As the need for well-trained pharmacy assistants continues to rise, the accessibility and flexibility of online education have paved the way for Canadians to embark on a career in this field.
In this post, we have identified the top online pharmacy assistant courses, their benefits, and how each equips students with the information and abilities they need to succeed in the dynamic field of pharmaceuticals.
| Course Name | Students Enrolled | Reviews |
| Udemy – Pharmacy Assistants In Canada Preparation Course | 5,000+ | 4,000+ |
| Canadian Imperial College – Pharmacy Assistant Certificate Program | 3,800+ | 1,000+ |
| Western Community College Pharmacy Assistant Program | 2,500+ | 800+ |
| ICS Canada – Retail Pharmacy Assistant School | 7,500+ | 2,500+ |
| Algonquin Academy – Pharmacy Assistant Program and Career Courses | 4,000+ | 1,200+ |
| George Brown College – Pharmacy Assistant Program | 2,000+ | 500+ |
Udemy – Pharmacy Assistants In Canada Preparation Course
Udemy’s Pharmacy Assistants Preparation Course is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy assistant in Canada. This course covers different topics to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this role, such as:
- Pharmacy Workflow
- Insurances
- Medication Formulations
- Pharmacy Products & Medications
- Pharmacy Calculations
- Pharmacy Software
The course introduces students to the Canadian pharmacy system and the different categories of pharmacies. Students will learn to differentiate between various types of pharmacies, enabling them to navigate the industry effectively.
Students will also be taught a technique to respond appropriately in case of a robbery or when encountering forged prescriptions. This training ensures that pharmacy assistants are prepared to handle potentially challenging situations while prioritizing the safety of themselves and others.
Additionally, this Udemy course covers the fundamentals of reading prescriptions and decoding prescription instructions, known as the SIG. Students will learn how to interpret and process prescriptions correctly, ensuring the safe dispensing of medications.
The course suits current pharmacy assistants, pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, and those working or aspiring to work in the pharmacy field.
Access the course materials here.
Canadian Imperial College – Pharmacy Assistant Certificate Program
The Pharmacy Assistant Certificate curriculum at Canadian Imperial College is a thorough one-year foundation curriculum designed to provide students with the skills and information needed to pursue a variety of vocations in pharmacy settings. This program is an ideal starting point for individuals looking to enter the pharmaceutical industry.
Throughout the program, students are introduced to various subjects relevant to pharmacy operations. The course teaches the following topics:
- Understanding of community and institutional pharmacy procedures,
- Basic human anatomy,
- Physiology,
- Pathophysiology,
- Pharmacology, and
- Medical terminologies.
The Pharmacy Assistant Certificate Program at Canadian Imperial College emphasizes practical training and hands-on experience. Graduates are prepared to assist pharmacists with day-to-day operations, including customer service, interacting with clients, sterilizing products, and mixing compound medications. These essential duties allow pharmacy assistants to play an important part in ensuring the smooth operation of pharmacies and contributing to the well-being of patients.
Moreover, graduates of this program receive additional certifications in First Aid and CPR, further enhancing their skill set and making them valuable assets within the healthcare industry. This comprehensive approach prepares students for immediate employment and ensures they are equipped with the necessary certifications to meet regulatory requirements. Discover the course at this link.
Western Community College Pharmacy Assistant Program
This Pharmacy Assistant Program at Western Community College is carefully crafted to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as pharmacy assistants. This program is designed to provide comprehensive training that prepares students for employment in both hospital and community pharmacies.
One of the key focuses of the program is pharmacology, enabling students to develop a solid understanding of medications and their effects on the human body. Students learn about different drug classes, dosage forms, and pharmacotherapy principles. This knowledge equips them to assist pharmacists in accurately dispensing medications and providing crucial information to patients.
In addition, the program emphasizes pharmacy math, ensuring that students have a strong foundation in calculations necessary for accurate medication preparation and dosage determination. This includes understanding measurement systems, calculating dosages based on prescription orders, and managing inventory.
A significant program component is an introduction to pharmacy billing software, providing students with hands-on experience utilizing computer applications specific to pharmacy settings. This training ensures that graduates are proficient in managing patient profiles, processing prescriptions, and handling insurance claims. Explore the course by clicking here.
ICS Canada – Retail Pharmacy Assistant School
ICS Canada’s Retail Pharmacy Assistant School offers a comprehensive program to prepare students for entry-level employment as retail assistants in a pharmacy setting. The program focuses on equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles and contribute to the efficient functioning of a retail pharmacy.
In this program, students are exposed to various learning outcomes that enable them to understand and perform the responsibilities of a retail pharmacy assistant. They learn the roles and functions of a retail pharmacy assistant, which includes familiarity with pharmacy procedures, operations, and the permissions of various healthcare professionals to prescribe medications.
The program emphasizes the importance of understanding prescriptions, including how dosage forms and routes of administration are detailed. Students learn how to calculate pharmaceutical arithmetic and conversions accurately, ensuring they can provide correct dosages to patients.
Additionally, the program covers the different forms in which medications are dispensed, including solid, liquid, and topical forms, and the applications of each form. Students learn about drug classes, how drugs reach their appropriate sites of action and gain knowledge about prescription drugs.
Furthermore, the program introduces students to over-the-counter drugs and their general medical applications, enabling them to assist customers in selecting appropriate products for common medical conditions.
In addition to the theoretical aspects of the program, ICS Canada’s Retail Pharmacy Assistant program also provides practical training. Students learn essential skills such as inventory management, merchandise arrangement, and sales techniques. These skills are crucial in ensuring efficient pharmacy operations and providing excellent customer service. Check out the course here.
Algonquin Academy – Pharmacy Assistant Program and Career Courses
The Retail Pharmacy Assistant School at ICS Canada provides a comprehensive program that prepares students to excel in their job duties and contribute to the effective operation of a retail pharmacy.
Students learn how to calculate pharmaceutical arithmetic and conversions accurately, ensuring they can provide correct dosages to patients.
Additionally, the program covers the different forms in which medications are dispensed, including solid, liquid, and topical forms, and the applications of each form. Students learn about drug classes, how drugs reach their appropriate sites of action and gain knowledge about prescription drugs.
Furthermore, the program introduces students to over-the-counter drugs and their general medical applications, enabling them to assist customers in selecting appropriate products for common medical conditions.
In addition to the comprehensive theoretical curriculum, Algonquin Academy’s Pharmacy Assistant Program students also benefit from valuable hands-on training and practical experience.
The program includes instruction on the operation and maintenance of the pharmacy software “Kroll,” covering essential tasks such as:
- entering prescriptions,
- printing labels,
- maintaining patient profiles,
- conducting drug searches,
- searching for doctors,
- managing special instructions,
- processing third-party billing, and
- inventory management.
This hands-on training equips students with the practical skills needed in pharmacy operations. Find the course details right here.
George Brown College – Pharmacy Assistant Program
The Pharmacy Assistant Program at George Brown College is designed to reflect the current trends and practices in pharmacy assisting within Canada. It adopts an interprofessional and collaborative approach, emphasizing a client/customer-focused mindset. Students are encouraged to consider the needs and preferences of patients and customers, ensuring a high level of care and service.
This curriculum is designed to provide students with a firm foundation in pharmacy foundations, pertinent rules and regulations, practical communication skills, prescription handling, math abilities, business management, and job strategies.
The program is based on current research and best practices, ensuring students receive the most up-to-date knowledge and skills required for success as pharmacy assistants.
Graduates of the Pharmacy Assistant Program may also choose to pursue further education by bridging into a pharmacy technician program. This pathway allows individuals to expand their scope of practice and pursue advanced roles within the pharmacy field. Get started with the course by following this link.
Conclusion
Online pharmacy assistant courses in Canada provide an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field. These courses offer comprehensive training and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as pharmacy assistants.
Our most recommended course is Udemy’s Pharmacy Assistants in Canada Preparation Course. This course is affordable and a great starter to become a pharmacy assistant in Canada.
All the listed courses above offer a pathway to a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry. Whether working in community pharmacies, hospitals, retail settings, or manufacturing facilities, graduates of these programs are well-prepared to support pharmacists, provide exceptional customer service, and contribute to the Canadian healthcare landscape.
