Dukh Bhanjan Pharmacy, located in Brampton, Ontario, is hiring a Pharmacy Technical Assistant. This full-time, permanent role offers competitive hourly wages and LMIA support, making it accessible to both Canadian residents and international applicants. Below, we provide a detailed overview, including salary insights, career growth opportunities, and relocation tips.
Job Overview
- Location: Brampton, ON (on-site).
- Salary: $24.75 per hour for 30 hours per week.
- Employment Type: Permanent, full-time.
- Start Date: As soon as possible.
- Vacancies: 1 position.
- Language Requirement: English.
- Education: College diploma or CEGEG equivalent.
- Experience: 7 months to less than 1 year.
- Workplace: Physical on-site work in a pharmacy or drugstore setting; remote work is not available.
Responsibilities
Pharmacy Technical Assistants play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. Key tasks include:
- Compounding, packaging, and labeling pharmaceutical products.
- Preparing oral solutions, ointments, and creams.
- Managing inventories of medications and maintaining prescription records.
- Organizing and managing stock levels.
- Billing third-party insurers for medications and services.
Work Conditions:
The role involves standing for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks, and working in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and multitasking.
Salary Breakdown and Cost of Living in Brampton, ON
Earnings Potential
- Hourly Wage: $24.75.
- Weekly Income: $742.50 (30 hours).
- Annual Salary: Approximately $38,610 before deductions.
Tax Implications
Your salary will be subject to:
- Federal and Ontario provincial income taxes.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) contributions.
Net Income Estimate
Using tools like the Canada Revenue Agency Salary Calculator, a Pharmacy Technical Assistant earning $38,610 annually can expect a net income of approximately $32,000 after deductions.
Cost of Living in Brampton
- Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,500–$2,200/month.
- Transportation: Public transit passes cost approximately $128/month.
- Groceries: Monthly expenses average $300–$400 per person.
- Utilities: Expect to pay $150–$200 per month for electricity, heating, and water.
Brampton offers a cost-effective living option compared to Toronto while maintaining proximity to major urban amenities.
Certifications and Skills for Pharmacy Technical Assistants (Not Compulsory)
Although not mandatory for this role, certifications can enhance your skills and employability.
Recommended Certifications
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Validates knowledge in compounding, inventory management, and patient communication. - WHMIS Certification
Ensures safe handling of chemicals used in pharmaceutical compounding. - Customer Service Training
Improves interpersonal skills for handling client inquiries and concerns. - Medication Therapy Management Certification
Teaches techniques for supporting pharmacists in managing patient medication plans.
Employer-Provided Benefits
While specific benefits are not listed, similar roles often include:
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Discounts on pharmacy products and services.
- On-the-job training for technical and customer service skills.
Tools, Software, and Technology for Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy assistants use various tools and technologies to streamline daily operations:
- Pharmacy Management Software: Tools like Kroll help manage prescription records and inventory.
- Automated Dispensing Systems: Reduce manual errors and improve efficiency in medication preparation.
- POS Systems: Integrated systems for processing transactions and billing insurers.
- Inventory Tracking Tools: Ensure accurate stock levels and minimize wastage.
Career Progression Opportunities
Starting as a Pharmacy Technical Assistant can lead to various career advancements:
1. Registered Pharmacy Technician
Obtain additional certifications to manage more responsibilities and earn a higher salary.
2. Pharmacist
Pursue a pharmacy degree to transition into a licensed pharmacist role.
3. Pharmacy Operations Manager
Oversee operations across multiple branches or manage staff in a larger pharmacy setting.
4. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Leverage your knowledge to represent pharmaceutical companies and promote medications to healthcare providers.
Relocation Tips for International Workers
Housing Options
- Short-term rentals: Use Airbnb or Vrbo for temporary accommodations during your initial move.
- Long-term rentals: Explore platforms like Kijiji or Zumper for affordable apartments near your workplace.
Transportation
- Brampton Transit offers bus services connecting various neighborhoods.
- Owning a car may add convenience, especially for travel outside the city.
Community Resources
- Join local healthcare networks and community organizations to build connections.
- Explore cultural events and recreational activities in Brampton to integrate into the community.
Emerging Trends in Pharmacy Assistance
1. Automation in Dispensing
Automated systems are reducing errors and speeding up medication dispensing processes.
2. Personalized Medicine
Pharmacies are increasingly tailoring medications to individual patient needs through genetic data.
3. Telepharmacy
Virtual consultations and online prescription fulfillment are expanding the scope of pharmacy services.
4. Integration with Digital Health Records
Connecting pharmacy systems with electronic health records ensures seamless communication between healthcare providers.
Best Health Insurance for Pharmacy Technical Assistants in Canada
Pharmacy assistants often work in healthcare settings, making specialized health insurance plans essential.
Tailored Coverage for Pharmacy Assistants
- Accidental Injury and Illness Plans: Covers unexpected health issues arising from long hours on your feet.
- Mental Health Services: Access to counseling and therapy for workplace stress management.
- Prescription Drug Benefits: Reduced costs on medications, often essential for pharmacy employees.
Recommended Health Insurance Providers
- Green Shield Canada: Offers comprehensive drug and therapy coverage tailored for healthcare workers.
- Sun Life: Includes mental health support and wellness incentives.
- Canada Life: Designed for workers in high-stress environments, with extended health and dental benefits.
Top Certifications for Pharmacy Assistants in Canada
While certifications are not mandatory for this role, earning industry-recognized credentials can enhance career growth and employability.
In-Demand Certifications
- Pharmacy Assistant Certification (PA)
Covers pharmaceutical calculations, dispensing techniques, and inventory management. - Medication Management Certification
Focuses on assisting pharmacists in creating medication therapy plans for patients. - Customer Service Excellence Training
Builds strong communication and interpersonal skills for client-facing roles. - Specialty Compounding Training
Prepares assistants to handle advanced compounding techniques for creams, solutions, and specialized medications.
Salary Calculator for Pharmacy Assistants in Brampton
Salary calculators provide Pharmacy Technical Assistants with a detailed breakdown of gross and net income based on location-specific tax rules.
Key Features
- Calculates federal and Ontario provincial tax deductions.
- Estimates CPP and EI contributions.
- Provides post-tax income to plan monthly budgets effectively.
Use tools like Talent.com or Canada Revenue Agency Salary Calculator for precise earnings estimates based on Brampton’s tax brackets.
Cost-of-Living Comparison Between Brampton and Mississauga
For those considering relocating within the Greater Toronto Area, comparing costs between Brampton and Mississauga is vital.
Housing
- Brampton: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500–$2,200/month.
- Mississauga: Comparable options range from $1,800–$2,500/month.
Transportation
- Brampton: Monthly transit passes cost approximately $128.
- Mississauga: Slightly higher at $145/month for the same services.
Groceries and Utilities
- Brampton generally offers slightly lower grocery and utility costs compared to Mississauga, making it more affordable overall.
Emerging Trends in Pharmacy Assistance
The pharmacy industry is rapidly evolving, creating new opportunities and challenges for pharmacy assistants.
1. Digital Prescription Management
Pharmacies are adopting digital tools to streamline prescription processing and improve accuracy.
2. Telepharmacy Expansion
Assisting patients remotely with virtual consultations and prescription fulfillment is becoming more common.
3. Sustainable Pharmacy Practices
There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing of materials for prescriptions.
4. Integration with Wearable Technology
Devices like health trackers and glucose monitors are increasingly linked to pharmacy systems, requiring assistants to adapt.
Step-by-Step Visa Process for International Applicants
Dukh Bhanjan Pharmacy supports LMIA applications, allowing international candidates to apply. Here’s the process:
1. Job Offer and LMIA Approval
Secure a formal job offer and confirm the employer’s LMIA approval.
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- LMIA reference number and job offer letter.
- Proof of education (college diploma or equivalent).
- Relevant work experience documentation.
3. Submit Work Permit Application
Apply online via the IRCC Portal.
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment
Provide fingerprints and photographs at an IRCC-approved collection center.
5. Medical Examination
Complete a health assessment to meet Canada’s immigration health standards.
6. Approval and Work Permit Issuance
Receive your work permit and begin your career at Dukh Bhanjan Pharmacy.
Conclusion
The Pharmacy Technical Assistant role at Dukh Bhanjan Pharmacy in Brampton offers a stable career path with competitive wages and LMIA support. Whether you’re an experienced professional or starting your journey in pharmacy, this position provides excellent opportunities for growth in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Apply before January 4, 2025, to secure this opportunity. For more details, visit the official Job Bank posting. Let us know if you need assistance with the application or relocation process!
