If you’re looking for a stable, well-paying job that’s currently in high demand, then you should consider working as a pharmacy assistant in Calgary. Not only are employers all over Alberta hiring for this position, but the opportunities to help your community, work on a reasonable schedule, and continue learning make this a wholly rewarding and fulfilling career choice.
What is a Pharmacy Assistant?
As the name implies, a pharmacy assistant helps pharmacists and technicians with their day-to-day tasks. This may include preparing prescriptions, compounding medications, formulating ointments, and packaging and labelling pharmaceutical products in a community pharmacy, hospital or care home setting.
What Does a Pharmacy Assistant Do?
A pharmacy assistant works under a pharmacist’s direct supervision to help meet a pharmacy’s daily needs. As mentioned previously, their responsibilities will include dispensing medication, preparing prescriptions and labelling products for patient pickup or delivery. Additional pharmacy assistant duties include:
- Maintaining proper drug inventory and storage
- Recording patient information in computer systems
- Answering telephones
- Creating invoices
- Accepting payment for prescriptions
- Managing and preparing insurance claims and records
- Restocking products kept in nursing wards (if working in a hospital)
- Confirming deliveries and potentially delivering prescriptions
Learn more about Pharmacy assistant here, or get started with your application by scheduling a 15 minute call with an ABES Advisor.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Assistant Make?
According to the 2019 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, the average wage range for a pharmacy assistant is $23.96-$26.12 per hour, with most employees expecting to work around 30 hours per week. Additionally, top earners in this field can expect to make up to $31 per hour.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Assistant?
The educational requirements to become a pharmacy assistant vary. However, most employers require a post-secondary training program and certification. Fortunately, several reputable college programs offer this type of certification in 6 months or less.
If you’re interested in advancing to a pharmacy technician role, you will be required to obtain a certificate or diploma from a program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete.
Pharmacy Assistant Career Opportunities
Presently, many pharmacy assistant jobs are available to graduates of a pharmacy assistant program. In the last two years, 55% of Albertan employers recruited pharmacy assistants. Now, there are still vacancies in the field, with some employers struggling to find the help they need.
With this in mind, there are plenty of pharmacy assistant opportunities available for those that want a rewarding and interesting career in healthcare.
Pharmacy Assistant Education
At ABES college, our Pharmacy Assistant Program in Calgary comprises a collection of in-depth pharmacy assistant courses that will help you prepare for a career working in pharmacies, hospitals and similar healthcare settings. Best of all, over 95% of applicants are eligible for financial assistance.
Contact the ABES admissions team today to get your career started!