Being pharmacist in Canada, has numerous benefits, including high demand and competitive salaries, which typically range from CAD 90,000 to 120,000 annually depending on the location and experience.

According to Pharmacists Canada, Pelican Migration Consultants, Made in CA the country requires approximately 16,100 new pharmacists between 2022 and 2031 to meet growing demand due to its aging population and expanded roles for pharmacists in healthcare.

Working and Immigrating to Canada as a pharmacist involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary education, credentials, and meeting immigration requirements. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the process:

1. Educational Requirements

• Degree: To work as a pharmacist in Canada, you must have a recognized degree in pharmacy. In most cases, this means you need a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from an accredited institution.
• Canadian Equivalency: If you earned your degree outside of Canada, you will need to have your credentials assessed to ensure they are equivalent to a Canadian pharmacy degree.

2. Credential Assessment

• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC): You must pass the PEBC evaluating exam to have your foreign pharmacy degree recognized in Canada. The PEBC assesses whether your education and experience meet Canadian standards.

3. Language Proficiency

• English or French: You must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French). Commonly accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and TEF.
• Minimum Scores: Different provinces may have specific language requirements, so it’s important to check the requirements for the province you’re interested in.

4. Licensing

• Provincial Registration: After passing the PEBC exams, you must register with the pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where you want to work. Each province has its own licensing process, which typically includes a period of practical experience (internship) and a jurisprudence exam (testing your knowledge of pharmacy law in that province).
• Internship: You may need to complete a supervised internship or practical training period in a Canadian pharmacy.
• Jurisdictional Exam: This exam tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations specific to the province where you plan to work.

5. Immigration Pathways

• Express Entry: The Express Entry system is the most common immigration pathway for skilled workers. Pharmacists can apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). You will need to create an Express Entry profile and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces have specific streams for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. If nominated by a province, you can receive additional points towards your Express Entry profile or apply for permanent residency directly through the PNP.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): If you’re interested in living in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island), this program offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers, including pharmacists.

6. Job Search and Settlement

Job Market Research: Research the demand for pharmacists in different provinces. Some regions may have a higher demand for pharmacists than others.

Networking: Start networking with Canadian pharmacists, employers, and professional organizations to increase your chances of finding a job.

Resume and Interview Preparation: Prepare a Canadian-style resume and practice for job interviews to increase your chances of securing a job in Canada.

7. Support and Resources

Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada

This is an excellent resource for internationally trained pharmacists. It provides information on the steps you need to take to practice in Canada and connects you with regulatory bodies and professional organizations.

Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA)

The CPhA offers resources and support for pharmacists working in Canada, including those trained internationally.

Discover More

About Pharmacist About Pharmacy Free Courses Pharmacist in Usa Work As Phramacist