August 20, 2025

If you’ve ever thought about working in healthcare but weren’t sure where to start, you might have asked yourself: Can you be a pharmacy assistant with no experience? The good news is yes, you can. Pharmacy assistants are in demand across Canada, and many people step into this role without prior work experience in the field. What matters most is having the right training, the right skills, and a willingness to learn. In this article, we’ll break down how you can become a pharmacy assistant in Canada, what employers look for, and how a program like the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College can prepare you to succeed even if you are starting from scratch. 

What Does a Pharmacy Assistant Do? 

Before diving into how to become a pharmacy assistant with no experience, it helps to understand what the role involves. A pharmacy assistant is a healthcare support professional who works closely with a licensed pharmacist to keep the pharmacy running smoothly. Some of the common responsibilities include: 
 

• Preparing and packaging prescriptions under the pharmacist’s supervision 
• Managing inventory and checking expiry dates 
• Entering prescription information into pharmacy software like KROLL 
• Assisting customers with questions about medications or over-the-counter products 
• Handling insurance claims and cash transactions 
• Supporting the pharmacist with administrative tasks 
• Sterilizing equipment and, in some cases, helping with compounding medications 
   

Pharmacy assistants work in a variety of settings such as community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, online pharmacies, and even compounding pharmacies. The work is fast-paced, detail-oriented, and customer-focused. It’s a role that blends healthcare knowledge with hands-on technical skills and excellent communication. 

Can You Really Start With No Experience? 

The short answer: yes. Unlike some healthcare professions, you don’t need years of schooling or prior experience to qualify for an entry-level pharmacy assistant position. Here’s why: 

• No licensing requirements: In British Columbia and many other provinces, pharmacy assistants are not regulated by a licensing body. That means you don’t need a professional licence to get hired. 
   
• Training available: Employers value candidates who have completed a recognized Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program, even if they’ve never worked in the field before. 
   
• Skills-focused role: The job relies on practical skills like attention to detail, organization, math, and customer service. These are abilities you can build through training and practice rather than years of prior experience. 

So while you can apply for pharmacy assistant positions without experience, having specialized training greatly improves your chances of getting hired and succeeding once you’re on the job. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pharmacy Assistant With No Experience 

If you’re starting fresh, here’s the path to follow: 

1. Finish High School 

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement. Courses in math, biology, or chemistry can give you a good foundation. 

2. Enrol in a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program 

This is the most important step. While some employers may offer on-the-job training, completing a Pharmacy Assistant diploma program at a recognized school like CDI College sets you apart. You’ll learn pharmacology, pharmacy software, customer service, and healthcare communication skills all in one structured program. 

3. Earn First Aid and CPR Certification 

Many programs, including CDI College’s, bundle First Aid and CPR training into the curriculum. These certifications are highly valued in healthcare environments. 

4. Start Applying for Jobs 

With a diploma you’ll be well-prepared to apply for pharmacy assistant positions in community pharmacies, hospitals, or retail chains. Career services support at CDI College can also help with resumes, interviews, and job searches. 

Must-Have Skills for Pharmacy Assistants 

Even if you’re starting with no experience, certain skills will help you thrive as a pharmacy assistant: 
 

• Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical when handling prescriptions and data entry. 
• Communication: You’ll interact with patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare staff daily. 
• Organization: Pharmacies are busy places. Being able to multitask and prioritize is essential. 
• Math proficiency: Counting pills, measuring dosages, and managing transactions require comfort with numbers. 
• Customer service: Many pharmacy assistants are the first point of contact for patients. A positive attitude goes a long way. 
• Technical ability: Familiarity with software like KROLL or other pharmacy systems is a major plus. 
   

The great thing is you don’t need to have all these mastered before starting. Training programs are designed to build these skills from the ground up. 

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Assistants in Canada 

Another reason you can start this career with no prior experience is the strong demand across the country. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank (July 2025 update): 
 

• British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan all report good job prospects. 
• Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador report moderate prospects. 
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Canada had nearly 34,000 people working as pharmacy assistants in 2023, and with an aging workforce (21 percent are over 50), new opportunities are opening up every year. The national forecast predicts a moderate risk of labour shortage from 2024 to 2033, meaning employers will continue needing qualified candidates. 

Why CDI College Is the Best Option if You Have No Experience 

If you’re wondering how to bridge the gap between no experience and a rewarding career, the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College is designed for people exactly like you. Here’s what makes the program stand out: 
 

• Comprehensive curriculum: Covers pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy software, and customer service. 
• Capstone project: Gives you a chance to apply your learning in a practical, career-focused project. 
• Industry certifications included: Earn WHMIS, First Aid, and CPR certifications. 
• Experienced instructors: Learn from professionals with real-world pharmacy knowledge. 
• Career services: Access resume writing, interview prep, and job search support for up to six months after graduation. 

Where Can You Work as a Pharmacy Assistant? 

Graduates of CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program have many options. You’re not just limited to the neighborhood drugstore. Career paths include: 
 

• Community and retail pharmacies 
• Hospital pharmacies 
• Long-term care facilities 
• Online and mail-order pharmacies 
• Health product retailers 
• Compounding pharmacies 
   

This flexibility means you can choose a work environment that suits your personality and career goals, whether you enjoy interacting with patients daily or prefer a more behind-the-scenes role. 

Final Thoughts 

So, can you be a pharmacy assistant with no experience? Absolutely. With the right training and career support, you can enter this growing healthcare field and build a stable, rewarding career. Pharmacy assistants are essential members of healthcare teams, and their work directly impacts patient safety and well-being. Employers across Canada are looking for people who are ready to step in, learn quickly, and provide excellent care to patients. 
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If you’re ready to take that first step, enrolling in CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program could be your pathway into the healthcare industry. Even if you’re starting with no experience, you can build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.