Pharmacy Assistant

Course Delivery

Guided online learning with a small in-class component (combined delivery)

Wages

$17.85-$26.95/hr in BC with a median wage of $20.00/hr (WorkBC, 2024 Job Bank Wage data)

Start & Duration

Start: October, February, & June

13 weeks (260 hours), full-time

About the Career

Pharmacy Assistants keep community and hospital pharmacies running. They work side-by-side with Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, supporting the safe and accurate preparation, packaging, and labeling of prescriptions, managing inventory, processing billing, and providing the front-line customer service that patients rely on. It's a detail-oriented, fast-paced role inside one of the most stable corners of healthcare.

Career Highlights:

Work alongside Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
Roles available in community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies
Entry into healthcare in just 13 weeks
Strong demand driven by an aging population and a growing pharmacy sector
A practical first step toward further pharmacy or healthcare credentials

Wages and Career Outlook

Based on data from the B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2024 Job Bank Wage data, Pharmacy Assistant wages range from $17.85 to $26.95 per hour with a median wage of $20.00 per hour. Source: WorkBC.

The related national occupation classification (NOC) number, a system used to group and survey jobs, is 33103. Please note that these figures are based on groupings of a large number of related jobs. Wages and career outlook may differ due to your education level, job location, and type of employment.

Potential Employers

Community pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies

About the Program

Stenberg College's Pharmacy Assistant Program is a 13-week certificate program that prepares you to support licensed Pharmacists in community and hospital pharmacy settings. You'll build foundational knowledge in medical terminology, prescription processing, inventory management, pharmacy software, billing, and customer service, the core skills employers expect on day one. You'll learn from instructors with real-world pharmacy experience, not just textbook knowledge.

The Stenberg College Pharmacy Assistant Program prepares graduates to:

Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes to meet industry expectations for practice as a Pharmacy Assistant.
Gain paid employment within the Pharmacy Assistant field within 6 months of graduation.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Develop essential interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, pharmacy staff, and healthcare professionals.
Identify the foundations of financial processes in a pharmacy environment, including inventory control, basic accounting principles, and cash handling procedures.
Identify basic terminology related to body systems and medications.
Demonstrate the skills required for the safe and accurate preparation, packaging, and labeling of prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Explain the functions of pharmacy management software related to prescription entry, inventory tracking, and patient profile management.
Identify common pharmacy billing procedures and third-party insurance processes used in the industry.

Program Delivery Format

This program is delivered within our Learning Management System, including a blend of both live instructor-facilitated learning and supported independent learning, along with a small in-class component. A typical week includes 20 hours of learning plus homework.

Live instructor-facilitated learning takes place in a virtual classroom where you will interact and collaborate with the instructor and other students. In this program, live instructor-facilitated learning sessions are scheduled 3 times per week.

Supported independent learning gives you the flexibility to complete learning tasks at your convenience and your own pace to meet assignment deadlines. Your instructor will be available to support you through email and by meeting during their office hours as you complete independent learning tasks. Independent learning includes review of learning resources such as readings, videos, or audio materials, asynchronous discussion and collaboration with your peers and instructor, as well as application and practice opportunities to develop your understanding of course concepts.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Students will be assessed using a variety of methods including solo and group presentations, activities and assignments, quizzes, midterms and final exams.

Why Choose Stenberg's Pharmacy Assistant Program?

Start your healthcare career in just 13 weeks.
The teaching method is the cohort model. You'll collaborate with other students and work through the program together with the same group of peers from day one. This collaborative experience will enhance your learning and develop your professional network.
Each instructor is an expert in the content area being taught. Instructors have real world experience, so they can draw upon their own extensive work scenarios to broaden your education.
The program is intensive and evidence-based. After graduation, you'll be well-prepared and work-ready, confident that you'll be able to handle anything that comes your way.
The program is regularly reviewed and updated in consultation with industry to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of the field.
More than simply learning a set of technical skills, our programs inspire and enhance personal growth and development. Stenberg College is committed to empowerment through education and ensures that students have the fundamental skills to excel in their program and to succeed in their life, both personally and professionally.
In its commitment to student success, Stenberg College offers its students an unparalleled range of support services including free ELL programs, study skills workshops, academic support tutorials, one-to-one student support and coaching sessions, personal and professional development workshops, and campus life events.

Speak to your Program Advisor for more details. Train for an in-demand healthcare career, fast.

Related Programs

Pharmacy Technician Medical Office Assistant Medical Laboratory Assistant

Is This Program For You?

It is if you:

Would like to work side-by-side with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and other health care professionals.
Want to contribute to the wellness of others.
Can see yourself working in a hospital or community pharmacy environment with various healthcare professionals.
Have a professional attitude and solid communication skills.
Like to work as part of a team.
Are attentive to details and can learn technical procedures.

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.

BC Education Quality Assurance designation

Admission Requirements

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Grade 12 graduation or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
Grade 11-level English course or higher, or one of the following:
Acceptable score in one of the approved LPR tests as noted below
Accuplacer: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
CLBPT: No component less than 6
English challenge exam (minimum 70%)
Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for Math (minimum 70%) or the following in lieu:
Evidence of any Math 10 or higher
Successful completion of the online Computer Skills Entrance Test (minimum 70%)
Completion of Stenberg College informational interview as part of the admissions procedure

English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in any program and courses by meeting one of the following minimum requirements:

1) Evidence of completion of 3 years of full-time Secondary if Grades 8-12, or 2 years of Secondary if Grades 10-12, or 2 years of Post-Secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
OR 2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below:
IELTS Academic – Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5
Duolingo – Overall score of 105 with no component less than 85
CELPIP – Overall score of 7 with no component less than 6
TOEFL – Minimum overall score of 68
CAEL – Minimum overall score of 50
Pearson PTE Academic - Minimum overall score of 50
OR 3) Mature students that are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above can:
a. Complete an English Language Attestation to confirm completion of 3 years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, AND
b. Complete an Accuplacer Next Generation English Assessment with minimum scores of: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4

Evidence may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a provincial Adult Graduation program, permanent student record, GED, or by providing international education credentials confirming medium of instruction in English as recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS. Alternatively, where 2 years of post-secondary education are being determined based on credits, it is expected that the student has taken studies with a minimum of 18 credits per academic year and/or indicates completion of a minimum of 36 credits in total. For regulated programs, language proficiency requirements, including permitted tests and scores dictated by the regulatory body, will supersede all else.

Financing

You could be eligible for Employment Insurance funding for education, government student loans as well as other financing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Student Diversity

Stenberg supports diversity in our student population, and we hold one seat per program for a self-identified Indigenous applicant who meets admission requirements. If the seat remains unfilled at 12 weeks prior to the program start, the seat will be released and offered to other qualified applicants.

Program Courses

The program totals 260 hours over 13 weeks (13 credits). Academic coursework is delivered on average in a 20 hr/week format (4 hrs/day + homework). Online coursework takes place in an interactive online learning platform where students complete self-directed learning activities and assignments and meet 3 times weekly in scheduled live sessions with their peers and instructor.

Orientation & Student Success Skills

This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you are enrolled in. In addition to orienting you to Stenberg College resources, policies, and procedures, this course will explore the transition to postsecondary education, learning styles, critical thinking, and citation and referencing. You will undertake self-evaluation, set learning and study strategy goals, and investigate the resources available to support you in achieving those goals. (PRO100: 20 hours, 1 week, 1 credit. Distance delivery: 60% synchronous, 40% asynchronous.)

Medical Terminology

This course introduces the fundamental language of medicine with a focus on terminology related to body systems, common conditions, and medications. You will learn to interpret prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations that are widely used in pharmacy and healthcare environments. Emphasis is placed on applying terminology accurately in prescription preparation, documentation, and professional communication with patients and healthcare providers. (PHA100: 40 hours, 2 weeks, 2 credits. Distance delivery: 60% synchronous, 40% asynchronous.)

Introduction to the Community Pharmacy & Customer Service

In this course, you will be introduced to the role of the pharmacy assistant in a community pharmacy setting, with an emphasis on customer service and interpersonal skills. This course covers effective communication techniques for interacting with patients, pharmacy staff, and other healthcare professionals. You will explore ethical and professional standards, cultural sensitivity, and strategies for handling challenging customer interactions while maintaining patient confidentiality and safety. (PHA110: 60 hours, 3 weeks, 3 credits. Combined delivery: 54% synchronous, 36% asynchronous, 10% in-class.)

Medication Dispensing, Handling, and Inventory Management

This course provides you with the foundational knowledge required to support prescription processing under the supervision of a pharmacist. Topics include safe and accurate preparation, packaging, and labeling of prescriptions, as well as inventory control practices and financial considerations related to pharmacy operations. You will gain practical experience in handling medications, maintaining stock levels, and applying quality assurance procedures that ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. (PHA120: 60 hours, 3 weeks, 3 credits. Distance delivery: 60% synchronous, 40% asynchronous.)

Pharmacy Billing & Software

You will develop skills in pharmacy management software and billing systems used in community pharmacies. This course covers prescription entry, inventory tracking, patient profile management, and reporting functions within pharmacy software applications. You will also learn common billing procedures and third-party insurance processes, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and customer support in resolving payment-related issues. (PHA130: 60 hours, 3 weeks, 3 credits. Distance delivery: 60% synchronous, 40% asynchronous.)

Career Search Strategies

This course will teach you to network effectively (online and in-person), search and apply for jobs, and prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You will receive coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills. (PRO110: 20 hours, 1 week, 1 credit. Distance delivery: 2.5% synchronous, 97.5% asynchronous.)

Please note: The modules listed above may not be presented in the order they appear on this outline. To guarantee the most effective delivery possible, class hours may be subject to change (i.e. rescheduling due to instructor illness, etc.). The College reserves the right to change course curriculum or remove/add program modules in the program outline as a result of a program review and/or to meet new and emerging employment needs.

Superhost Foundations of Service Quality

A 6-hour in-person workshop.

Student Support

Academic tutoring
Assessment and skill development support
Open study skills tutorials
Typing practice support
One-on-one student support coaching sessions
English language learning support
Online learning resources
Online academic journals and databases
Campus life events

Ready to Apply?

Talk to a program advisor to get started on your journey.

Contact an Advisor

Next intake: October 2026

Stories from our Pharmacy Assistant grads

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