collageThe pharmacy schools in canada requirements are transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores, GMAT or GRE scores, resumes, essays (course-specific requirements), and a minimum score of 70%.
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How to Become a Pharmacist
Most pharmacy schools require some prior university study, including a strong background in the sciences. Carleton’s undergraduate science programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive science education. Carleton science students benefit from small classes, personalized interaction with their professors, lab experience (including hands-on labs in your 1st year), and excellent co-op opportunities.
Science students may also enrol in a First Year Seminar wherein they are taught by an experienced faculty member in a class of no more than approximately twenty-five students. There is a specialized seminar for science students entitled Seminar in Science that introduces students to advancements in the field and current research questions. These Seminars not only help to bridge the gap between high school and university-level study but they also provide a great opportunity for students to get to know one of their professors on a more personal level.
To learn more about the pharmacy school application process and admission requirements check out the information below.
Applying to Pharmacy Schools in Canada
There are several Faculties and Schools of Pharmacy in Canada: Dalhousie University (College of Pharmacy), Memorial University of Newfoundland (School of Pharmacy), Université de Montréal (Faculté de pharmacie), Université Laval (Faculté de pharmacie), University of Alberta (Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences), University of British Columbia (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences), University of Manitoba (Faculty of Pharmacy), University of Saskatchewan (College of Pharmacy and Nutrition), University of Toronto (Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy) and University of Waterloo (School of Pharmacy).
Application Process
Admission and application requirements for pharmacy school vary from one institution to another. As such, it is important to contact the respective pharmacy school admission offices to determine specific admission requirements.
In general, to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you need:
- a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from a Canadian University
- to complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
- practical experience through an apprenticeship or an internship program
- fluency in English or French
As requirements vary by province, you should contact your local pharmacy school for more specific information.
How to become a pharmacist
Enjoy science and want to improve the lives of others? A career in pharmacy may be for you!
Faculty of Science Share:
If you’re passionate about the health of your community and want to play a role in improving the lives of others, a career in pharmacy may be right for you.
A pharmacist is vital in helping people get well, and as our population ages and treatments become more complex, the need for pharmacists continues to grow. Whether through prescriptions, vaccinations, or asking about a remedy to an ailment, pharmacists are on the frontline of health care, ensuring the safe and effective delivery of drugs.
How do you know if pharmacy is right for you?
If you value helping people and working in teams, enjoy science, like challenges, and are an effective communicator, then pharmacy may be for you.
“Pharmacists need to be able to take initiative, adapt to different situations, handle stress, think critically and solve problems, work well with others, show leadership, handle ethical dilemmas, and commit to lifelong learning,” says Kaitlin Bynkoski, director of admissions and undergraduate affairs at Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy.
Key characteristics and skills needed to be an effective pharmacist
Characteristics
- a good memory
- attention to detail
- aptitude for science
- interest in continual learning
- empathy
- altriusm
Skills
- interpersonal communications
- team work
- leadership
- analytical thinking
- counselling
- problem solving
Source: Pharmacy4me
How to become a pharmacist in Canada
- From high school, you’ll study at university in what’s called an undergraduate program. You would normally study science and typically for two years or more.
- You’ll then apply to a pharmacy program at university, which takes a further four years to complete.
- Once you finish your pharmacy degree, you’ll write a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
- You also need practical hands-on experience though co-op, an apprenticeship, or an internship; and be fluent in English and/or French.
From high school, you should choose an undergraduate program that gives you the flexibility to take the courses required for admission into a pharmacy program.
What should you study first?
If you want to become a pharmacist and are applying from high school, there isn’t a specific undergraduate program you must take first. An undergraduate program usually takes three or four years to complete, but you can apply to a pharmacy program after two years if you’ve taken the courses required for admission.
Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy provides a list of the required university courses you need to take for admission to the program.
From high school, you should choose an undergraduate program that gives you the flexibility to take the courses required for admission into a pharmacy program.
At Waterloo, we recommend the Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or Honours Science undergraduate programs as they offer the most flexibility to meet these requirements.
Where can you study to become a pharmacist?
There are 10 schools of pharmacy in Canada, including Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy which is home to Canada’s first and only co-op pharmacy program.
- Dalhousie University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Université de Montréal
- Université Laval
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
Pharmacists wear white coats and many hats
There’s more to pharmacists than you think. In addition to being at your community pharmacy, pharmacists are on the frontlines of every aspect of healthcare — helping to ensure better outcomes for patients. (Source: pharmacistsforhealthierlives.org) https://player.vimeo.com/video/355566456?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0Watch video on Vimeo
My experience volunteering at a pharmacy has inspired me to continue my studies towards becoming a pharmacist. It’s motivated me because I can give back to the community and do something that I enjoy.tiffany, Waterloo Science student
Being a pharmacist involves strong communication skills, the ability to work in a team, attention to detail, and empathy when helping community members.
Canada has approximately 42,500 licensed pharmacists working in more than 10,000 pharmacies. Of those, 70% work in community pharmacies, 15% work in hospitals, and 15% work in settings such as the pharmaceutical industry, government, associations, colleges, and universities.Canadian Pharmacists Association
Tips for students considering pharmacy as a career
“Volunteer at a pharmacy and make sure you enjoy every aspect of it. It’s important to choose a career that you love and won’t get tired of. You can get some great experience and advice from pharmacists that can help your applications,” says Tiffany, a Waterloo science student who plans to study pharmacy.
She recommends researching the different pharmacy requirements and planning out when to take the required courses.
Tiffany says that there isn’t a rush on taking the required courses, and that it’s important to have a balance of courses you need to take and courses you’re interested in.
She adds that “it’s a good idea to research the pharmacy programs since they’re all different in how the courses are taught, campus life, co-op opportunities, etc. Each university is unique and it’s important to select a program that fits your needs the best.”
The business side of pharmacy
Pharmacists may work as a salaried full-time or part-time employee of a drugstore chain or independent pharmacy. They may also be employed as managers, taking on duties such as business administration, budgeting, hiring staff and handling customer complaints. Some pharmacists own their own pharmacies. In addition to their roles as pharmacists, owners also undertake management duties and business operations such as building rental and maintenance, utilities and bill payments, book-keeping and payroll, business registration and licensing and government and regulatory reporting (Source: Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada/National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities)
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