Pharmacy

To practice as a pharmacist in Canada, you will need:

• A bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from one of 11 Canadian universities.

• To complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) (except Québec).

• Practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship program.

• Fluency in English or French.

The profession of pharmacy is regulated on a provincial and territorial level. For a detailed look at the specific provincial licensing requirements in every province, visit the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

It is possible to pursue a PharmD abroad and return to Canada to practice. Enrolment in NAPRA’s Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada is a mandatory first step towards licensure in Canada for international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) in all provinces except Québec.

To apply to a PharmD program, you may apply through:

• Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC).

• Individual program websites for other programs.

• Canadian programs Pharmacy College Application Services (PharmCAS) for most U.S. programs.

• Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Development or attend a workshop or event to explore your options further.

• Engage in clubs and events with other students who share your interests through the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA).

• Visit the School of Pharmacy webpage to learn more about Waterloo’s Pharmacy program.

• Review the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP), Canadian Pharmacists Association, and PharmCAS Fee Waiver for further information.

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Canadian Pharmacists Association. (n.d.). Becoming a pharmacist in Canada. https://www.pharmacists.ca/pharmacy-in-canada/becoming-a-pharmacist-in-canada/