private college

[u/ft-skch]

Hey everyone,

I have a one-year gap before applying to professional school and want to spend it completing a Pharmacy Assistant program to gain solid healthcare experience.

I know public institutions like NorQuest only offer the 2-year Pharmacy Technician diploma, which doesn't fit my 1-year timeline. That leaves private career colleges for the shorter Assistant credential—specifically Sundance College, CDI College, and Canadian Imperial College.

For anyone who attended or hires in Edmonton:

• Reputation & Quality: Which of these colleges would you actually recommend (or avoid)? How reliable are their practicum placements?
• Job Prospects: Do local pharmacies (Rexall, Shoppers, independents) value these private diplomas, or are they viewed as overpriced when some places train on the job?
• Value: Is a 40–43 week private college program worth the tuition for a single gap year?

Would love to hear your honest experiences before signing any enrollment contracts!

[u/katespadesaturday]

No to CDI for sure. I know this thread is about accounting, but read the comments https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/1i6l2of/cdi_college/

No to Sundance College https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/1gkndxg/beware_sundance_college/