August 18, 2025 | Ontario

If you’re currently working as a pharmacy assistant or thinking about starting a career in this role, you may be wondering, can a pharmacy assistant become a pharmacist? The short answer is yes, but it requires dedication, formal education, and meeting specific licensing requirements. In this article, we’ll walk through what a pharmacy assistant does, what a pharmacist’s role involves, and the steps to transition from one to the other. We’ll also explore how the Pharmacy Assistant Program at CDI College can be your first step toward this exciting career path. 

Understanding the Two Roles 

What Does a Pharmacy Assistant Do? 

A pharmacy assistant is an essential member of the pharmacy team who supports pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They handle a mix of administrative, technical, and customer service responsibilities such as: 
 

• Greeting and assisting customers 
• Managing prescription intake and processing 
• Preparing and labeling medications under supervision 
• Managing stock and inventory 
• Using pharmacy software like KROLL 
• Answering phone calls and assisting with over-the-counter products 
   

While they do not make clinical decisions, pharmacy assistants are key to ensuring the smooth day to day operation of a pharmacy. 
 

Bonus Read: How Do I Become a Pharmacy Assistant? 
 

What Does a Pharmacist Do? 

A pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for: 
 

• Dispensing prescription medications 
• Reviewing and interpreting prescriptions for accuracy 
• Providing medication counselling to patients 
• Advising healthcare providers on drug therapy 
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations 
• Administering vaccines in many provinces 
• Monitoring for potential drug interactions 
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Pharmacists have a much broader scope of practice and carry significant responsibility for patient safety. 

The Difference Between Pharmacy Assistants and Pharmacists 

The main differences between these roles are education requirements, level of responsibility, and scope of practice. 
 

• Pharmacy assistants typically complete a college diploma and work under the supervision of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. 
• Pharmacists must complete a university degree in pharmacy, meet provincial licensing requirements, and pass national board exams. 
   

In other words, becoming a pharmacist involves a longer and more rigorous educational journey, but it also offers a higher salary, greater autonomy, and expanded career opportunities. 

How a Pharmacy Assistant Can Become a Pharmacist 

1. Complete High School Prerequisites 

If you’re starting out, ensure you have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with strong grades in sciences particularly biology, chemistry, and math. These subjects form the foundation of pharmacy education. 

2. Gain Experience as a Pharmacy Assistant 

Working as a pharmacy assistant gives you valuable exposure to the pharmacy environment. You’ll gain: 
 

• Familiarity with medication names and purposes 
• Knowledge of pharmacy software and workflow 
• Communication and customer service skills 
• Understanding of healthcare regulations 
   

This hands on experience can make you a stronger candidate for pharmacy school and confirm whether this career path is right for you. 

3. Complete a Pharmacy Assistant Diploma Program 

Enrolling in a program like the Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College can prepare you for immediate employment while building a foundation for further studies. The program includes: 
 

• Pharmacology 
• Medical terminology 
• Anatomy and physiology 
• Pharmacy math 
• Compounding techniques 
• Pharmacy software training 
• Customer service in healthcare 
   

You’ll also complete a 160-hour practicum in a real pharmacy, gaining practical skills and industry connections. 

4. Upgrade Your Education to Meet Pharmacy School Requirements 

To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (or Doctor of Pharmacy in some provinces). Most Canadian universities require at least two years of undergraduate science courses before admission. Common prerequisites include: 
 

• Organic and general chemistry 
• Human physiology and anatomy 
• Microbiology 
• Calculus and statistics 
• English or communication courses 
   

Many pharmacy assistants take these courses part time while working. 

5. Apply to a Pharmacy Program 

Canadian pharmacy programs are competitive. Your experience as a pharmacy assistant can be a strong asset in your application, as it demonstrates commitment to the field and real world understanding of pharmacy operations. 

6. Complete Your Pharmacy Degree 

Pharmacy degrees typically take four years of full time study. During this time, you’ll learn about: 
 

• Advanced pharmacology 
• Clinical therapeutics 
• Patient counselling 
• Pharmacy law and ethics 
• Drug development and safety 
• Professional practice in various healthcare settings 
   

7. Pass Licensing Exams 

To practice as a pharmacist in Canada, you must be licensed by your provincial regulatory authority. This involves passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) qualifying exams, which include: 
 

• Written multiple choice and short answer components 
• An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) 
  ​​​​​​​

Some provinces also require additional jurisprudence exams on local laws and regulations. 

Benefits of Transitioning from Pharmacy Assistant to Pharmacist 
 

• Higher Salary Potential   Pharmacists in Canada earn a significantly higher median wage compared to pharmacy assistants. 
• Expanded Responsibilities   Pharmacists have a direct role in patient care, prescribing in some cases, and providing clinical services. 
• Career Advancement   Pharmacists can move into management, research, academia, or industry roles. 
• Job Stability   With an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, pharmacists remain in high demand. 

Challenges to Consider 

While the career path is rewarding, it’s important to be realistic about the commitment: 
 

• Time:   You’ll need several years of additional education. 
• Cost:   University tuition and exam fees can be significant. 
• Competition:   Pharmacy programs have limited spots and rigorous admission standards. 
   

However, your background as a pharmacy assistant can give you a valuable head start. 
 

Bonus Read: Is Pharmacy Assistant in Demand in Canada? 
 

How CDI College Helps You Start Your Journey 

The Pharmacy Assistant Diploma at CDI College is more than just job training, it’s a steppingstone toward your long-term career goals. With smaller class sizes, flexible full-time and part-time schedules, and instructors with industry experience, you’ll get personalized guidance from day one. 
 

Program Highlights: 
 

• Comprehensive curriculum covering technical, administrative, and customer service skills 
• Capstone project to apply your learning in real world scenarios 
• 160 hour practicum in a community or hospital pharmacy 
• WHMIS and First Aid/CPR Level 1 certification included 
• Six months of post-graduation career support to help you find your first job 
   

Whether you want to stay in the role of a pharmacy assistant or eventually move into the pharmacist position, CDI College gives you the skills and confidence to succeed. 

Final Thoughts 

So, can a pharmacy assistant become a pharmacist? Absolutely but it takes commitment, education, and a willingness to keep learning. Starting as a pharmacy assistant can be the perfect way to gain hands on experience, build your knowledge, and make an informed decision about pursuing the longer educational path to become a pharmacist. If you’re ready to take the first step, CDI College’s Pharmacy Assistant Diploma can prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce while laying the groundwork for future career growth.