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Information Kit

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Diploma Summary

ABM College’s NACC Pharmacy Assistant Program in Ontario provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for the diverse responsibilities of a Pharmacy Assistant. The curriculum covers both technical and clerical aspects, including medication dispensing, inventory management, and customer service. Students engage in hands-on learning through realistic simulation labs and gain essential certifications in CPR and First Aid, equipping them to handle emergencies in a healthcare setting.

The program culminates in an intensive 5-week practicum, offering invaluable real-world experience. This practicum allows students to apply their knowledge in professional settings, building confidence and practical skills. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to work in any retail pharmacy environment. The combination of classroom learning, hands-on training, and real-world experience ensures that Pharmacy Assistant Diploma graduates are highly qualified and ready to excel in their careers.

NACC Pharmacy Assistant

Diploma Highlights

Learn the roles of a Pharmacy Assistant in a community / retail environment.

Study the mathematical calculations and clerical skills required for proper dosage, compounding, and inventory maintenance.

Gain an understanding of the effects of medications on anatomy and physiology.

Earn life saving CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Learn to use industry standard Pharmacy Management Software to effectively assist clients with all their pharmacological needs.

Career Opportunities

Pharmacy Assistant

Retail Pharmacy Assistant

Compounding Pharmacy Assistant

Pharmacy Distribution Clerk

Salary Range

Pharmacy Assistant Course Curriculum

This course will focus on helping students understand the role of the pharmacy assistant and their duties and responsibilities. The course will discuss specifically on the gradual stages of development in the pharmacy profession. We will also learn to differentiate among various workplace environments such as community and institutional. This course will also educate students on the Law and Ethics in the pharmacy workplace. At the end of the course, students will be able to explain the various cultural origins of pharmacy and their impact on the profession.

This subject provides students with a basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and their associated disorders. The emphasis is on the anatomical areas most affected by drugs. Students are introduced to the study of normal body system structures and function, the recognition of various homeostatic imbalances, basis chemistry, common diseases and disorders, pharmacy assistant in the pharmacy setting.

This subject provides students with a basic understanding of computer hardware and software components and introduces them to the use of a windows-based operating system and related useful applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, databases, presentation packages, the internet and email. Students will operate microcomputers independently, organize related files and folders, produce professional looking documents, send, and manage email, and use the Internet to research information. This course also helps students who do not type to develop correct typing techniques through the use of lecture and typing tutor software. They learn how to use the keyboard, the proper fingering positions, and how to type without looking at the keyboard. Students much achieve a minimum of 40 wpm (net) to pass the Pharmacy Assistant program.

In professional settings, where people meet and work with a diverse public, respecting social or cultural differences and communicating intentions clearly are essential. In this course, students learn effective interpersonal communication skills for managing effective customer service and work relationships, for gaining voluntary compliance and for managing conflicts within a multicultural society. Students participate in role-playing exercises to identify and respond to verbal and non-verbal forms of communication and to identify factors that facilitate or obstruct effective communication. This course also provides a review of basic skills in English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure with an emphasis on improving written communications.

This subject introduces students to the types of calculations used in pharmacy on a regular basis. Students begin with a review of basic mathematical operations covering fractions, decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage then progress to performing the more complex calculations required for calculation of medication dosages and solutions, prescription pricing and retail mathematics. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and the prevention of errors. Multiple problems and exercises are included to allow students to practice their skills and reinforce learning. Note: Students continue to practice Pharmaceutical Calculations - in Subject Modules #7 through #12 that follow.

In this subject, students are introduced to a number of ethical issues including classic bioethics and contemporary healthcare ethics. Students will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and through discussion, to explore those held by others. Students are also introduced to Federal and Provincial drug legislation as it relates to pharmacy practice including patient privacy requirements, a description of federal and provincial drug schedules (prescription and nonprescription), the legal requirements for a prescription, narcotic and controlled drug requirements and record keeping and retention. Note - Pharmaceutical Law and Ethics course material will be reinforced and expanded on in Subject Modules #7 thru #13 that follow.

This subject introduces students to the general concepts of pharmacology and the principles of drug action including pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and toxicologic aspects and applications. Drug classifications as related to their action on the body and the therapeutic classifications as defined in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary are studied, including the actions of each drug classification as well as some of the more common side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions. Students also gain a working knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders including drug classification, use, therapeutic effects, side/adverse effects, brand/generic names, dosage forms, routes of administration, commonly used dosage strengths and directions for use of these medications. Proper use of auxiliary labels is also covered.

In this course, students develop skills in compounding a variety of non-sterile products including various mixtures, creams and ointments, solutions and suspensions. Students become familiar with the types of equipment used in compounding products and how to properly use and care for it. They learn to calculate the appropriate amount of each ingredient, use the correct compounding techniques, apply corresponding quality assurance procedures and compound according to those laws, regulations, and standards that govern the preparation of non-sterile products. Accuracy in calculations, weighing and measuring chemicals, and timely and accurate completion of records are emphasized.

The focus of this course is on aseptic techniques and sterile product preparation as they apply to institutional care settings, including an introduction to the delivery of pharmacy services in a hospital setting. Topics include microbiology and disease transmission, infection control and methods to prevent the spread of disease and provide personal protection, W.H.M.I.S. and handling of bio-hazardous materials. The importance of aseptic technique to ensure sterility is emphasized. Students will gain experience on the types of equipment used in parenteral compounding, the preparation of intravenous admixtures and other parenteral products. Emphasis is placed on accurate dispensing techniques including methods of checking work for accuracy. Students are also introduced to hospital organization and structure, related legislation and regulatory requirements.

This course introduces students to pharmacy management software systems and the role of computers in pharmacy practice including the history of computers in pharmacy practice, current practice applications and future trends. Students gain hands-on practice using pharmacy software such as Nexxsys and Kroll for updating and creating patient, drug, doctor, and mixture profiles; prescription processing; inventory control and purchasing; third party billing procedures; automatic scheduling of tasks; generation of daily, weekly and monthly reports; and other tasks. Legal and ethical issues surrounding information collection and retrieval are also reviewed.

This course is designed to provide the skills necessary to practice effectively in a community pharmacy setting. Students learn how to completely fill a prescription in a laboratory setting. Emphasis is placed on correct dispensing techniques, including interpretation of the prescription, creating / updating patient profiles, calculations, measuring, labeling, packaging, and product presentation. Repeated preparation of sample prescriptions builds the confidence and the accuracy of the student. Particular attention is paid to third party billings and the management of dispensary receivables, both computerized and manual.

Near the conclusion of the program, students are required to complete 200 hours of clinical work placement in a community pharmacy or similar organizational setting. Activities performed will vary depending on the Clinical Placement site, however, key responsibilities of each student include being supervised by a Clinical Placement host, observing all workplace and school safety and security procedures, dressing appropriately for the Clinical Placement experience, interacting with the Clinical Placement staff respectfully, courteously, and enthusiastically and learning and asking questions about the Clinical Placement staff's jobs, environment and daily routine. Specific activities during placement may include assisting the pharmacist.

Admissions Requirements

Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Information Kit

This kit includes important details on the NACC Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program at ABM College.

Pharmacy Assistant Information Kit

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Student Recommendations of ABM College

I loved every minute of going to ABM College, I felt they prepared me so well for my course and for what's to come after graduation. I could not be happier with my education and now my successful career as a Health Care Aide.

Kelly Reis, Alberta
ABM College helped me to pursue my dream job. At first, I was hesitant because I thought doing classes online is not so easy. But they have flexible hours to attend so working students can choose a time to work with your schedule. All instructors are very approachable and staff are very accommodating. A great school that I will not forget.

Bhing Sayson-Cuadra, Saskatchewan
Deborah Cheesman
I studied the Diploma program in Business Administration and graduated May 2022. The teachers I had were all amazing! They are very good at what they do and help us as much as they can. They share their knowledge and experiences and help the students in every way.

Emma Rose Lontoc, Alberta
Erlinda Harn
I studied Medical Office Assistant & Unit Clerk at ABM College. The decision was difficult for me in my 40’s with kids and work, but I had great experience with online lessons. Thanks to my Instructors for always supporting and helping me. A good decision to study at ABM College.

Rafaela Goyena, Alberta
Ian Morales
Being a student of theMedical Office Assistant and Unit Clerkprogram was a great platform to change my career in the medical field. As I finished my studies, a lot of opportunities opened up to me to work as a unit clerk in the Saskatchewan Health Region.

Cheryle Pascua, Saskatchewan
Highly recommend it for professionals who need to upgrade their skills. I took the Digital Marketing Diploma and really liked it. It helped me increase my skills and build up my confidence. Teachers and staff were all very kind and helpful.

Marlene Rados, Alberta