This course is designed to teach students about the various aspects of community pharmacy from the viewpoint of the pharmacy assistant. The
course covers pharmacy business practices, introduces students to third party billing, and teaches dispensing techniques. Students learn about pharmacy business practices both in the dispensing and front store. Students learn to complete many of the technical tasks associated with the day to day operations of a pharmacy. Students are introduced to a prescription and its various parts. They learn how to read and interpret a prescription, enter it into the manual or computerized system to be filled, and the appropriate filling technique. Pharmacy equipment and dispensing techniques will be demonstrated within the course with the opportunity for students to practice as well. The course exposes students to general principles of effective and efficient inventory management. Theory and practice will educate students about control and maintenance of community inventory. The course also covers the objectives of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation by educating students on how to prevent accidents and illness in the workplace. Students also learn to plan and implement Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMS) programs in pharmacy settings.

This subject is designed to give the student the skills and knowledge that are necessary to develop one’s career as a pharmacy assistant. Students will become efficient at preparing pharmaceutical preparations and the necessary documentation to meet and maintain standards. The student will review and practice the various mixing techniques and standards of commercial compounding and learn the necessity of compounding. The student will become proficient at the use of balances to accurately weigh ingredients to compound. A variety of dosage forms will be reviewed with emphasis being placed on the knowledge that is needed to accurately prepare compounds. The student will be expected to calculate, measure, and weigh. Proper and timely cleaning and maintenance of compounding equipment and area will be stressed.

Pharmacy software applications are necessary in both the retail and institutional settings. Students will learn how to effectively and efficiently use KROLL pharmacy software to enter and manage patient records, prescriptions, and third party and private insurance billing.

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of microbiology, terminology, sterile technique, contamination protection, and infection control. Students will also learn aseptic techniques in the preparation of pharmaceutical products.

In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market. Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online. Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews. This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview: How people find jobs; Employer expectations; Presenting an enthusiastic attitude; Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market; Transferrable skills; Thank you letters; Effective telemarketing; Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem; Individual counselling and coaching.

The program provides students with the opportunity to be introduced to, and practice in, a work place setting, enabling them to gain invaluable real-world experience. Students will be required to actively participate in finding a placement location. Once placed, successful completion of the placement is a graduation requirement.