Dual-Credit Pharmacy Assistant
Program Highlights
As our population grows and ages, there is a vital need for trained professionals to provide pharmacy-related assistance — train to become a knowledgeable and skilled pharmacy assistant!
Program length
- Dual-Credit Pharmacy Assistant is offered over two semesters (September to June)
- A 160-hour practicum will take place in July and August following the completion of the theory and lab portion of the program.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2018 | September 2018 |
Who is this program for?
Students in Grade 11 or 12 who:
- have higher secondary or post-secondary marks;
- have effective communication skills in English;
- are detail-oriented and enjoy working in a team environment.
Program description
This program trains students to become knowledgeable and skilled pharmacy assistants — a career in high-demand as our population ages. Theory is taught in-class and practiced in the laboratory.
Pharmacy assistants are responsible for receiving prescriptions, preparing drugs, undertaking clerical and computer duties, managing inventory and providing customer service. They 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.
Elements of the program require students to have access to a computer with an internet connection.
Your career
Graduates may work in community-based retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies and long-term care facilities.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to receive a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate.
Co-requisite requirements
In order to be eligible for a SAIT credential, students must successfully pass the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
There may be additional pre-requisites or co-requisites required by your school board for admission into this dual-credit program. Check with your local school board for more information.
Courses
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| PHAR 203 | Pharmacy Concepts |
| PHAR 204 | Pharmaceutical Calculations |
| PHAR 211 | Assistive Devices |
| PHAR 212 | Order Processing 1 |
| PHAR 214 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications 1 |
| PHAR 223 |
Order Processing 2 |
| PHAR 227 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications 2 |
| PHAR 232 | Professional Standards and Ethics |
| PHAR 234 | Order Processing 3 |
| PHAR 236 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications 3 |
| PHAR 247 | Compounding and Inventory Management |
| PHAR 248 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications 4 |
| PROF 240 | Healthcare Professionalism |
| PRAC 213 | Practicum |
Credits
Students who complete the dual-credit Pharmacy Assistant program are eligible to earn:
- up to 26 high school Career and Technology (CTS) credits
- a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate
SAIT Dual-Credit Initiatives
Phone: 403.284.8906
Email: dual.credit@sait.ca
To learn more about all dual-credit opportunities currently offered in Alberta, visit Alberta Dual Credit.