Ascentia™ Career Institute |
Elevare™ Career Institute
250-999-8736
Student Portal |
Newcomers |
Next intake: Nov 16, 2026

Pharmacy Assistant

This comprehensive program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work effectively in a pharmacy setting. Topics covered include basic pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, prescription processing, inventory management, customer service skills, and pharmacy law and ethics. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on training, students will develop proficiency in dispensing medications, communicating with patients, handling prescriptions, and understanding common drug interactions. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions as competent and knowledgeable pharmacy assistants in various healthcare environments. Online classes are live, instructor-led classes that include a practicum.

Upcoming Intakes
February 8, 2027February 2027 (Online)Available Online from anywhere in Canada. Students must be able to attend live, instructor-led classes, scheduled in Pacific Time (PCT) and complete a practicum in a pharmacy setting.

Program Highlights

Duration16 weeks / 388 hours (including 120 hours work experience)
Work Experience Hours120
Curriculum

What you'll learn to do:

  • Recall knowledge of medical terminology, pharmaceutical products, including brand and generic names, uses, and side effects.
  • Demonstrate accuracy to process prescriptions, including data entry and medication dispensing procedures.
  • Summarize regulations related to controlled substances handling and storage.
  • Develop skills in inventory management, including ordering and restocking medications.
  • Assist pharmacists in patient consultations regarding medication instructions and potential interactions.
  • Develop the ability to effectively engage with customers and offer support in addressing their medication-related questions and concerns.
  • Gain proficiency in operating pharmacy software systems for prescription processing.
  • Ensure adherence to pharmacy laws and ethical standards in all interactions with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Implement proper techniques for labeling, packaging, and organizing medication supplies.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in operating a cash register, handling cash transactions and process payments and other products.
CertificationCertificate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code51.0805 - Pharmacy technician/assistant
CompliancePharmacy Assistant was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Please note that this program does not lead to employment in a career occupation regulated by a regulator.

Admissions Requirements

  • All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
  • Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:

    Age Requirements

    Be a mature student (19 years of age or older). Parents or legal guardian consent is required for students under 19 years of age.

    Language Proficiency Requirements

    • Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
      • Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
      • Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
        • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
        • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
        • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
        • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
        • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
        • Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
        • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
        • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Work Experience

  • Successful completion of all theoretical courses and workshops with a minimum 75% grade in each course
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and may be required for clinical placement in the program: 2 doses of COVID vaccine, Influenza (required annually)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition$4,935
Fees:
Books$555
Scrubs / Uniform$165
Administrative Fee$90
Application Fee$250
Total Tuition and Fees$5,995

Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free, after the application fee, typically split into 4 equal monthly payments of approximately $1,436.

Funding is available for those who qualify.

Reviews

Reviews from verified graduates of this program collected via Google. See all school reviews →