About the Program

The Pharmacy Assistant diploma program at Eastern College equips you with foundational knowledge and practical skills required to support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in community pharmacy settings. Over 32 weeks including a 6-week internship, this program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on training, preparing you for essential tasks such as processing prescriptions, managing inventory, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining pharmacy records in compliance with industry regulations. You'll gain a strong understanding of pharmaceutical terminology, dosage calculations, drug classifications, basic non-sterile compounding, and pharmacy law and ethics, while developing the communication and customer service skills necessary for effective interactions with clients and healthcare professionals. Graduate ready to contribute to efficient pharmacy operations while delivering quality patient care.

What You'll Learn

• Prescription Processing & Pharmacy Operations - Master prescription interpretation skills, medication safety protocols, billing and inventory management, computerized dispensary systems, and procedures to prepare and dispense medications in community pharmacy settings
• Pharmacy Compounding & Mathematics - Develop hands-on skills in preparing customized medications including weighing, measuring, mixing techniques, quality control, proper labeling and documentation, plus essential pharmacy calculations for dosages, pricing, and compounding formulations
• Pharmacology & Medical Knowledge - Gain comprehensive understanding of drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, pharmacokinetics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, plus commonly used Canadian generic and brand name medications
• Pharmacy Law, Ethics & Safety - Study legal frameworks including Food and Drugs Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, provincial regulations, ethical decision-making, professional responsibilities, plus Standard First Aid/CPR Level C and WHMIS 2015 certification

Key Program Features

• 32 weeks total - intensive theoretical and hands-on training followed by 6-week (200-hour) internship in community pharmacy environment
• Hands-on lab work & computerized systems - practical experience with pharmacy-grade equipment, compounding procedures, and common pharmacy dispensary software used throughout the industry
• Real-world internship placement - apply your skills in actual community pharmacy settings, gaining valuable experience and professional connections in the pharmaceutical field
• Career-focused curriculum - comprehensive career planning and preparation including resume development, interview techniques, job search strategies, and professional workplace communication skills

Career Opportunities

Roles: Pharmacy Assistant, Dispensary Assistant, Pharmacy Supply Assistant in retail pharmacies, home healthcare companies, insurance companies, institutional healthcare settings, pharmaceutical distribution wholesalers and manufacturers

Why it matters: Work as part of essential healthcare teams ensuring consumers receive the best possible pharmaceutical care—contribute to patient safety and pharmacy efficiency while building a stable, rewarding career in New Brunswick's growing healthcare sector