To become a pharmacist you require a high degree of knowledge of chemistry, biology, and medicine. This is to ensure that people get the drugs and medicines needed for their particular healthcare needs. A pharmacist also advises customers on the administration, use and effects of medications being taken. The pharmacist will also assist customers in deciding which non-prescription medications to use for their treatment.
Duties of a Pharmacist:
- Compare prescriptions with clients' records to prevent complications and check for proper dosage
- Prepare prescriptions by measuring and mixing drug ingredients
- Advise customers and healthcare professionals regarding the use, effects, drug incompatibilities and restrictions of prescriptions dispensed
- Help customers choose and use non-prescription medication
- May help participate in basic research work for the development of or testing of new drugs
- Evaluate labeling, packaging and advertising of drug products
Work Requirements:
A pharmacist can work alone, with another pharmacist or with a pharmacy technician. The pharmacist spends most of the time standing during the course of the day with little to no physical activity involved. Most pharmacies must stay open late and on weekends, so pharmacists may be required to work rotating shifts, including evenings and holidays.
Types of Work Environments:
- Retail stores e.g. Wal-mart, Zellers
- Wholesale pharmacies – Shoppers Drug Mart, Medi-plus
- Hospitals – Clinic Dispensaries
- Pharmaceutical firms – Wyeth, Merck Frost
- Government departments and agencies – Ontario Government Pharmacy
Personality Requirements:
- Be genuine and interested in people from all walks of life
- Possess strong communication skills
- Have good judgement, and a high degree of integrity
- Precise work habits with strong attention to detail
- Capable of working independently
- Must have the ability and willingness to stay on top of the latest trends and research with continuing education
Education: 5 years post-secondary
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy followed by a one-year internship.
Certification
- National: Must pass the Pharmacy Board of Canada exam
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a Pharmacist:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Math
- English
- Computer-related courses
Job placement – after 5 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services including the need for more prescription drugs. Job openings exceed the number of people qualified to fill them. Pharmacists are earning 65% more than the national average income.
Wages:
Average annual income: $50,000 to $65,000
If you own and operate your own pharmacy you can earn from $80,000 to $90,000 annually
Links:
Canadian Pharmacists Association
http://www.pharmacists.ca
Ontario College of Pharmacists
http://www.ocpinfo.com
Ontario Pharmacist Association
http://www.opatoday.com
Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
http://www.cshp.ca
Pharm Web
http://www.pharmweb.net
Virtual Library – Pharmacy
http://www.pharmacy.org
Job Futures: Pharmacists
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3131.shtml
