Pharmacy Assistant Diploma

This course aims to help students transition into post-secondary education and prepare them to succeed in their desired career path. It covers crucial topics such as learning styles, goal setting, note-taking, and testing strategies that will equip students with essential skills for the workforce.

What will you learn:

• Explore the traits of a successful master student.
• Learn the importance of setting achievable goals and developing a growth mindset.
• Discover the benefits of notetaking while reading.
• Gain an understanding of effective strategies to prepare for tests.

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with the essential skills necessary to deliver persuasive oral presentations that effectively convey their message to an audience. Students learn to organize their material and develop a clear and concise message and create impactful visual aids, such as slides and multimedia tools, to complement their presentation. Throughout, students develop their public speaking skills, learning to deliver their message professionally and engagingly while receiving feedback on their body language, vocal tone, and delivery, which they can use to enhance their performance. Additionally, students learn to handle audience questions and concerns and engage effectively with them. Furthermore, they are taught to evaluate performance and gather feedback from an audience, providing techniques for analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to improve their future presentations.

What will you learn:

• Understand and define negotiation, the key elements of the negotiation process and identify different types of negotiation.
• Know the commonly accepted ethical standards for negotiation and when they should be employed.
• Learn the basic components of communication flow and how they relate to negotiating.
• Understand how negotiation within an existing relationship changes the nature of the negotiation dynamic.

Digital literacy is not simply about knowing how to use a computer. Just because individuals have access to electronic devices does not mean that they possess digital literacy and critical analysis skills. To become proficient in any language, learners must immerse themselves and work with those who are fluent in that language. The Internet and Computing Core Digital Literacy Certification assesses fundamental computer skills and comprehension of the Internet, facilitating success in education, employment, and daily life. Gain the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in computer usage and Internet navigation.

Furthermore, in today’s highly competitive job market, holding a digital literacy certification can distinguish you from other candidates. Employers are increasingly searching for individuals with strong digital literacy skills since these abilities are essential in virtually every industry. Therefore, obtaining a digital literacy certification can considerably enhance your employability and help you advance in your career.

What you will learn:

• Assigning categories to lessons (Microsoft Outlook).
• Adding slides to presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint).
• Encrypting a presentation with a password (Microsoft PowerPoint).
• Inserting page numbers, building blocks, and hyperlinks (Microsoft Word).

Acquiring a proficient understanding of the most extensively utilized word-processing software in the world is indispensable in a business environment. Whether you are working with Windows or Macintosh computers, this course provides hands-on training on formatting and manipulating Word documents. With our practical training, you will master the essential skills required to navigate this program with utmost ease and confidence.

What will you learn:

• Inserting page numbers, reusable building blocks and hyperlinks.
• How to use researcher and clipboard.
• Using field documents.
• Recording, saving, editing and running macro automated tasks.

This comprehensive course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the critical issues of health, ethics, and privacy in the context of modern-day pharmacies. The course content has been carefully curated to provide students with a solid foundation in relevant topics, including the Health Information Act (HIA), Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), and Ethics from the Alberta College of Pharmacists.

The course covers key concepts and principles related to the protection of sensitive patient information and maintaining strict confidentiality protocols in pharmacy settings. Students learn the regulatory frameworks governing the collection, storage, and dissemination of personal health information and understand the legal and ethical implications of non-compliance.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, students also have opportunities to develop practical skills essential to pharmacy practice. The course will provide training in critical areas such as communication, professional conduct, and ethical decision-making. Students learn to interact professionally with patients, families, and healthcare providers, and understand the importance of respecting diverse cultural and ethical values. These activities will help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills required to excel in pharmacy practice.

What will you learn:

• Understand the responsibilities of custodians and affiliates under the Health Information Act.
• Understand the importance of protecting the confidential health and personal information of patients, co-workers, and the public.
• Recognize the information that can be obtained by the public under the FOIP Act.
• Understand the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary care in the healthcare system.

Throughout this course, students get a fundamental understanding of the intricacies of the human body. Exploring a broad range of topics related to anatomy and physiology, the aim is to provide an overview of the structure, function, and vocabulary of different systems within the human body. Students delve into the complexities of the human body’s systems, including the digestive, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems and learn to identify the various organs and tissues that comprise each system and how they work in tandem to perform specific functions.

Additionally, students examine the intricate interplay between different systems, such as the circulatory system’s interaction with the respiratory system, and how the nervous system coordinates movements and reflexes. By the end of this module, students will possess a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body. They will be able to describe the different components of various body systems, their functions, and the associated terminology.

What will you learn:

• Define anatomic terms used to refer to the body in terms of directions and geometric planes.
• Identify and name the types of glands in the body and provide examples.
• Discuss and explain the various functions of the skeletal system.
• Identify and name the major subdivisions of the nervous system and their functions.

Throughout this course, students are introduced to the concepts of pharmacology. Students are provided with an overview of the actions and uses of different types of drugs and their interactions with the human body, with a focus on the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and digestive systems.

In addition to gaining a broad understanding of pharmacology, students also learn about the various forms of drugs, including pills, capsules, liquids, and injections, as well as different ways by which drugs can be administered. Subjects covered include the different categories of drugs, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, and their indications, dosages, and potential side effects.

Students learn key pharmacological terms and concepts, including mechanisms of drug action, drug metabolism, drug interactions, the different types of drug formulations, storage and handling of medications, and the importance of patient education and counselling regarding the safe and effective use of drugs.

Upon completion, students will have gained a solid understanding of pharmacology fundamentals and be able to apply this knowledge in a range of contexts, including healthcare and research settings.

What will you learn:

• How to list and define the major areas of pharmacology.
• The different forms of drug products and the routes by which they are administered.
• Explain how the adrenergic nerve endings function both to release and inactivate norepinephrine.
• Describe the least two ways in which skeletal muscles may be relaxed.

The Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological interventions beyond the introductory Pharmacology course. The curriculum focuses on the application of pharmacology in treating respiratory and immune system disorders and covers the mechanisms of action of drugs, potential side effects, and interactions. Additionally, students study the pharmacology of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, and infectious diseases to gain an understanding of the role of medication in managing various health conditions. By the end of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support in a pharmacy setting. They will be equipped to assist pharmacists in dispensing medication, counselling patients on their medications, and identifying potential drug interactions or adverse effects. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue entry-level positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings.

What will you learn:

• Explain the process of digestion and the principal digestive enzymes involved.
• Describe the basic function of a hormone.
• Explain the pituitary control of female sex hormone secretion.
• Describe the location and types of some fungal infections in humans.

The Community Pharmacy Practice module provides an understanding of the community healthcare system, including the principles and procedures involved in community pharmacy practice. Students explore a wide range of topics related to community pharmacy procedures, including the latest technological advancements, medication monitoring, and drug administration protocols. There is an emphasis on the importance of quality assurance and its impact on patient safety. As you progress, students will have access to interactive learning materials and engaging case studies that help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. How to communicate effectively with patients, identify potential drug interactions and side effects, and ensure accurate medication dispensing are some of the subjects covered.

By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in entry-level positions in community pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. They will be equipped to provide high-quality patient care by assisting pharmacists in dispensing medication, counselling patients, and managing pharmacy operations.

What will you learn:

• Explain the ambulatory pharmacy practice setting.
• Describe the health-system pharmacy practice setting.
• List the hardware and software components used in pharmacy computers and summarize their purpose.
• List and describe the five rights of medication administration.

The Institutional Pharmacy Procedures module in this diploma program offers students a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy operations in a hospital setting. Through this module, students acquire the essential skills required to provide quality care in a clinical environment. The module covers a wide range of topics related to institutional pharmacy procedures, including filling, dispensing, preparing, and labelling various types of prescription drugs. Additionally, students learn about the significance of sterilization and infection control practices to ensure a safe and sterile environment for patients.

Incorporating interactive learning materials, practical simulations, and real-world case studies students learn to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students will learn effective communication with healthcare professionals, teamwork with other pharmacy staff, and support pharmacists in managing medication dispensing and distribution. This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in entry-level positions in institutional pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. Upon graduation, students will be capable of providing quality patient care by assisting the pharmacy team in medication dispensing, inventory management, and sterile product preparation. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Assistant in a clinical environment.

What will you learn:

• Explain the key characteristics and importance of sterile preparations and the principles of sterility and sterility assurance.

• Describe microbial prevention and elimination methods using physical methods, as well as the use of chemical disinfectants and the types and levels of disinfection.

• Differentiate among the intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), intradermal (ID), and subcutaneous (SC) methods of parenteral drug administration into skin tissue and blood circulation.

• Describe why certain drugs are considered hazardous and differentiate between such drugs and nonhazardous drugs.

In this important Pharmacy Assistant program, you will acquire the fundamental mathematical calculation skills that are indispensable for a career in community and institutional pharmacy practice. This program teaches you to interpret medication dosages, perform ratio-proportion techniques, execute conversions, and interpret abbreviations.

The program covers a wide range of calculation methods that are utilized in a pharmacy environment, such as dosage calculations, IV flow rates, and drug concentration conversions. You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages, which are critical for executing accurate calculations.

The aim is to assist students in developing confidence in executing crucial calculations required in a pharmacy environment. The program features interactive learning resources, hands-on simulations, and real-world case studies to assist students in enhancing their mathematical calculation abilities.

Upon completion, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in entry-level positions in both community and institutional pharmacy practice. Graduates of the program will be able to calculate medication dosages, ratios, and conversions accurately, guaranteeing that patients receive safe and effective treatment.

What you will learn:

• Apply the formula method to solve simple calculation problems.
• Select a suitable method for solving drug dosage problems based on patient-specific actors.
• Choose appropriate equipment for medication administration based on dosage and method of administration ordered.
• Differentiate between the trade and generic names of drugs and understand their significance in pharmacy practice.

This module delves into the crucial role of compound policies and procedures in a pharmacy environment. The goal of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the principles and techniques involved in pharmaceutical compounding.

Learn to perform essential dosage and compounding calculations utilizing various formulations and techniques including weighing, levelling, trituration, and geometric dilution. The unit features interactive learning resources, practical simulations, and real-world case studies to assist students in building their knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical compounding. Students are taught different types of compounding methods, such as sterile and non-sterile compounding, and the specific procedures involved for each.

The program also stresses the importance of adhering to proper procedures and protocols to guarantee quality assurance and patient safety. Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the various regulations and guidelines governing pharmaceutical compounding, including USP 797 and USP 800.

Once completed, students will be able to apply their knowledge of compound policies and procedures to execute crucial dosage and compounding calculations accurately. Graduates of the program will possess the skills and knowledge required to succeed in entry-level positions in a pharmacy setting.

What you will learn:

• List the supplies necessary to compose compound prescription medication.
• Describe how to perform quality control testing of capsules, tablets, and powders.
• Distinguish the different types of solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.
• List the various properties of chemicals, flavouring agents, sweetening agents, suspending agents, diluting agents, and colouring agents.

As part of the Pharmacy Assistant diploma program, this module focuses on pharmacy software, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the KROLL pharmacy software. This will cover both community and institutional settings, allowing you to utilize the software effectively and efficiently.

As you progress, you will learn how to use KROLL software to manage inventory, process prescriptions, and maintain precise patient records. Furthermore, you will be introduced to various features of the software, such as drug interactions, dose checks, and medication histories.

Upon completion, students will have the confidence to navigate the KROLL pharmacy software effectively and acquire the skills needed to work proficiently in a pharmacy setting. This course is a critical component of the Pharmacy Assistant program, providing students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the pharmaceutical industry.

What you will learn:

• How to use the KROLL software platform.
• Filling and dispensing a digital prescription.
• Preparing reports and patient requests.

The course equips students with crucial skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. Emphasis is placed on the development of effective communication skills, crucial for success during the job application process. Students learn to plan, write and finalize a resume that highlights their qualifications, skills and experience effectively. How to search for job opportunities, prepare for interviews, and deliver effective presentations to potential employers is also taught. Students are offered practical opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills, with feedback provided to help them improve their communication and presentation skills. By the end, students will have the skills and confidence to navigate the job application process successfully, including the tools and techniques to stand out in a competitive job market and secure their desired employment.

What you will learn:

• Writing a professional résumé and creating an impressive LinkedIn profile.
• Understanding the AIDA approach to writing effective application letters.
• Knowing the sequence of job interviews, including initial phone screenings, in-person interviews, and follow-up interviews.
• Preparing for job interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and dressing professionally.