Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. As a licensed pharmacist, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and constantly evolving healthcare field, providing essential medication and health advice to patients in need.
In this article, we will discuss the steps required to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, including education requirements, licensing exams, and necessary experience.
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Steps To Becoming A Licensed Pharmacist In Canada
Step 1: Complete a Pharmacy Program
The first step towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is to complete a pharmacy program from an accredited Canadian university. Pharmacy programs are typically four years in length and include a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and experiential learning. The program covers a broad range of topics, including pharmacology, drug therapy, pharmacokinetics, patient care, and pharmacy practice.
It is important to note that not all pharmacy programs are created equal. To be eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in Canada, you must complete a program that is accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in the United States. These accreditations ensure that the program meets the high standards required to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful pharmacists.
Step 2: Complete a Pharmacy Exam
After completing a pharmacy program, the next step towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is to complete the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Exam. The PEBC is responsible for evaluating the qualifications of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and ensuring that they meet the required standards for licensure.
The Evaluating Exam is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your knowledge of pharmacy practice and drug therapy. The exam is typically taken within six months of graduation from a pharmacy program and can be taken online or in-person at a testing center. To be eligible to take the Evaluating Exam, you must provide proof of completion of an accredited pharmacy program.
Step 3: Complete an Internship
After passing the Evaluating Exam, the next step towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is to complete a pharmacy internship. The internship is a structured program that provides you with hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting. The purpose of the internship is to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective medication therapy to patients.
The internship program is typically one year in length and is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A involves a minimum of 600 hours of supervised practice in a community or hospital pharmacy, while Part B involves a minimum of 800 hours of supervised practice in a community or hospital pharmacy, as well as a minimum of 200 hours of practice in a non-dispensing pharmacy setting, such as a research or clinical setting.
Step 4: Complete The Qualifying Pharmacy Exam
After completing the internship program, the final step towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is to pass the PEBC Qualifying Exam. The Qualifying Exam is a two-part exam that assesses your ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained from your pharmacy program and internship in a real-world setting.
Part 1 of the Qualifying Exam is a written exam that tests your knowledge of pharmacy practice and drug therapy. Part 2 of the Qualifying Exam is a practical exam that assesses your ability to perform the duties of a pharmacist, including dispensing medications, patient counseling, and drug therapy management. The Qualifying Exam is typically taken within one year of completing the internship program.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada requires a significant investment of time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. As a licensed pharmacist, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients, providing essential medication and health advice. To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, simply follow the steps above and you can be well on your way to building a profitable career in pharmacy.
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