Pharmacy Assistant
In-person & Online Evenings in Calgary
Pharmacy assistants support pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by handling patient interactions, preparing and packaging medications, maintaining prescription records, and managing inventory
- Program length
- 26 weeks (about 6 months)
- Next start date
- Nov 2, 2026
- Credential
- Diploma
- Tuition
- $12,999
- supervised clinical practicum
- 6 weeks
- students per cohort (avg)
- 12
What you'll learn
Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice
The role of the pharmacy assistant and how community and institutional pharmacies operate.
Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology
The language of medicine and the body systems behind the medications you handle.
Compounding and Calculations
Compounding and formulating ointments, solutions, and medications, with the dosage calculations the work requires.
Pharmacy Software Systems
Filling and labelling prescriptions, running inventory counts, and maintaining patient records in pharmacy software.
Community & Institutional Pharmacy Practice
Dispensing, receiving orders, and confirming deliveries across community pharmacies, long-term care, and hospitals.
Pharmacology and Career Preparation
How medications act, plus resume and interview preparation for pharmacy support roles.
Supervised Practicum6 weeks
A 240-hour placement in a community or institutional pharmacy, arranged with our practicum team.
Admission requirements
- Age 18+ by program start date
- Grade 10 English or CLB 7+ for newcomers
Where this program leads in Alberta
- Graduate placement rate
- 86.49%Source: ABES graduate employment figure.
- Alberta salary range
- $15–$29Source: Government of Alberta ALIS 2023 Alberta Wage & Salary Survey and Job Bank Canada. Hourly rates.
Who hires in Calgary
- Retail chains — Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Loblaw/Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys/Safeway, Walmart, London Drugs, Costco — plus grocery and independent pharmacies
- hospital pharmacy with Alberta Health Services
Day to day tasks
- Receive orders
- Dispense medication
- Compound pharmaceuticals
- Fill and label medication
- Perform inventory counts
- Confirm deliveries
- Maintain patient records
- Prepare invoices
- Reconstitution
- Insurance Billing
Alberta labour market for this occupation
The people
Work permit holders study alongside permanent residents and citizens here, and graduates go into community pharmacies, long-term care centres and hospitals.
What training here actually looks like
Your practicum
- Where you train
- Costco Pharmacies
- Walmart Pharmacies
- Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacies
Graduate stories
“My instructor's patience, guidance, and support created a positive learning environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and improving my skills.”
“I learned so much about how a pharmacy operates, and those activities weren't just exercises. They were skills I could immediately apply during my practicum.”
“The pharmacy teacher and the staff are very patient, caring, and will do everything they can to see each student be successful, even after the course.”
Excellent rating
Based on 321 Google reviews · Read them on Google
A Supportive and Rewarding Experience at ABES College I am extremely pleased with the instruction, support, and practical information I received at ABES College. I began the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program in March 2026, and from my very first class, I was welcomed in such…
I recently completed the Pharmacy Assistant program at ABES College, and I had a very positive experience throughout my studies. My instructors Rasha and Jonas were supportive, helpful, and provided me with the knowledge and skills I needed to prepare for a career in pharmacy.…
ABES vs CDI College
| What you are comparing | ABES College | CDI College |
|---|---|---|
| Program length | 26 weeks (about 6 months) | 34 weeksSource: CDI College: Pharmacy Assistant program page, Alberta (2026) |
| Tuition (all-in) | $12,999 | not published |
| Upcoming start dates | Nov 2, 2026; Jan 19, 2027; Mar 30, 2027; Jun 7, 2027; Sep 13, 2027; Nov 1, 2027 | not published |
One clear price. Real ways to pay it.
$12,999
Ask admissions about bursaries and payment plansLicensing & accreditation
- Alberta Advanced EducationLicensed private vocational school under the Private Vocational Training Act (Alberta)
- Years operating35 years of career training in Calgary — established 1991
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Pharmacy Assistant program at ABES?
The diploma runs 26 weeks full-time at our Calgary campus. That includes a 6-week supervised practicum in a working pharmacy. All classroom instruction is in person.
How much does the Pharmacy Assistant diploma cost?
Tuition is $12,999. Alberta Student Aid grants and loans, Indigenous sponsorship, Second Career funding, and employer sponsorship can all help cover it. An admissions advisor can tell you what you qualify for and answer questions about payment options before you commit.
What do I need to apply?
You must be at least 18 by your start date. You also need Grade 10 English, or a Canadian Language Benchmark of 7 or higher if English is your second language.
Can I enroll if I hold a work permit?
Yes. The Pharmacy Assistant diploma is now open to work permit holders, not only permanent residents and citizens. Bring your permit details to your admissions interview so we can confirm your eligibility.
Where do Pharmacy Assistants work?
Pharmacy assistants work in community pharmacies, long-term care centres, and hospitals.
When does the next intake start?
Pharmacy Assistant intakes run throughout the year, so there is usually a start within a couple of months. The next start date is shown at the top of this page, and an admissions advisor can confirm which upcoming intake still has seats before you commit.
What do Pharmacy Assistants earn in Alberta?
ALIS puts starting pay around $15–$18/hr (about $33,000 a year full-time), typical pay at ~$21.28/hr (about $43,000), and experienced pay at $25–$29/hr (about $54,000). Wages are Government of Alberta ALIS 2023 Alberta Wage & Salary Survey and Job Bank Canada figures. The hourly rate is the reliable anchor; annual amounts assume full-time work, so part-time or casual roles earn less.
Will I find work after I graduate?
86.49% of ABES graduates from this program are employed. On the wider Alberta picture: Moderate (Job Bank, 3/5) / Balanced (ALIS); about 3,755 employed. Demand is driven by Alberta’s growing 65+ population and health-facility investment.
Who hires Pharmacy Assistants in Calgary?
Retail chains — Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Loblaw/Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys/Safeway, Walmart, London Drugs, Costco — plus grocery and independent pharmacies; and hospital pharmacy with Alberta Health Services.
How do I advance after I graduate?
With experience alone: Senior / lead pharmacy assistant, dispensary lead, or inventory / purchasing coordinator. Ceiling around $25–$29/hr (~$45,000–$52,000/yr). With further study: Regulated Pharmacy Technician: CCAPP-accredited program + PEBC exams + Alberta College of Pharmacy registration → ~$33.91/hr (~$59,588/yr) — the biggest ROI jump (~+$12–$13/hr). Pharmacist: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) + registration → ~$54.70/hr (~$99,875/yr).
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