventory tracking, pharmaceutical calculations, reporting |
| Microsoft Word | Documentation, patient forms, internal communications |
| Microsoft Outlook | Professional email and scheduling |
What career paths are available for Pharmacy Assistant graduates?
According to the Canadian Job Bank, future job prospects for Pharmacy Assistants over the next three years are good across most provinces. The highest demand is expected in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Graduates of our Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Online Program are prepared for roles at the following:
| Role | Work Setting | Key Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy Assistant — Retail / Community | Shoppers Drug Mart, Safeway, Walmart, London Drugs, independent pharmacies | Prescription preparation, labelling, and dispensing; inventory management and replenishment |
| Hospital Pharmacy Assistant | General and specialty hospitals, health authorities (e.g. Alberta Health Services) | Medication prep, IV support, unit dose dispensing |
| Long-Term Care Pharmacy Assistant | Seniors' care facilities, assisted living, continuing care centres | Blister packs, medication carts, nursing coordination |
| Compounding Pharmacy Assistant | Compounding-only pharmacies, specialty clinics | Custom formulations, sterile/non-sterile protocols, QC documentation |
| Pharmacy Inventory Coordinator | Large retail chains, pharmaceutical distributors, mail-order pharmacies | Stock management, order processing, automated dispensing |
| Dispensary Assistant | Medical clinics with in-house dispensaries, occupational health sites | Labelling, patient intake, prescription verification support |
Salary Range
Pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103) in Canada earn between $16.00 and $26.00 an hour, with a median of $20.00, according to Job Bank (2023–2024 wage data, updated November 2025). Wages vary by experience and region.
Admissions Requirements
Financial Aid
Our advisors help you find the funding option that fits — before your program begins.
Loans and grants from the Governments of Canada, Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba for qualifying students.
Low-interest loans up to $15,000 for immigrants and refugees — tuition, books, exam fees, and a living allowance. Free career coaching included.
Real Employers. Real Career Outcomes.
How the Online Pharmacy Assistant Course Works
Also Known As: Pharmaceutical Assistant, Pharmacist Assistant
This diploma is sometimes searched under a couple of different names — Pharmaceutical Assistant course and Pharmacist Assistant course. Whichever term you're searching, ABM College's Pharmacy Assistant Diploma covers the same 53-week, fully online curriculum with an 8-week practicum placement.
Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Information Kit
Pharmacy Assistant Information Kit
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What skills will I learn in the Pharmacy Assistant program?
Why Take Your Pharmacy Assistant Course Online at ABM College
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Study on Your Own Time – Fit learning around your work and family life.
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Easy Access from Anywhere – Study from any location in Canada with an internet connection.
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Live Classes, Recorded for Review – Join live, instructor-led online classes on your schedule (morning, evening or weekend). Each class is recorded, so you can catch up if you miss a session or rewatch lessons to review key topics.
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No Commute Required – Save time and money by learning from home.
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Collaborative Online Learning – Engage with instructors and classmates in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hear from Pharmacy Assistant Course Online Graduates
"I recently graduated from the Pharmacy Assistant program at ABM College, and I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering essential topics like pharmacology, medication management, and customer service skills. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, providing real-world insights that prepared me well for the job market. The hands-on training component was..."
"I recently graduated from the Pharmacy Assistant program at ABM College, and I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering essential topics like pharmacology, medication management, and customer service skills. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, providing real-world insights that prepared me well for the job market. The hands-on training component was particularly beneficial. I had opportunities to work in simulated pharmacy settings, which helped build my confidence in handling prescriptions and interacting with patients. The college also offered excellent career services, including resume workshops and job placement assistance. Overall, ABM College provided a nurturing and professional environment that fostered both academic and personal growth. I feel well-equipped to start my career as a Pharmacy Assistant and highly recommend this program to anyone interested in the field."
Judith JewellsGraduate of Pharmacy Assistant Program"I recently completed the Pharmacy Assistant course at ABM College Calgary Campus, and it was a great experience. The curriculum was comprehensive and well-structured, covering all the essential aspects of pharmacy technology. I would definitely recommend ABM College Calgary Campus to anyone looking to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Assistant. The education and support..."
"I recently completed the Pharmacy Assistant course at ABM College Calgary Campus, and it was a great experience. The curriculum was comprehensive and well-structured, covering all the essential aspects of pharmacy technology. I would definitely recommend ABM College Calgary Campus to anyone looking to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Assistant. The education and support provided are top-notch, making it an excellent choice for anyone in this field."
Kaycee ManuelGraduate of Pharmacy Assistant Program"Proud to be among the students who studied at ABM College My thanks to my teachers and the coordination team of ABM College. My deep thanks and gratitude to Shoppers Drug Mart-Magrath Heights in Edmonton for my 240 hours of practicum. Thank you."
Floribert BizimunguGraduate of Pharmacy Assistant Program
