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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
As our population grows and ages, there is a vital need for trained professionals to provide pharmacy-related assistance. In this program, learners will train to assist pharmacy personnel in addressing and ensuring the health needs of a diverse population. As future professionals working under Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, students of this program will learn to prepare pharmaceuticals, manage inventory, and as the potential first point of contact, assist customers in a variety of related ways.
Through a combination of theory-based study and hands-on laboratory practice, this program covers pharmacy concepts, pharmaceutical calculations, body systems, pharmaceutical implications, order processing, clerical functions, and professional and communications standards. Following this, students spend the second semester increasing their competency through integrating theoretical knowledge with real dispensing practice and customer service, during a 160-hour practicum based in a community pharmacy
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- Have higher secondary or post-secondary grades
- Possess effective communication skills in both written and spoken English
- Have at minimum basic computer literacy
- Can type at a speed of 35 words per minute (WPM)
- Are disciplined for learning in classroom, online, and professional settings, as well as through self-study required of all courses
- Have experience working in fast-paced retail environments with a diverse clientele
- Are able to efficiently process large volumes of information coming from a variety of sources simultaneously
- Demonstrate prowess in active listening
- Are self-directed, highly motivated, detail oriented, and well organized
- Enjoy working in a team environment
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- retail pharmacies
- hospital pharmacies
- long-term care facilities
Related careers include:
- pharmacy technician
- physician assistant
- pharmacist’
$28,200
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,285
Year 1 (International): $15,417
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Check us out
As our population grows and ages, there is a vital need for trained professionals to provide pharmacy‐related assistance. This program trains students to become knowledgeable and skilled pharmacy assistants.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pharmacy Assistant and submit your transcripts. Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor you application status after you apply.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program outline
This is a 19-week certificate offered over the fall/winter semesters or winter/spring semesters.
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Fall intake
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR-203 | Pharmacy Concepts | 1.5 |
| PHAR-204 | Pharmaceutical Calculations | 1.5 |
| PHAR-211 | Assistive Devices | 1.5 |
| PHAR-212 | Order Processing I | 1.5 |
| PHAR-214 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications I | 1.5 |
| PHAR-223 | Order Processing II | 1.5 |
| PHAR-227 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications II | 1.5 |
| PHAR-232 | Professional Standards and Ethics | 1.5 |
| PHAR-234 | Order Processing III | 1.5 |
| PHAR-236 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications III | 1.5 |
| PHAR-247 | Compounding and Inventory Management | 1.5 |
| PHAR-248 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications IV | 1.5 |
| PROF-240* | Healthcare Professionalism | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 19.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-213 | Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 3.0 | |
| Program total | 22.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6,063 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,285 |
International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14,104 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $15,417 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $500.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Program orientation details will be available closer to the program start date — watch your inbox.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Other requirements
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Christy Boot, Academic Chair
Email: Christy.boot@sait.ca
Next steps for students that began in Fall 2020
Fall 2020OrientationOrientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020. To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page. DeliveryThis program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. How to register for classesYou'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Required personal protective equipment (PPE)The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. Other requirements
Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT. Required textbooksThe booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term. |
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.