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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
Overview
Train to assist pharmacists by preparing drugs, managing inventory and helping with customers through this program that combines theory and hands-on instruction. Pharmacy assistants can find work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and retail pharmacies.
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.
Theory is taught in class and practiced in the laboratory. A 160-hour retail fieldwork practicum completes the training. The pharmacy assistant is responsible for receiving prescriptions, preparing drugs, undertaking clerical and computer duties, managing inventory and providing customer service.
Pharmacy assistants must always work directly under the supervision and guidance of the pharmacist and/or pharmacy technician. They allow the pharmacist to spend more time with the client in his or her care.
In this five-month certificate program, students spend approximately 16 hours per week on campus in theory-based courses and laboratory practice.
Course content in the first semester includes pharmacy concepts, pharmaceutical calculations, body systems and pharmaceutical implications and order processing, as well as professional standards and workplace communications.
In the second semester, students complete their practicum in a community retail pharmacy to gain competency integrating theoretical knowledge with dispensing practice and customer service.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks and have effective communication skills in English usually experience greater success in SAIT's programs.
Pharmacy assistants are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
As keyboarding and basic computer skills are not taught in this program, students are expected to be proficient in these areas prior to admission. We strongly recommend that the student have a typing speed of 35 wpm or better.
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
- pathologist’s assistant
$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
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2020 open Oct. 2, 2019 and are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020 and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 | Sept. 8, 2020 |
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 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
- Fall 2020 start: applications open Oct. 2, 2019 and are accepted until the program start date.
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 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.
Competitive entry: six-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: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements ( transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted to be included in selection.
- Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis, and there will be 32 seats offered each intake.
Early admission will be offered to applicants who have achieved or will achieve an overall average of at least 70% in the admission requirements. Early admission will be offered until Nov. 15 (for fall intake) or until the program is full.
- Once early admission is complete the remaining seats will be offered on a first qualified, first offered basis.
- Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Step 4: Apply to Pharmacy Assistant and submit your transcripts.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you're "In Selection."
Step 6: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ 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.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This 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 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 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: 403.284.8418
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Patricia Reader-Downey, Academic Chair
Email: patricia.reader-downey@sait.ca