Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program

Our online pharmacy assistant course provides comprehensive training across Canada, covering compounding and hospital distribution. Completing this program empowers you to become a professional pharmacy assistant, securing versatile roles in clinics and pharmacies throughout the fast-growing Canadian healthcare industry.
52 Weeks / 1040 Hours
Program Duration
Online
Asynchronous · self-paced
August 10, 2026
Next Starting Date
PTIRU Approved Program

Program Description

This Pharmacy Assistant diploma program is designed to prepare students with all the skills and knowledge they will require to become a professional pharmacy assistant. This pharmacy assistant program trains students with hands-on training to prepare them for exciting career opportunities.

This pharmacy assistant course is available online, so those who cannot attend in-person classes can avail themselves of this opportunity.

Upon completing this pharmacy assistant training, students will be eligible to work under the following job titles: Pharmacy Assistant, Hospital Pharmacy Assistant, Clinic Pharmacy Assistant, Compounding Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Distribution Clerk, and many more.

You can launch a new career in the fast-growing healthcare industry with our Pharmacy Assistant diploma.

Program Highlights


  • Foundational Health Sciences: Study anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to understand medication effects on humans.

  • Specialized Software Training: Gain hands-on proficiency using industry-standard Kroll software for accurate pharmaceutical documentation.

  • Precise Pharmaceutical Math: Master essential dosage calculations and clerical skills required for safe prescription processing.

  • Comprehensive Clinical Exposure: Prepare for diverse roles in both community retail and hospital pharmacy environments.

  • Professional Career Readiness: Complete capstone prep while learning sterile compounding and medicine packaging techniques.

Career Outlook & Salary in Canada

Canada’s pharmacy sector is one of the most consistently in-demand corners of the healthcare industry—present in every city, town, and rural community across the country. As the population ages and prescription volumes continue to rise, the need for trained pharmacy assistants who can support pharmacists efficiently and accurately has never been stronger.

According to WorkBC, pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103) in British Columbia can expect approximately 1,170 job openings between 2025 and 2035—a steady stream of opportunities across retail pharmacies, hospital settings, long-term care facilities, and community clinics throughout the province.

Edison College’s fully online delivery means eligible students across Canada — from British Columbia and Manitoba to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia — can complete this diploma and enter the workforce in their home community without relocating or leaving their current responsibilities behind.

25,400
Projected Job Openings
$33K–$54K
Annual Salary Range
$16.00–$26.00
Hourly Wage
$44K
Average Annual Income

Reference: WorkBC

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the pharmacy assistant diploma are prepared to work across a wide variety of pharmacy and healthcare settings, under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Career opportunities include:


  • Pharmacy Assistant

  • Hospital Pharmacy Assistant

  • Clinic Pharmacy Assistant

  • Compounding Pharmacy Assistant

  • Pharmacy Distribution Clerk

  • Dispensary Assistant

  • Pharmacy Aide

  • Long-Term Care Pharmacy Assistant

Where You'll Work

Retail and community pharmacies, hospital and long-term care pharmacies, and pharmaceutical distribution and compounding operations.

View WorkBC Program Info

Tuition & Financial Aid

Program's tuition fees can be found in here.

Enroll today and take advantage of a $1,500 Completion Award, plus a $500 gift card to purchase or upgrade your computer. Flexible financing options and StudentAid BC support are available for eligible students. Speak with an advisor to learn more and explore your options.

Eligible newcomers may also access low-interest loans through Windmill Microlending to help build their future in Canada. Affordable financing is available on loans up to $15,000 for tuition, training, books, fees, and living expenses, with free career coaching included.

Admission Requirements

  • High school graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older before starting the program).
  • Meet one of the following English language proficiencies.

Requirements:

  • Minimum Grade 10 English plus a minimum of three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12) completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages of instruction.
  • Overall minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, overall minimum TOEFL score of 46 (only TOEFL iBT is accepted), overall minimum CAEL score of 40, overall minimum CELPIP score of listening 6, reading 5, and writing 5, and overall minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 95.

The Accuplacer assessment may be accepted only under the following conditions:

  • English is the program’s language of instruction, and 
  • The applicant is a mature domestic student facing a barrier, and the applicant cannot access their educational records or can not provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education.
  • The applicant provides a signed self-declaration.
  • Minimum overall Reading 230 and Writing 230, and WritePlacer: 4
  • Canadian transcript showing completion of math (grade 10, 11, or 12), or
  • Math Entrance Test/General Math with the passing score of 50%.

Courses You'll Take

Frequently Asked Questions

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