NACC Pharmacy Assistant 2024 Program
The NACC Pharmacy Assistant 2024 program at Central College of Business & Technology, Mississauga, prepares students to enter the pharmacy sector with confidence and competence. This diploma program follows the professional framework set by the National Association of Career Colleges and aligns with established standards across Canada.
1095 Total Hrs
380 Theory Hrs.
515 Hrs. Field Practicum
200 Hrs Clinical Placement
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Pharmacy Technician Program Foundation
Although this is a pharmacy assistant diploma, the curriculum reflects core elements found in leading pharmacy technician program structures. Students gain strong foundational knowledge of pharmacy practice, pharmacy services, pharmaceutical products, and medication distribution systems.The program vision focuses on preparing pharmacy technician students and pharmacy assistants to support pharmacists and other health care providers in various practice settings. Graduates understand how to process prescriptions, release pharmaceutical products under supervision, and maintain quality assurance in daily workflow.This program does not qualify graduates as a registered pharmacy technician, but it prepares them to work alongside pharmacists in community pharmacies, hospitals, and other pharmacy programs.
Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Practice Overview
Pharmacy assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system. They support pharmacists and contribute to medication therapy management processes. In modern pharmacy practice, assistants must understand pharmaceutical calculations, product distribution, medical devices, and patient documentation.
Students develop knowledge of:
Prescription processing
Pharmaceutical calculations
Inventory control
Efficient administrative functions
Communication with patients and other healthcare professionals
Pertinent legislation governing pharmacy in Canada
The curriculum integrates current technologies used in pharmacy software systems. Students prepare medications, manage prescriptions, and assist in performing effective workflow support within pharmacy environments.
Pharmacy Programs Designed for Real-World Practice
This diploma program reflects standards guided by the national association and Canadian council expectations for career colleges. It was developed by subject matter experts and pharmacists to ensure alignment with pharmacy regulatory authorities and evolving healthcare needs.
The program prepares students for work in:Community pharmaciesHospital pharmacy department Long-term care facilities Retail pharmacy settings Specialized practice settingsGraduates understand product distribution systems and support currency of knowledge through ongoing personal and professional development.
International Students Welcome
International students are encouraged to apply. Central College supports applicants from across Canada and abroad. The campus provides access to student services, academic advising, and professional development guidance.
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet english language proficiency standards through IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, CELPIP, Duolingo, PTE Academic, Canadian Language Benchmark tests, or approved entrance exams. Proof of successful completion of post-secondary education in English may also satisfy requirements.This ensures students can communicate effectively in healthcare settings and meet established standards.
Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
Strong communication skills are essential in pharmacy. Students learn to interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals using clear and accurate language.
Training includes:Professional documentation Customer service practices Ethical communication Confidentiality protocols Professional conductStudents also develop skills to promote quality assurance and implement effective strategies when handling prescriptions and patient inquiries.
Clinical Placement and Practical Experiences
A key part of the program is the 200-hour clinical placement. Students complete supervised practical experiences in approved pharmacy settings.
During placement, students:
Process prescriptions
Assist with medication preparation
Support pharmacists
Apply pharmaceutical calculations
Practice product distribution procedures
Follow professional framework guidelines
Pre placement requirements include immunization records, police check, first aid and CPR certification, and proof of good health. Students must complete all placement hours for successful completion.
Current Students and Learning Support
Current students receive progress reports before the halfway point of the program. A minimum mark of 70% is required in each module. Students must also pass the NACC Final Comprehensive Theory Exam with 70%.
The program supports ongoing personal improvement through workshops and instructor guidance. Instructors include pharmacists and certified professionals with Canadian pharmacy experience.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If English is not the applicant’s first language, proof of english language proficiency is required. Accepted tests include:IELTS (minimum overall 6) TOEFL IBT (minimum 80 overall) CAEL (minimum 60) CELPIP (minimum 7) Canadian Language Benchmark 7 Duolingo (minimum 101) Pearson PTE Academic (minimum 61)This ensures students can perform effectively in professional practice settings.
Admission Requirements
To enter the pharmacy assistant program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
OR Be 18 years of age and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Exam (minimum score 12)
Additional non-academic requirements:
Police clearance
Up-to-date immunization
Hepatitis B immunization
Standard First Aid and Level C CPR
Good general health
Computer skills (minimum 40 WPM typing speed)
Students must meet all criteria before starting clinical placement.
Professional Development and Career Readiness
Professional development is integrated throughout the program. Students build confidence in pharmacy services and develop workplace readiness skills.
Graduates gain:
- Knowledge of pertinent legislation
- Understanding of pharmacy regulatory authorities
- Ethical awareness
- Quality assurance procedures
- Awareness of licensing requirements in the pharmacy sector
- Students also prepare resumes and participate in career guidance sessions. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to work as Pharmacy Assistants across Canada.
- Ontario College Standards and StructureCentral College of Business & Technology operates as a registered ontario college under provincial regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a pharmacy assistant diploma program. It prepares students to work under pharmacists. It does not certify graduates as a registered pharmacy technician.
Students must pass the NACC Final Comprehensive Theory Exam with a minimum of 70% for successful completion.
The program prepares students for employment. Entry-to-practice licensing requirements vary by province.
Yes. Students complete 200 hours of clinical placement in approved pharmacy settings.
Yes. International students must meet english language proficiency and admission requirements