August 21, 2025

Pharmacy assistants play an essential part in healthcare. They help licensed pharmacists with day-to-day operations and ensure patients get their medications safely and on time. If you’re thinking about pursuing this career, one of the first questions you might ask is: what are the qualifications for a pharmacy assistant role? The good news is that pharmacy assistants don’t need years of university education to get started. The right mix of training, skills, and experience can open the door to this rewarding career in less than a year. In this article, we’ll cover the qualifications you need, the skills that make you stand out, and how the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College can prepare you to thrive in the field. 

What Does a Pharmacy Assistant Do? 

Before we dive into the qualifications for pharmacy assistant roles, let’s look at what the job involves. Pharmacy assistants support pharmacists and technicians by handling both technical and customer service tasks. Their daily responsibilities may include: 
 

• Preparing and labelling prescriptions 
• Counting pills, measuring liquid medications, and packaging doses 
• Entering prescription details into software such as KROLL 
• Maintaining and restocking inventory 
• Handling billing, insurance claims, and cash transactions 
• Greeting patients, answering questions, and providing guidance 
• Assisting in compounding medications under supervision 
• Keeping the pharmacy clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards 
   

Pharmacy assistants work in a variety of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even online or mail-order pharmacies. It’s a role that requires both precision and people skills. 

Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Pharmacy Assistant? 

Here’s the most common question: do you need qualifications to be a pharmacy assistant? The answer depends on the employer. Technically, some entry-level positions may not require formal qualifications. A high school diploma and willingness to learn can be enough in smaller, independent pharmacies. But in reality, most employers today prefer candidates with formal training. Hospitals, large retail chains, and established pharmacies want assistants who already know how to use industry software, understand pharmacy math, and can step into the role with minimal extra training. That’s why completing a structured diploma program, like the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College, is the most effective way to qualify. 

Minimum Qualifications for Pharmacy Assistant Roles 

Let’s break down the essential qualifications you need to get started: 

1. High School Education 

At minimum, most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in math, biology, and chemistry are especially helpful because they give you the foundation for understanding medication calculations and pharmaceutical terminology. 

2. Post-Secondary Diploma or Certification 

While not always mandatory, completing a diploma program makes you a stronger candidate. A Pharmacy Assistant Diploma covers essential topics like pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, customer service, and pharmacy operations. Employers see this as proof that you’re job ready. 

3. On-the-Job Training 

Some pharmacies provide on-the-job training, teaching new hires how to use their systems and follow procedures. However, if you already have a diploma, you’ll learn these skills faster and need less supervision. 

4. Practical Experience 

Employers value candidates with real-world experience, even if it’s gained through a practicum or externship. CDI College includes a 160-hour practicum in its program, giving students the chance to work directly in a pharmacy before graduation. 

5. First Aid and CPR Certification 

Many pharmacy assistant programs, including CDI College’s, include First Aid and CPR training. While not always mandatory, these certifications are extremely valuable for working in healthcare environments. 

Skills That Strengthen Your Qualifications 

Qualifications aren’t just about education. Employers also look for a mix of technical skills and soft skills that make you effective in the workplace. 

Technical Skills 
 

• Pharmacy Software Proficiency: Programs like KROLL are industry standards. 
• Medical Terminology: Knowing drug names, abbreviations, and dosage instructions is essential. 
• Pharmaceutical Math: Comfort with calculations for dosages and inventory tracking. 
• Compounding Basics: Assisting pharmacists with preparing customized medications. 
   

Soft Skills 
 

• Attention to Detail: Accuracy is everything when handling prescriptions. 
• Communication: Clear, empathetic interactions with patients and pharmacists. 
• Organizational Skills: Managing inventory, records, and tasks efficiently. 
• Customer Service: Creating a positive experience for every patient. 
• Adaptability: Being flexible in fast-paced, busy pharmacy environments.
   

When combined, these skills and formal training create a strong qualifications profile that employers notice.  
 
 
Bonus Read: Become a pharmacy assistant in Canada? 
 

Do You Need a Certificate to Be a Pharmacy Assistant? 

Another question often asked is: do you need a certificate to be a pharmacy assistant? The answer is no—it’s not legally required. But certificates and diplomas are becoming increasingly important for landing jobs in competitive environments. Employers see certification as a sign of commitment and readiness. It shows you’ve studied pharmacy operations, customer service, and healthcare protocols in a structured way. Completing a program at CDI College also means you leave with recognized certifications like WHMIS, First Aid, and CPR, which add weight to your resume. 

How Long Does It Take to Get Qualified? 

One of the best parts of choosing this career is how quickly you can become qualified. Unlike degrees that take several years, a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma can be completed in less than a year. At CDI College, the program is designed to prepare you for employment under 12 months. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on training and a practicum, ensuring you graduate confidently and ready for the workforce. 

The Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College 

The Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program at CDI College is built to provide the qualifications employers expect. Here’s what sets it apart: 
 

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacy math, medical terminology, customer service, and pharmacy software. 
• Capstone Project: A final project challenges students to demonstrate their new skills. 
• Industry Certifications: Includes WHMIS, First Aid Level 1, and CPR. 
• Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with real pharmacy experience. 
• Career Services Support: Access to resume building, interview prep, and job search assistance for up to six months after graduation. 
   

With these highlights, CDI College ensures graduates are not just qualified, but career ready. 

Career Opportunities After Qualification 

Once you have the right qualifications, a variety of career opportunities open up. Pharmacy assistants work in: 
 

• Community pharmacies (independent and retail chains) 
• Hospital pharmacies 
• Long-term care facilities 
• Online and mail-order pharmacies 
• Health product businesses 
   

Bonus Read: Is Pharmacy Assistant in Demand in Canada?   

Why Qualifications Matter 

Even though pharmacy assistant jobs don’t legally require a degree or certificate, qualifications matter more than ever. Employers want people who can step into the role with confidence and accuracy. With a diploma, you demonstrate that you: 
 

• Understand pharmacy operations 
• Can handle prescriptions with precision 
• Are trained in customer service and communication 
• Have hands-on experience through a practicum 
• Possess certifications in First Aid and CPR 
   

These qualifications not only make it easier to land a job but also give you the skills to excel and advance in your career. 

Final Thoughts 

So, what are the qualifications for pharmacy assistant roles? At the very least, you need a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills. But if you really want to stand out and secure stable employment, completing a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma program is the way to go. At CDI College, you can graduate in under a year with the knowledge, certifications, and experience employers are looking for. From learning pharmacy software to completing a practicum, you’ll gain everything you need to launch a meaningful career in healthcare. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College and start your journey toward a rewarding career helping patients and supporting pharmacists across Canada.