Community Pharmacy Assistant at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Program overview

Are you detail-oriented with a desire to provide excellent patient care and customer service? The Community Pharmacy Assistant program at Niagara College is designed for individuals who want to work alongside registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver community pharmaceutical services. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, preparing students to become integral members of the healthcare team. Graduates will gain the skills necessary to assist in various pharmacy settings, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry.

Program structure

The Community Pharmacy Assistant program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a 1-year period. The program includes:

Enhanced learning experiences in a simulated community pharmacy environment.
Hands-on, applied learning through labs and field placements that occur concurrently with academic studies.
Opportunities to build knowledge of the latest pharmaceutical products, practices, and drug distribution systems.

This program is also eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for the workforce, with a focus on practical skills and real-world applications.

Featured Experiences

The Community Pharmacy Assistant program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Simulated community pharmacy settings for practical training.
Field placements that provide real-world experience in community pharmacies.
Hands-on labs that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals to understand inter-professional relationships.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for the dynamic environment of community pharmacy, ensuring they are ready to meet the challenges of the profession.

Career Options

Graduates of the Community Pharmacy Assistant program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Community Pharmacy Assistant: Support pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing customer service in retail pharmacy settings.
Long-term Care Pharmacy Assistant: Work in facilities that provide pharmaceutical care to residents, ensuring medication management and safety.
Pharmaceutical Distribution Wholesaler: Assist in the distribution of pharmaceutical products to pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Pharmacy Application Software Vendor: Provide support and training for pharmacy management software used in various pharmacy settings.
Pharmacy Benefits Administration and Consulting: Work with organizations to manage pharmacy benefits and provide consulting services to improve medication management.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the healthcare field.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Community Pharmacy Assistant program at Niagara College Canada has specific academic requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. The following outlines the essential criteria:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, including the following required courses:
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
- Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C), (U), or (M), or equivalent

For international students, it is crucial to ensure that all official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of English proficiency are provided as part of the application process.

Additionally, a Criminal Record Check which is less than 6 months old is recommended at the beginning of Term 1, as many employers require this for field placements and subsequent employment.

Students are also responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements, which may not be easily accessible by public transportation. This includes co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.

It is important to note that “Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.” For any clarification or support regarding these requirements, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you can meet Niagara College’s admission requirements by submitting one of the accepted language proficiency test scores listed below.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted for the Community Pharmacy Assistant program:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE) - Minimum score: 169 – No skill under 162.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) including Indicator Test - Minimum score: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) including Special Home Edition Test - Minimum score: iBT: 80, Minimum 20 in Writing and Speaking OR Minimum 4.0 overall, with a minimum of 4.0 in each section.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Minimum score: 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
Duolingo English Language Test - Minimum score: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
Oxford ELLT and Pre-Sessional English - Minimum score: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.0.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) including CAEL Online Proficiency Test - Minimum score: 60 – No individual band under 50.
Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP) OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online program - Completion of English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50% OR English as a Second Language (ESL) Online exit test.

Note: Language proficiency test results are valid for a period of two years from the test date.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!