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Overview
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.
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.
Is this the right fit for me?
This program is the right fit 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.
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 the student have a typing speed of 35 words per minute or better.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be eligible to receive a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate.
Career opportunities
The skills explored in this program can lead to many different career pathways, including:
- community-based retail pharmacies,
- hospital pharmacies
- long-term care facilities.
Admission 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
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 2020 | Sept.18, 2020 |
Get to know SAIT's dual-credit programs
Dual-credit is a unique opportunity for Grade 11 and 12 students to explore post-secondary options and career pathways, while earning course credits, workplace certification or a SAIT credential alongside their high school diploma.
Admission Requirements
Co-requisite requirements
In order to be eligible for a SAIT credential, students must successfully pass the following courses or equivalents with an overage 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 other pre-requisite or co-requisites required by the school board for admission into this dual-credit program. Check with your local school board for further information.
To qualify for graduation from SAIT, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete the course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
How to Apply
Students interested in dual-credit studies should contact their career practitioner, high school counselor or off-campus coordinator.
The selection of high school students for dual-credit programs is determined by each school board. School boards will take into account different criteria, such as attendance, ability to commit to the program, and if the student is on-track to complete the required co-requisite classes.
Prior to the opening of applications for our dual-credit programs, a family information session will be held for eligible schools. At this information session, prospective students and their families have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the dual-credit program in which they are interested.
School boards will provide prospective high school students with deadlines for program application and registration. Once selected by the school board, students will need to register for the dual-credit program with SAIT.
Students who have successfully been selected to participate in dual-credit studies will receive detailed information about the registration process.
Courses
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| PHAR-203 | Pharmacy Concepts |
| PHAR-204 | Pharamaceutical Calculations |
| PHAR-211 | Assistive Devices |
| NUTR-212 | Order Processing I |
| PHAR-214 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications I |
| PHAR-223 | Order Processing II |
| PHAR-227 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications II |
| PHAR-232 | Professional Standards and Ethics |
| PHAR-234 | Order Processing III |
| PHAR-236 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications III |
| PHAR-247 | Compounding and Inventory Management |
| PHAR-248 | Body Systems and Pharmaceutical Implications IV |
| 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 Studies (CTS) credits
- a SAIT Pharmacy Assistant certificate