Pharmacy In Canada
What is Pharmacy School?
- In Canada, Pharmacy school is a 4 year program resulting in a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy which allows one to become a licenced pharmacist and practice in Canada.
What schools offer Pharmacy in Canada?
- The University of Toronto, The University of Waterloo, Universite de Montreal, Universite de Laval, UBC (University of British Colombia), Memorial University, Dalhousie University, University of Alberta, The University of Saskatchewan, The University of Manitoba
What Do I need to get into pharmacy school?
- Each school has different admissions criteria, for the most detailed and up-to-date requirements visit the school website. In general pharmacy schools in Canada require a fairly strong cumulative GPA, as well as the completion of a handful of prerequisite courses. Most schools consider those with at least a 10 CGPA (A-) to be competitive. Additionally, some schools require you to write the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT, See Below).
What prerequisite courses do I need to complete?
- Again, each school has their own list of prerequisite courses that must be completed in order for your application to be considered. Please visit each school website to find an updated list of these courses. In general, most pharmacy schools in Canada require you to complete the following courses:
1) 1st year Chemistry with lab
2) 1st year Biology with lab
3) Organic Chemistry with lab
4) Introductory Calculus
5) Introductory English
What about the PCAT?
- The PCAT is a 4 hour standardized test with 6 sections, and is required for admittance into some pharmacy schools in Canada. The sections included in the PCAT are:
Writing, Verbal Ability, Biology, Chemistry, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability
- The PCAT costs $199 to write, and tests are given on July 9-10, September 16-18, October 26-30, November 2-6, January 5-6 (2016)
- PCAT results are valid for generally 5 years, depending on the institution. To register, or obtain more information on the PCAT, please visit: www.pcatweb.info
How much do Pharmacists make in a year?
- The average salary for a pharmacist is over $80 000 per year.
- Please check websites such as WowJobs.ca, Living in Canada, and Salary.com for the most up to date information on salaries.
How expensive is Pharmacy School?
- Generally $14 000/semester, but lots of financial support available with each school http://www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/Alberta/Pharmacology.html