How to Become a Pharmacist

Considering a career in pharmacy? Discover the rewarding journey of becoming a pharmacist in Canada and how Dalhousie University can help you achieve your dreams.

How to become a pharmacist in Canada

Becoming a registered pharmacist in Canada starts in university. Most students study for two years at an undergrad program like science or biology before applying to a four-year entry-to-practice pharmacy degree (a.k.a. PharmD) at an accredited university like Dalhousie, especially if you’re looking to become a pharmacist in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or PEI.

As a new grad, you’ll then take the national board exams and complete any final registering requirements from your local provincial regulatory authority. And then, as they say, it’s off to the races! You can officially begin your pharmacy career journey!

Continuous professional development is required to maintain your register and stay up to date in the field.

The College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University offers an undergraduate-level, entry-to-practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This intensive, four-year program emphasizes experiential learning, with a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum, 7 skills lab courses, and Critical Appraisal Courses, to prepare students for real-world pharmacy practice. The program includes 40 weeks of clinical rotations, doubling the previous requirement, and has a legacy of over 100 years of quality education with more than 3,500 graduates in the workforce. 

Additionally, Dalhousie University is the only pharmacy school in the Maritimes, making it a unique and prestigious choice for students in the region.

Are you curious about a career as a pharmacist? Take our interactive quiz! Discover the pharmacist career that aligns with your passion and skills.

“Our skills lab practice with paid actors for patient consultations was the biggest 'aha' moment for me. It confirmed my passion for talking with people and helping them, making me feel I belong here and want to be here."

Steph McKenna, 3RD YEAR PHARMD

Why should I become a pharmacist?

Pharmacists play a unique role in the overall health care system, championing community health while working directly with individuals to ensure they get the best care possible. 

For many people, pharmacists are the “face” of health care in their community, and a trusted resource for advice and care.

Qualities of a good pharmacist 

• Interest in helping people
• Good communication skills
• Ability to problem solve and be creative
• Dedication to the pharmacy profession and community care
• Commitment to lifelong learning
• Maturity and responsibility
• Professionalism

"Information around medications and health conditions changes often and frequently, and therefore, you really have to commit to being a lifelong learner."

Andrea L. Murphy, Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, Department of Psychiatry

What are the admission requirements at Dalhousie’s College of Pharmacy?

To apply for the PharmD program at Dalhousie University's College of Pharmacy, you need:

1. Residency: Preference is  Maritime residents (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island). Up to 10% of the class may be Non-Maritime Canadian students.
2. Undergraduate Education: At least one full year of study with a minimum of 15 credit hours per term.
3. Minimum CGPA: 2.7 or above.
4. Prerequisite Courses: Minimum grade of 70% (B-) in specific courses, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, English, and statistics.

Learn more about the admission and academic requirements for the PharmD program at Dalhousie’s College of Pharmacy.

What high school courses are required to become a pharmacist in Canada?

English, physics, biology, chemistry, math, and calculus are all great choices. They’ll provide you with a good foundation both for your undergrad and your PharmD. 

It's important to check the specific admission requirements of the pharmacy program you are interested in, as they can vary. Additionally, some programs may require completion of certain university-level courses before admission to the pharmacy program. 

What university programs should I take?

Most students start with a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in areas like chemistry, biology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and toxicology.

You don't need to complete your degree before applying to the pharmacy program.

You can apply to pharmacy as early as your second year, as long as you’ve completed the mandatory prerequisites.

I’m not interested in a job where I fill prescriptions all day. What else can pharmacists do—and what can I do with a pharmD degree?

Pharmacists' roles extend far beyond just filling prescriptions. They take medication histories, identify goals for drug therapy, provide patient education on medications, and prescribe medication. 

Pharmacists also play key roles in managing the safe supply of medications, working as part of health care teams, assessing patients, providing drug information, and contributing to policy and research. 

With a pharmacy degree, you can explore diverse career paths beyond community drugstores, including hospital practice, academia, government, and insurance companies.

• Community Pharmacist
• Hospital Pharmacist
• Clinical Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g., Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs)
• Academia (e.g., Professor, Researcher)
• Government (e.g., Policy Analyst, Regulatory Affairs)
• Pharmacy Management
• Consulting Pharmacist
• Informatics Pharmacist
• Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
• Home Health Care Pharmacist
• Long-term Care Pharmacist
• Specialty Pharmacy (e.g., Oncology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics)
• Public Health Pharmacist
• Managed Care Pharmacist (e.g., working for insurance companies)

Why should I choose Dalhousie’s College of Pharmacy for my PharmD?

Choose Dalhousie's PharmD program for its innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, extensive clinical rotations, and specialized skills labs that prepare you for real-world pharmacy practice. Benefit from focused critical appraisal courses that enhance your ability to make informed decisions in health care.

Join a program with a long-standing tradition of excellence, established in 1908, that continuously evolves to meet modern health care needs.

Graduate with a versatile and sought-after degree, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in community and hospital pharmacies, government, academia, and beyond.