Job requirements Pharmacist in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a pharmacist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Pharmacists (NOC 31120).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • A university degree in pharmacy and a period of supervised practical training are required.
  • Licensure is required in all provinces and territories for community and hospital pharmacists.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.

Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada

If you were trained as a pharmacist in another country, you will need to obtain a professional license before you can practice this occupation in Canada.

As a newcomer, if you want to work in a regulated occupation that requires a professional license or certification, you have to request an assessment of the training, education and/or work experience that you obtained in another country to verify if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.

The first step for foreign-trained pharmacists looking to work in Canada is to visit the Pharmacists' Gateway Canada for International Pharmacists website.

Did you know?

Having your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help with this process, you can:

Alberta

Job title Pharmacists
Regulated

British Columbia

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Manitoba

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Newfoundland and Labrador

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Nova Scotia

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Nunavut

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Ontario

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Prince Edward Island

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Québec

Job title Pharmacist
Regulated

Saskatchewan

Job title Pharmacist

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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