Pursuing a Pharm.D after A Path to Canadian Pharmacy Practice

Can I go for a Pharm.D after a

Yes, you can certainly pursue a Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree after completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy. Many Pharm.D programs are designed to accept applicants with a degree, allowing you to further your education and enhance your career opportunities in pharmacy. Continuing your education in a Pharm.D program can provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in medication therapy management, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacy practice.

Working as a pharmacist in Canada

Moving forward as a pharmacist in Canada requires a few specific steps and qualifications. Here’s a detailed overview of what you need to do:

Credential Assessment

Your degree will need to be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) to ensure it meets Canadian standards. This process is crucial as it confirms that your educational background is equivalent to the requirements set by Canadian pharmacy programs.

Examinations

You must pass the PEBC's qualifying examinations, including a Written Exam and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). These exams are designed to test your knowledge and practical skills related to pharmacy practice. Passing these assessments will demonstrate your readiness to practice as a pharmacist in Canada.

Provincial Registration

After successfully passing the PEBC examinations, the next step is to register with the pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where you plan to work. This registration process is essential and may include additional requirements such as language proficiency tests or practical experience. Each province has its own criteria, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of your chosen province.

Work Permit

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, obtaining a work permit is necessary to practice as a pharmacist in Canada. This legal document allows non-residents to legally work in Canada and is a critical step in your career journey.

Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacist in Canada

To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you typically need to:

A Bachelor's or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from one of the 10 Canadian universities recognized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) for provinces outside of Quebec. Pass the National Board Examination administered by the PEBC. Gain practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship program.

The path to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada is generally a five to six-year study and training program. Given the current economic and immigration landscape, it's wise to plan and prepare for this journey with ample time.

The Current Economic and Immigration Scenario in Canada

It is crucial to be aware of the current economic and immigration situation in Canada. Recent news indicates that the country is facing its deepest recession in over 150 years. The unemployment rate has skyrocketed, reaching over 3 million job seekers. To make matters worse, the government is not issuing work permits or accepting new immigrants at this time.

Given the high unemployment rate and the current lack of job opportunities, it is generally advisable to postpone plans to immigrate and seek work in Canada for at least two to three years. The number of jobs available in Canada is expected to be severely limited due to the pandemic, with some areas expecting unemployment rates as high as 5 to 85 percent.

Immigration Intake Expectations

Another significant factor to consider is the expected reduction in Canada's immigration intake due to the pandemic. It is anticipated that the number of immigrants to Canada will fall by nearly half. Therefore, it is not advisable to focus on Canada as a destination for employment and immigration in the near future.

In summary, pursuing a Pharm.D after a is a promising path, but the current job market and immigration policies in Canada pose significant challenges. Carefully plan your career and immigration goals, and be prepared to adapt to the evolving economic and legal landscape.