10 Best Pharmacy Schools in Canada-Tuition & Requirements

In this article, we take a look at the top Pharmacy schools in Canada, pharmacy schools in Canada requirements, and tuition. So if you have been thinking of starting education in this field, this is the best thing you might come across today. 

A white lab coat and a position behind the pharmacy counter come to mind when you picture the pharmacist. However, there has been a significant change in pharmacy as a profession recently. Today, the focus is much more on the patient.

Today’s pharmacists take medication histories, determine drug therapy goals, educate patients about medications, recommend drug therapy to other healthcare providers, prescribe prescriptions, provide immunizations, and do much more.

Career Opportunities For Pharmacists 

Here are six potential careers for pharmacists that you might look into during your job search.

1. Retail Pharmacy

Most people generally picture the person who helps them fill their medications when they hear the term “pharmacist.” The majority of pharmacists (42%) work in drug shops and retail pharmacies, which explains why.

2. Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital pharmacies prescribe a greater range of medication types, many of which are IV-focused, despite being identical to retail pharmacies in many ways.

You can work as a decentralized pharmacist, who is more involved with dosing and spends more time on the hospital floor, or a centralized pharmacist, who performs interaction checks. 

3. A Drug Distribution Facility

Working in a drug distribution center can be the ideal option for you if you prefer a profession with little interaction with patients and the medical staff.

You can participate in carrying out duties including order processing, supplying medical information, and stock management that enables businesses to obtain medications rapidly.

4. Pharmacy For Hospice And Home Care

Are you looking for a job that combines hospital and retail duties? A pharmacy for home care and hospice patients might be your cup of tea.

Every single item is delivered to the patient’s homes because home care and hospice are closed-door pharmacies. 

5. Informatics in Pharmacy

The goal of pharmacy informatics is to optimize outcomes through the utilization and integration of data, information, knowledge, and technology related to pharmaceutical use procedures.

6. Pharmacy For Ambulatory Care

Want to focus on a specific therapeutic area? A position as an ambulatory care pharmacist may be feasible for you.

Ambulatory pharmacists assess and edit patient profiles. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals for particular patient types is necessary for this position, particularly for those who require care for diabetes, behavioral health issues, or anticoagulant medications.

To give information and create unique health plans, you will collaborate closely with these individuals and the medical professionals.

Salary Of Pharmacists In Canada and Job Outlook

In Canada, a pharmacist makes an average pay of $94,128 per year or $48.27 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to $109,873 per year, while entry-level occupations start at $86,172 annually.

Pharmacist job opportunities are anticipated to total 12,500 between 2019 and 2028 due to expansion and replacement needs, while job seekers are anticipated to total 16,600 due to school dropouts, immigration, and mobility.

Although there has been a balanced market for this occupational group in recent years, anticipated job searchers are expected to be significantly higher than job vacancies, leading to a surplus of workers between 2019 and 2028.

Both increased demand and retirements are expected to result in job opportunities. 

How To Become A Licensed Pharmacist In Canada

Pharmacy schools have different admissions standards and application processes. Therefore, it is crucial to get in touch with the admission offices of the relevant pharmacy schools to find out the exact prerequisites for admission.

In general, you need the following to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada:

  • A pharmacy bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university
  • Successfully complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada national board examination
  • Obtain real-world experience through an internship or apprenticeship program.
  • Proficiency in either French or English

You should get more precise information from your local pharmacy school as provincial regulations differ. 

The List of 10 Best Pharmacy Schools In Canada

According to universityguru.com, as of 2022, there are 102 universities in Canada. However, like I said earlier, we would be focusing on the top pharmacy schools in Canada.

Without wasting much time, these are the 10 best schools in Canada, with their admission requirements and tuition. 

1. University of Toronto

The Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm) is a post-graduate professional practice program for experienced pharmacists that builds on entry-level degree programs.

The MScPhm program teaches and prepares pharmacists with significant leadership potential and a desire to become clinical pharmacy academics and leaders.

The program allows students to earn advanced clinical therapy knowledge and practice expertise in a specific field, as well as research, education, and leadership abilities.

At the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, practicing pharmacists have many educational opportunities. This table provides a quick overview of various options. 

ProgramMScPhm MSc & PhD PharmD for Pharmacists 
AimAcquire extensive therapeutic knowledge and practice experience in a specific area, as well as research, education, and leadership abilities. Master’s and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that emphasize research.Expanding knowledge and abilities past the BScPhm level. 
Duration2 years full-time/ Up to 4 years part-time2-5 years part-time / full-time Up to 4 years part-time 
RequirementsExperience (residency preferred) Undergraduate degree Pharmacists in practice without a PharmD 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MScPhm program must have the following qualifications:

  • One of the following:
  • A pharmacy license (from any Canadian jurisdiction) or a
  • Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or PharmD degree or equivalent from a Canadian Pharmacy program that is accredited (CCAPP) or an American Pharmacy program that is accredited (ACPE).

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy or PharmD degree or equivalent from any International Pharmacy School, as well as successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Exam.

  • Experience practicing pharmacy. It is preferable to have finished a Year 1 Pharmacy Residency program.

  • A grade in each of the previous two academic years that is equivalent to a B+ (77–79%) at the University of Toronto.

  • A clinical area of specialization and probable primary supervisor. 

Tuition: $12,400 and $54,310 for domestic and international students respectively. 

2. The University of British Columbia

Students get the chance to carry out excellent research projects and receive expertise in a variety of areas within pharmaceutical sciences through their research-intensive MSc program.

They give you access to top-notch mentors and supervisors, a demanding learning atmosphere, a personalized curriculum plan, and cutting-edge tools and facilities for conducting your research.

Their teachers and graduate students work at the fascinating and constantly developing precipice of health sciences as part of Canada’s best graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences.

They carry out ground-breaking research that has actual and palpable effects in fields including finding and developing new pharmaceuticals, enhancing the standard of patient care, and enhancing treatment outcomes. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Applicants must possess the following for their admission to be considered. 

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university 

  • Official transcripts. 

  • 3 letters of reference

  • Statement of interest. 

  • If you are Canadian, click here. If you are American, click here, if you are an international student, click here

Tuition: Click here to see breakdown. 

3. McGill University 

The master’s degree program is created to give students the chance to learn about pharmacology and research methods, carry out research projects, analyze data, and prepare a thesis.

Additionally, the students will receive crucial instruction in statistics, scientific communication, and research professionalism. Programs typically take 18 to 24 months to complete. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Everyone applying must:

  • Possess a degree in one of the following fields: B.Sc., M.Sc., D.D.S./D.D.M., or D.V.M.
  • Possess experience in one or more of the following fields:
  • Health Sciences, including pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and so on.

  • Biotechnology

  • Biomedical engineering

  • Pharmacy sciences

  • Chemistry

  • Physical sciences
  • Application to the program is contingent on the applicant’s
  • CGPA of 3.0 to 3.2 minimum on academic records

  • A total of two (2) letters of recommendation

  • Interviews with committee members for graduate training

  • Test results (when applicable) 

Tuition: Click here to see the breakdown. 

4. McMaster University 

A four-year BSc in Biology and Pharmacology program is offered at McMaster University. It is a full-time curriculum that is provided on-campus.

Three terms of the five-level (year) co-op program must be spent doing work relating to biology or pharmacology.

After completing two years of an honors biology, life sciences, or comparable program, students are admitted to the program.

After completing at least three full years of university study, students are interviewed to determine their suitability for problem-based learning and co-op work term placements. After this, they start their first co-op work term. The 129 modules must be successfully completed by students.

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Academic achievement, a written statement of interest, and an interview will all be taken into consideration in the selection process, but at the very least, candidates must complete Level II (or above) of a Science or Health Sciences program and have a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 on a McMaster 12-point scale (Note: normally, a Grade Point Average of at least 8.0 is required). 

Tuition: N/A

5. University Of Montreal

The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Montréal is dedicated to ensuring leadership in instruction and research on drugs, medications, and pharmaceutical care.

It was established 100 years ago. The Faculty is able to address societal health concerns because of an inventive interdisciplinary approach.

The Faculty educates tomorrow’s pharmacists and pharmaceutical researchers through three undergraduate programs and several graduate programs in drug development and pharmaceutical sciences.

The Faculty wants to improve pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in this way by acting as a catalyst for change.

In addition, the Faculty works hard to foster in its students the virtues of dedication, initiative, professionalism, and camaraderie. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: They have 5 graduate programs in the following areas: 

Tuition: N/A

6. University of Alberta

Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are available through the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

It is possible to conduct research in the fields of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical science.

Prospective graduate students are advised to evaluate the facilities offered, the faculty’s specific research fields, and the Graduate Studies Handbook, which offers further information and guidelines for this program, on the website of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: The minimal prerequisites for admission to the Faculty are an undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, or an equivalent degree and standing from a recognized institution.

  • Ideally, applicants should be pharmacy graduates, although the Faculty would consider qualified candidates with degrees in similar subjects.
  • Applicants must have at least the minimum level of English language proficiency where relevant.
  • Before submitting an application for admission, candidates must have the agreement of a qualified faculty member to act as a supervisor.
  • The following documents must be submitted by applicants:
  • Resume or a curriculum vitae
  • Three recommendation letters 

Tuition: $21,873 and $24,780 for Canadian and international students respectively. 

7. University Of Waterloo

The following program details are accurate for the fall 2022 semester (September 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022).

At the beginning of each academic semester, the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar has been modified three times annually (January 1, May 1, and September 1). 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: A minimum grade point average of 78% in the last two years in an authorized undergraduate pharmacy school (BScPharm or PharmD), or an equivalent overall grade point average for students with foreign education

  • Must have a pharmacy license in Ontario, or be qualified to obtain one.
  • Prior to enrolling in the MPharm in Advanced Pharmacy Practice program, candidates should have completed at least one year of pharmacy practice or a recognized pharmacy residency program.
  • There might need to be an interview.
  • Curriculum vitae/Resumé
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
  • 2 letters of recommendation maximum. 

Tuition: N/A

8. Dalhousie University 

You will join approximately 360 undergraduate and graduate students at Dalhousie University’s College of Pharmacy in their aim to improve health through pharmaceutical education, community service, and research.

The College of Pharmacy equips students with the information and abilities necessary to deliver medication therapy that enhances patient health.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is used for the program’s core curriculum, and it is reinforced by other course types such the Critical Appraisal Series (CAS), Practical Experience Program (PEP), and Skills Lab. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: For undergraduate applications, candidates must have finished, or be in the process of finishing, at least one (1) full year of study, during which they have satisfactorily completed at least 15 credit hours (five 3-credit courses), in both the fall and winter terms.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must pass the following courses (or their equivalents from another university) with a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the courses. 

Candidates for a master’s degree must possess:

  • Bachelor’s degree, four years

  • In the most recent 60 credit hours of study, a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B average) is required.

  • Degrees awarded by reputable universities 

Tuition: N/A

9. Laval University 

The Faculty of Pharmacy offers programs at various levels to fulfill the needs of students and working pharmacists who wish to hone their abilities, always keeping in mind what potential employers will be looking for.

A pharmacy degree opens the door to a range of opportunities, whether you’re interested in working in a pharmacy, hospital, public service, the pharmaceutical sector, or in research and education. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: the program offers several graduate programs in pharmacy and also an undergraduate program in pharmacy. To see all programs and their individual requirements, click here

10. University of Manitoba

With a Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacy, you can build on your undergraduate education and broaden your views.

This degree provides research-based training in pharmacology, drug use, and medication safety, among other topics.

You’ll be qualified for jobs in higher education, the pharmaceutical sector, and public or private research institutions once you graduate. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: You must have the following qualifications in order to be admitted to the Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacy program:

  • A four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as statistics, biochemistry, biology, cell biology, chemistry, computer sciences, or pharmacology
  • Based on the past 60 credit hours (or two full years, or the equivalent), a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (4.5 scale).

In order to secure a traineeship position, the applicant must bargain with faculty research. 

Tuition: Click here to see the breakdown. 

FAQs

How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Canada? 

In Canada, becoming a pharmacist takes an average of five years. A four-year undergraduate degree or PhD is required, as well as an internship that normally lasts a year. 

How many pharmacy schools are in Canada? 

There are ten pharmacy schools in Canada, one of which is Waterloo School of Pharmacy, which also houses the country’s sole co-op pharmacy program. 

What GPA do you need for pharmacy school in Canada? 

Despite the fact that it is still feasible to enter graduate school with a low GPA, pharmacy schools in Canada demand a minimum GPA of 2.5. Aim for a minimum GPA of 3.0 for consideration in the more competitive programs and higher to be a competitive applicant. 

Is pharmacy a good career in Canada? 

Since there will always be a need for pharmacists, this industry is a good one to work in.

There are thousands of medications available that individuals use every day depending on their health and medical problems, thus people will always need to go to the pharmacy to fill their prescriptions. 

How much money do pharmacists make in Canada? 

In Canada, pharmacists typically make between $54,112.00 and $144,300.00 a year. 

Is pharmacy hard to study? 

Due to its coverage of practically all scientific fields, pharmacy is one of the most difficult subjects. Pharmacy students must study Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Analysis after studying Chemistry. Human Anatomy and Physiology as well as Pharmacology are studied by pharmacy students. 

What is the best major for pharmacy? 

A major in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, and administration is an interdisciplinary degree for students interested in biomedical research, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors.

Students pursuing this degree learn about biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and other disciplines as they apply to pharmacological properties. 

Is pharmacy school hard? 

There is no doubt that pharmacy school is difficult, with required areas like pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacokinetics.

According to the American Associations of Colleges of Pharmacy, more than 10% of those who enroll in pharmacy school do not complete their studies. 

Is a pharmacist a doctor in Canada? 

To put it simply, yes and no. Pharmacists are required by law to have a PhD degree in pharmacy.

This implies they are not the same as what you might expect when you hear the word “doctor.” 

What qualifications does a pharmacist need? 

To become a pharmacist, you must first obtain a university degree (Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree) and then complete a one-year pre-registration training course in pharmacy.

To be eligible for the MPharm, you must have two or three A-levels or equivalent, including Chemistry.

Do I need biology for pharmacy? 

Entry prerequisites. Required are Chemistry and either Biology, Mathematics, or Physics. 

How many hours do pharmacists work in Canada? 

A typical pharmacist puts in between 40 and 50 hours each week.

However, if they are self-employed or work in places that are understaffed, they might have to put in more hours. 

Does Canada need pharmacists? 

For pharmacists, new job vacancies are anticipated to reach 12,500 between 2019 and 2028 due to expansion and replacement demand, whereas 16,600 new job seekers are anticipated to be available due to school dropouts, immigration, and mobility. 

How many hours a day do pharmacists work? 

In a healthcare setting, you would typically work 37.5 hours a week as a pharmacist, which includes weekends and on-call shifts. You could put in up to 48 hours a week as a community pharmacist. 

  1. What are the requirements to study Pharmacy in Canada? 
  • A pharmacy bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university
  • Completion of the Canadian Pharmacy Examining Board’s national board examination.
  • An apprenticeship or internship program that provides hands-on training
  • Fluency in either French or English. 

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