How to Become a Pharmacy Assistant in Canada: Course Training and Certification Requirements

Paid training! A complete guide to Canadian pharmacist assistant certification training

Canada is facing a critical shortage of pharmacy assistants, and the healthcare system urgently needs more skilled professionals. To address this challenge, the Canadian government and major employers (e.g., Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart) have introduced multiple training initiatives, Including scholarship subsidies and on-the-job training, helping candidates enter the field quickly.

Why Become a Pharmacy Assistant?

• High Demand: Canada’s healthcare system continues to experience a shortage of pharmacy assistants, with steady job growth in community pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
• Quick Entry: Short-term training (6–12 months) to start working.
• Competitive Pay: Hourly wages of $16–$25, with benefits offered by some employers.
• Financial Support Options: Government and employer-sponsored programs reduce education costs.
• Career Growth: Pathways to pharmacy technician roles or healthcare management.
• Stable & Rewarding: Ideal for those seeking a meaningful career in healthcare.

Program Training with Government & Employer Backing

Federal Support Programs

• Canada Training Credit: Applicable to registered pharmacy assistant program tuition.
• EI Training Support: EI recipients may qualify for additional tuition assistance through Service Canada.
• Canada Student Grants: Available via federal student aid for low-income applicants.

Provincial Programs

• Ontario: Second Career Program covers living and transportation costs for unemployed/at-risk workers.
• Alberta: Alberta Employment and Advancement Program (AEAP) prioritizes healthcare training.

Certification Pathways in Canada

1. Government-Supported Certification

Many provinces offer accredited college/vocational programs (6–12 months) with financial aid options:

• Ontario Second Career Program
• Alberta Skills for Employment
• Canada Federal Student Grant
  Certification: Diploma/certificate from an accredited institution; certification from organizations like CCAPP.

2. Walmart On-the-Job Training

• Earn while you learn: Work supervised in a Walmart pharmacy while you study.

• Tuition Reimbursement: 6 months to complete the Pharmacist Technician Training Program through PTU (Pharmacist Technical University).

• Internal Certification: Verified by Walmart and certification agencies.
  Certification: Provincial/national certificates.

• Shoppers Drug Mart/Loblaws: The Canadian Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy training provides 4-12 weeks of professional training (on-the-job learning + online modules), covering pharmacy operations, prescription processing and customer service. You only need to complete the company training to start work, and there is no mandatory exam. You can also pass the exam to complete the CPPA certification. If you meet the requirements, you can apply for the Pharmacist Career Path Scholarship and the New Immigrant Bridging Program.

• Rexall: College-partnered accelerated training.

• Costco Canada: Management trainee programs include pharmacy roles.

• Hospital Networks: e.g., Ontario Hospital Association’s joint training.

Benefits of Paid Pharmacy Assistant Training

1. Earn While Learning – Get paid during training, avoiding income gaps.
2. No Tuition Debt – Employers often cover training costs.
3. Job Guarantee – Many programs lead directly to employment.
4. Hands-On Experience – Learn in real pharmacies, not just classrooms.
5. Faster Certification – Work and train simultaneously to qualify quickly.
6. Career Growth – Gain skills that open doors to higher roles in healthcare.

Comparing Pharmacy Assistant to Similar Healthcare Roles

Here's a concise comparison table of different age groups participating in Pharmacy Assistant training programs in Canada:

Data sources: Statistics Canada (2022), provincial labor reports

How to Enroll in a Program

1. Choose a Program Type

• College/Vocational Programs (6–12 months):
  • Recommended: Seneca College, CDI College
  • Includes practicums; employers often hire graduates
• Online Programs (Flexible):
  • For working professionals/remote learners
  • Examples: Ashworth College, Alison

2. Application Steps

• Eligibility: High school diploma + CLB 5 English level
• Documents: Transcripts, resume, personal statement
• Apply Via:
  • Public colleges: Provincial portals (e.g., Ontario Colleges)
  • Private/online: Direct application through websites

3. Direct Employer Opportunities

• Walmart Pharmacy: Some locations offer “train-to-hire”
• Shoppers Drug Mart: Priority for students from partner schools

Pharmacist Assistants Successfully Employed

Case 1: Walmart Pharmacy Assistant Training Program

Maria, a retail employee with no healthcare experience, enrolled in Walmart’s paid on-the-job training program. At $16 per hour, she learned dispensing and customer service skills. After completing the training, Walmart reimbursed her tuition and she was hired as a certified pharmacy assistant at $21 per hour. She now plans to advance to pharmacist.

Case 2: Ontario Second Career Program

John, a laid-off factory worker, took advantage of Ontario’s Second Career Program to enroll in a pharmacy assistant program at Seneca College. His tuition and living expenses were subsidized, and after an internship at Shoppers Drug Mart, he was hired as a full-time employee at a hospital pharmacy at $23 per hour. The program helped him transition into the healthcare industry smoothly and debt-free.

Start Your Pharmacy Assistant Training Journey

Pharmacy assisting is a fast-track into Canada’s healthcare sector! With just 6–12 months of training, you’ll gain:

• Job stability
• Competitive wages
• Career growth potential

Enroll now to leverage government and employer-backed programs, launching your healthcare career in Canada!

Article source: Canadian Courses