The Pharmacy Assistant program is a fully certificated program that allows successful students to enter the world of work as a Pharmacy Assistant immediately after completing the program!
Pharmacy Assistants are vital to the world’s growing and aging population and this program prepares students with in-class theory and hands-on practice in the laboratory and during their summer practicum.
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.
Students may choose to continue on with post-secondary studies in pharmacy (pharmacy technician, pharmacist), or may wish to transition into other healthcare fields such as medicine, health information management, etc.
See the program page and the SAIT Dual Credit Handbook for further information about being a SAIT dual credit student.
Courses included in this program:
Course Name & Outline | SAIT Credit | High School CTS Credit |
|---|---|---|
Applied Digital Technologies (COMP261) | 1.5 | 3 |
Pharmaceutical Calculations (PHAR204) | 3.0 | 5 |
Pharmaceutical Services (PHAR270) | 3.0 | 5 |
Pharmacy Concepts and Devices (PHAR271) | 1.5 | 3 |
Prescription Processing I (PHAR272) | 3.0 | 5 |
Pharmacotherapy I (PHAR273) | 3.0 | 5 |
Prescription Processing II (PHAR274) | 1.5 | 3 |
Pharmacotherapy II (PHAR275) | 1.5 | 3 |
Practicum (PRAC213) | 3.0 | 5 |
Professional Practice (PROF276) | 3.0 | 5 |
Total Credits | 24 | 42 |
Eligibility
Open to CBE high school students:
- In grades 11 or 12 as of September
- Are able to commit to a mandatory practicum in July to complete their certificate
- Students are required to complete a Police Check before they begin their practicum placement, as advised during the program.
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in health sciences
- Are punctual and reliable, and have strong communication skills
- Able to arrange transportation to and from the SAIT Campus for this in-person program
Pre-requisite/Co-requisite:
- Students should be on track to successfully pass the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 and
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Bio20 is also strongly recommended, and priority will be given to students who have completed this course
Location & Delivery
Blended/hybrid learning:
- In-person learning days will take place at SAIT Main Campus - 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
- Online synchronous learning
Online synchronous learning means participating in live, real-time classes where you interact with your instructor and classmates simultaneously.
Duration & Time
Full-year program with summer practicum – September to the end of July
Program Times
- In person – Monday - Thursday, 8:00 – 11:00 AM
- Online synchronous – Friday, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Timetable Requirements
Students must have no morning classes in their timetable at their home high school to accommodate this program. A lighter course load is recommended in the afternoons as well.
Workload
Students can expect a total of 14 synchronous hours per week (in person and online) and approximately 5-8 hours of additional independent work per week for a total of 19-23 hours per week.
Program Benefits
- Earn a Pharmacy Assistant Certificate, allowing students to enter the workforce!
- Get a jump start on your post-secondary education while still in high school
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Learn about ongoing opportunities and experience post-secondary learning
- Taught by experienced instructors who are connected to the industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Earn high school credits and post-secondary credits
Credits
42 Credits, 30 Level CTS, and
24 Post-Secondary Credits
Considerations
- Students must have space in their full-year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-Campus Coordinator, guidance counsellor or email uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignments, quizzes, and test deadlines.
- Students must submit a personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit coursework outside of class time.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate regularly with both their CBE supervising teacher and their course instructor.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Contact
Unique Pathways Team
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Last modified: 2026-06-17 20:24:37.981517 +0000 UTC