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Diploma Program

Medical-Pharmacy Assistant

Diploma

51 weeks

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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Median Wage

$25 /hour

*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2024;

Fast-Track Your Way to Rewarding Medical Pharmacy Assistant Jobs

The Medical - Pharmacy Assistant program prepares students for roles in pharmacies and medical offices. This comprehensive program covers a wide range of essential technical and clerical skills for medical office assistants, as well as provides a strong, in-depth foundation for a career as a pharmacy assistant.

  • MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
  • STANDARD FIRST AID / CPR-C / AED
  • PHARMACOLOGY
  • WHIMIS
  • PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS
  • MEDICAL BILLING AND TRANSCRIPTION
  • MICROBIOLOGY
  • PHARMACY SOFTWARE
  • CLINICAL PROCEDURES
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Approved & Designated 

This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia. CDI College is designated by the Education Quality Assurance (EQA).

Program Intro Background

Program Courses

Student Success Strategies

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The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.

Introduction to Computers

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This course introduces the students to the basic elements of using a computer with an emphasis on the functionality of an operating system and tasks related to file management and word processing. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based
simulations, training and assessments. The course provides an overview of Microsoft 365 where you will learn about the common features of the applications and file management fundamentals. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Word where students learn proper document formatting, organization and editing using the tools and features of the ribbon. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as working with tables, lists, objects, templates footnotes and endnotes and mail merges.

Medical Language I: Foundations

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Medicine, like other professions, has its own language. Students will learn to work with the specialized terminology of medicine, including the pronunciation and spelling of terms to describe medical circumstances and situations. Students will learn through descriptions, illustrations and exercises to identify the major anatomical features and systems of the body and the common pathologies, which can adversely affect these systems.

Health Care Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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This is a specially designed course for the new health care professional in the medical field. In business, as in other interpersonal contacts, the impression formed is in the first 10- 15 seconds and is crucial to the success of the relationship. The importance of the customer and of customer relations to business success is examined through case studies and roleplaying. Students learn relevant techniques of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations in the medical office. Learning basic communication skills especially relating to the medical field will assist the student in dealing with all patients. Understanding cultural differences and encouraging diversity can add a new dimension and safer patient health care delivery to the medical office. Some topics covered in this course include demonstrating respect in the health care field to co-workers/patients/clients, legal issues such as “The Scope of the MOA’s Realm,” defusing angry patients/customers, and customer values and how to deliver those values. Being knowledgeable about these topics keeps customers coming back due to excellent customer service skills

Medical Emergency Processes

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This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies within a pharmacy/medical/dental office. It will prepare students to assist the physician/dentist/pharmacist in administering immediate care for the client in the medical office environment. Students also participate in CPR-first aid training. Lectures, reading assignments, and laboratory projects will provide a basic
understanding of medical emergencies and the role of the office assistant in assisting with the administration of care used in the office. This information permits the student to interpret and relay information and to communicate to the health care team and emergency workers. Subjects include:

  • Typical medical emergencies
  • Roles of individuals in emergencies

Medical Language II: Body Systems

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This second course of three parts on medical language focuses on the various body systems. Subjects include: the digestive system; additional suffixes and digestive system terminology; urinary system; male and female reproductive systems; nervous system; cardiovascular system; respiratory system; blood system; lymphatic and immune systems; musculoskeletal system; skin; sense organs; and endocrine system.

Introduction to Pharmacy

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This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the pharmacy profession. This subject will introduce the student to the important role that they will play in a career as a pharmacy assistant. They will also become familiar with the Canadian pharmacy organizations, standards of practice, legislations, and ethics. The student will first review pharmacy history to see how pharmacies in general and their role as an assistant have changed throughout the centuries. The profession of pharmacy as it is today will be examined from the context of the role of the pharmacy personnel and the structure of the various types of pharmacies that are in our society.
Students are then introduced to both federal and provincial drug benefit plans along with other private third party insurance companies and their billing procedures. Lastly, Introduction to Pharmacy provides the necessary requirements to make a prescription, patient profile, and label valid and the process of filling a prescription.

Fundamentals of Pharmacology

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This course will introduce students to the basic principles of pharmacology. Topics to be covered include receptor mechanisms, kinetics and the actions of drugs and toxins at the cellular, organ and organism level. The course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of pharmacology, dosage formulations, and routes of drug administration and OTC medications. It will enable the student to understand the role of drugs in individualized patient care and will introduce the student to the recognition andassociation of generic and trade names of common and/or important medications, in community and hospital pharmacy practice. Introduced with this are the usual clinical applications, adverse effects, contraindications, common dosage regimens, and administration considerations. Students will learn various mechanisms of drug action and understand pharmacokinetic processes that affect drug/body interaction. They will learn the procedure for administration of pharmacologic agents as well as learning to identify major drugs by drug class. Students will know drug indications, therapeutic uses, side effects, administration routes, and common dosages.

Pharmaceutical Calculations

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Students will learn how to perform critical dosage and compounding calculations.

Community Pharmacy

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This course is designed to teach students about the various aspects of community pharmacy from the viewpoint of the pharmacy assistant. The
course covers pharmacy business practices, introduces students to third party billing, and teaches dispensing techniques. Students learn about pharmacy business practices both in the dispensing and front store. Students learn to complete many of the technical tasks associated with the day to day operations of a pharmacy. Students are introduced to a prescription and its various parts. They learn how to read and interpret a prescription, enter it into the manual or computerized system to be filled, and the appropriate filling technique. Pharmacy equipment and dispensing techniques will be demonstrated within the course with the opportunity for students to practice as well. The course exposes students to general principles of effective and efficient inventory management. Theory and practice will educate students about control and maintenance of community inventory. The course also covers the objectives of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation by educating students on how to prevent accidents and illness in the workplace. Students also learn to plan and implement Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMS) programs in pharmacy settings.

Compounding

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This subject is designed to give the student the skills and knowledge that are necessary to develop one’s career as a pharmacy assistant. Students will become efficient at preparing pharmaceutical preparations and the necessary documentation to meet and maintain standards. The student will review and practice the various mixing techniques and standards of commercial compounding and learn the necessity of compounding. The student will become proficient at the use of balances to accurately weigh ingredients to compound. A variety of dosage forms will be reviewed with emphasis being placed on the knowledge that is needed to accurately prepare compounds. The student will be expected to calculate, measure, and weigh. Proper and timely cleaning and maintenance of compounding equipment and area will be stressed.

Pharmacy Software Fundamentals

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Pharmacy software applications are necessary in both the retail and institutional setting. The students are required to efficiently use the KROLL pharmacy software in all aspects of the daily processes that take place in a pharmacy. The more knowledgeable the student is with respect to the detail involved in entering and processing prescriptions, the more valuable they will be to the employer. Many pharmacies are actively using the KROLL pharmacy software. It is a user-friendly program with a variety of options that help deliver optimal care to the patient.

Medical Office Procedures

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This course presents complete and accurate coverage of the basic skills needed to perform effectively as a health office administrative assistant (MOA) in today’s fast-changing work environment. Study includes the use of real-life examples and scenarios to make key concepts come alive. Students learn about ethics, the transition of offices towards electronic environments, as well as discussions of future trends towards the role of technology in the field of medical office administration. From the knowledge and skills learned in this course, students also begin one of their term projects – a medical office procedure manual – the general section completed in this course, and an advanced practice, comprehensive manual that is constructed throughout the entire program and completed after the final practicum-work experience.

Medical Language III: Special Topics

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The third and final course on medical language focuses on special topics including: cancer medicine (oncology); radiology and nuclear medicine; pharmacology; and psychiatry.

Medical Billing

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All businesses need to invoice for services rendered and collect their revenues as quickly and efficiently as possible. Doctors’ revenue comes primarily from the provincial medical insurance scheme. Students will be introduced to the medical billing procedures in accordance with the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) requirements and create medical billing data using the BC Medical Association Guide to Fees and ICD-9 Diagnostic Codes. WorkSafe BC, the Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC), and medical legal billing requirements are also discussed.

Students also learn to perform medical billing data entry and preparation of billing statements using the Regent Smart series application, as well as understanding the transmission and receipt of data from the BC MSP office in Victoria.

In the second section of this course, students will create patient databases and complete medical office billing procedures using the current software. Students will become familiar with all aspects of billing, including MSP, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, personal, and medical legal billing. They will also learn to schedule appointments, generate day sheets, and transmit claims. Course time is also dedicated to tutorials to learn the MSP system.

Medical Transcription

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Transcription is integral to the efficiency of the medical doctor’s practice, providing the documentary records on patient cases that the physician is required by law to maintain. Students will become familiar with the various letters and reports routinely dictated by medical professionals by being introduced to the process of medical transcription using actual dictated medical data, in different accents. With an emphasis on speed and accuracy, students utilize transcription equipment and a variety of reference materials to learn the proper formatting, sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, spelling, and grammar used in reports such as: admission and discharge summaries; chart notes; consultation letters; emergency room reports; history and physical examination reports; laboratory, radiology, and pathology reports; operative/procedure reports. In addition, the course is designed to enhance the student’s listening comprehension, editing and proofreading, again, with an emphasis on the speed and accuracy of their typing. The importance of confidentiality is also reinforced.

Electronic Health Records

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Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) in Canada is a pan-Canadian initiative involving many stakeholders involved in the delivery of health care. Electronic health records (EHRs) are secure and private lifetime records that describe a person’s health history and care. They are made up of information from a variety of sources, including hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies, and laboratories. This information is critical for treatment and is accessible to health care professionals. BC is participating in a ten year plan led by the Federal Government's Canada Health Infoway to create a safer and more efficient healthcare system by creating electronic health records (EHRs). In the course, students are introduced to work with simulated health records and learn the ins and outs of the system as they apply in a medical office. It provides a thorough understanding of EHR tasks and functional benefits that is continuously reinforced by actual EHR experiences. Students are updated with the latest EHR rules, regulations and innovations, electronic orders and results, workflow examples, and billing codes.

Clinical Procedures

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Students will learn techniques and procedures used to prepare and administer basic procedures and tests utilized in medical offices. Topics include:

  • Quality assurance and infection control
  • Use of personal protective equipment, materials, and maintaining medical & surgical asepsis
  • Taking vital signs, respiration rate, blood pressure, height, weight, and vision examinations
  • Assisting with medical examinations
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Urine tests and specimens
  • Blood glucose testing procedures
  • Various smears and cultures, viruses, Pap smears, and other specimen testing
  • Variety of diagnostic tests
  • Safe environments, injury prevention
  • Causes and prevention of cumulative stress disorders
  • Administration of medical supplies

Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED

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“Core Competency: Understand Level I/CPR First Aid 1. Explain the techniques of CPR 2. Identify the symptoms of various emergencies 3. Explain the prevention of disease transmission Core Competency: Skill (the key behaviours that a student is expected to be able to perform upon completion of subject) Core Competency: Perform Level I/CPR First Aid 1. Respond to cardiovascular emergencies 2. Perform the techniques to combat choking, airway and breathing emergencies 3. Use proper safety measures

WHMIS 2015

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Canadian law requires that any person exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace must be trained in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This course has been developed to meet and exceed the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. WHMIS 2015 training includes the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for chemicals (GHS), as well as WHMIS legislation introduced in 1988.

Course content includes:

  • WHMIS introduction
  • WHMIS 1988 classes, divisions, and symbols; personal protective equipment; labels and storage; material safety data sheets
  • WHMIS 2015 groups, classes, and categories
  • WHMIS 2015 Physical Hazard and Health Hazards groups’
  • WHMIS 2015 labels and storage
  • WHMIS 2015 safety data sheets

Medical-Pharmacy Practicum

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This practicum will place students in actual workplaces related to their field of study where they are expected to act as a regular employee for the set time periods in order to gain the valuable “real world” experience, often sought by employers who are hiring. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience for the area they wish to specialize; however, once placed, continuation in the placement is a mandatory diploma requirement. This practicum is an unpaid work experience. Students and practicum hosts are provided with a practicum “package” that outlines the expectations of both the student and the host that need to be met to have a successful outcome.

Career & Employment Strategies

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In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

  • How people find jobs
  • Employer expectations
  • Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
  • Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
  • Transferrable skills
  • Thank you letters
  • Effective telemarketing
  • Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Individual counselling and coaching

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Admission

Benefits of this program

Employment Opportunities

  • Standard Admissions:
    • High school graduation

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • 19 years of age upon starting classes
    • Pass CDI College’s admissions test
  • Real-world practicum experience
  • Industry-standard skills and technologies
  • Industry-experienced instructors
  • Student-focused learning environment
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Six months of post-graduate career services support
  • Community / Retail Pharmacies
  • Health Food/Products Businesses
  • Internet Pharmacy Companies
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Physicians’ and Dental Offices
  • Health Care Clinics
  • Health Care Specialists’ Offices
  • Standard Admissions:
    • High school graduation

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • 19 years of age upon starting classes
    • Pass CDI College’s admissions test
  • Real-world practicum experience
  • Industry-standard skills and technologies
  • Industry-experienced instructors
  • Student-focused learning environment
  • One-on-one instruction
  • Six months of post-graduate career services support
  • Community / Retail Pharmacies
  • Health Food/Products Businesses
  • Internet Pharmacy Companies
  • Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Physicians’ and Dental Offices
  • Health Care Clinics
  • Health Care Specialists’ Offices
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Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.

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Hear From Our Graduates

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My teachers push me to do my best, even when I doubt myself. They make sure to teach to everyone's needs.

Chelsea

Healthcare Program Graduate

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The healthcare programs at CDI College are definitely top-tier. The program coordinator and instructors are very passionate about students' growth and development. I am grateful to them for equipping me with the medical knowledge and technical skills to be an excellent student.

Tracy-Ann J.

Healthcare Program Graduate

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