August 8, 2025

In Canada’s healthcare system, there are many moving parts that work together to ensure patients get the care they need. While doctors, nurses, and pharmacists often take the spotlight, there are other essential professionals working behind the scenes. One of those key roles is the pharmacy assistant. But this leads to a common question: Are pharmacy assistants healthcare workers? 
 

The answer is yes, and, in this article, we’ll explore why, what their responsibilities involve, how they fit into the healthcare team, and how you can train for this rewarding role through CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program. 

What is a Pharmacy Assistant? 

A pharmacy assistant is a trained professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They support the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy and help ensure that patients receive their medications safely, efficiently, and accurately. Pharmacy assistants can work in many different settings, including: 
 

• Community or retail pharmacies 
• Hospital pharmacies 
• Long term care facilities 
• Clinics 
• Specialty and compounding pharmacies 
   

Their role combines technical skills, administrative work, and customer service. From preparing prescriptions and managing inventory to assisting patients with questions, pharmacy assistants help keep the pharmacy running smoothly. 

What is a Healthcare Worker? 

A healthcare worker is anyone who provides medical care, supportive services, or administrative functions that contribute to patient health and well-being. This broad category includes a variety of roles: 
 

• Physicians and Surgeons Diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses and injuries. 
• Nurses Provide direct patient care, administer treatments, and educate patients. 
• Allied Health Professionals Such as respiratory therapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and physiotherapists. 
• Pharmacists Dispense medications, counsel patients, and ensure safe medication use. 
• Medical Assistants Support doctors and nurses with basic clinical and administrative tasks. 
• Support Staff Such as receptionists, transcriptionists, and other team members who help the healthcare environment function. 
   

Pharmacy assistants fit into this definition because they directly contribute to patient care through medication preparation, handling prescriptions, and supporting pharmacists. 
 

Bonus Read: How Do I Become a Pharmacy Assistant? 

Why Pharmacy Assistants are Considered Healthcare Workers 

Pharmacy assistants may not diagnose illnesses or prescribe medications, but their work is vital to the healthcare process. They are part of the pharmacy team that ensures medications are dispensed correctly, prescriptions are processed efficiently, and patients receive accurate information about their treatments. 

Their work helps maintain medication safety, improve patient experience, and reduce errors. These contributions directly impact patient outcomes, which firmly places them in the healthcare worker category. 

Comparing the Roles: Pharmacy Assistant vs. Other Healthcare Workers 

While pharmacy assistants and other healthcare workers have different responsibilities, both are essential to patient care. Here’s how their roles compare: 

Duties of a Pharmacy Assistant: 
 

• Dispensing and packaging medications 
• Inventory management and stock control 
• Assisting customers with product inquiries 
• Processing prescriptions and entering data into pharmacy software 
• Labelling and preparing medication orders 
• Coordinating with pharmacists for medication checks 
• Handling administrative tasks like filing and billing 
   

Duties of Other Healthcare Workers: 
 

• Direct patient care and monitoring 
• Recording patient information and vital signs 
• Providing first aid or emergency care 
• Supporting rehabilitation and recovery processes 
• Educating patients on treatment plans or healthy practices 
• Sterilizing medical equipment 
• Performing clinical tests and diagnostics 
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While the focus of pharmacy assistants is on medication support, both categories aim to maintain high standards of patient care. 

Skills You Need to Become a Pharmacy Assistant 

Pharmacy assistants need a combination of technical knowledge and people skills. The most important abilities include: 
 

• Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical when preparing prescriptions. 
• Strong communication: To explain processes and relay information clearly to patients and pharmacists. 
• Organizational skills: To manage stock, handle prescriptions, and keep records in order. 
• Math skills: For measuring dosages and performing basic pharmaceutical calculations. 
• Customer service: Offering a friendly, helpful experience for patients. 
• Technical proficiency: Familiarity with pharmacy software such as KROLL and other industry tools. 
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Training to Become a Pharmacy Assistant 

While some pharmacy assistants receive on the job training, completing a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program can give you a strong competitive edge. CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma is designed to equip students with the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to succeed. The curriculum includes: 
 

• Pharmacology 
• Medical terminology 
• Anatomy and physiology 
• Compounding techniques 
• Pharmacy math 
• Pharmacy billing software training 
• Health care communication and customer service 
  ​​​​​​​

Hands On Learning and Real-World Experience 

One of the highlights of CDI College’s program is the capstone project and practical training. Students participate in a four-week, 160-hour practicum in a real pharmacy setting, where they can apply their classroom knowledge and gain hands on experience. This practicum not only builds confidence but also helps students develop professional connections in the industry, often leading to job opportunities after graduation. 

Added Value: Certifications and Career Support 

Graduates of the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College also receive WHMIS certification and First Aid Level 1 / CPR training, both of which are valuable credentials in healthcare environments. CDI College supports students even after graduation, offering six months of post graduate career services to assist with resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation. 

Employment Outlook for Pharmacy Assistants in Canada 

If you’re wondering about the career potential, the outlook is promising. According to recent labour market data: 
 

• Provinces with Good Job Prospects: BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, PEI 
• Moderate Prospects: Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador 
• Labour Market Forecast: Moderate risk of shortage from 2024 to 2033 
• Employment in 2023: 33,900 pharmacy assistants across Canada 
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With a significant portion of the current workforce over age 50, upcoming retirements will create even more job openings. 

Where You Can Work After Graduation 

A Pharmacy Assistant Diploma opens doors to various work environments, including: 
 

• Community pharmacies 
• Hospital pharmacies 
• Long term care facilities 
• Health product retailers 
• Internet and mail order pharmacies 
• Compounding pharmacies 
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This flexibility allows graduates to choose the setting that best fits their career goals and lifestyle. 

Final Thoughts 

So, are pharmacy assistants healthcare workers? Absolutely. They may not provide direct medical diagnoses or treatment, but their role is integral to the safe and effective delivery of medications, a cornerstone of modern healthcare. 
 

If you’re passionate about helping people, have an eye for detail, and want a career with strong demand and clear entry pathways, becoming a pharmacy assistant could be your next step. With CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program, you can gain the skills, certifications, and experience needed to thrive in this important healthcare role.