How to become a Pharmacist
Official title: Pharmacists
Also called: Pharmacist, Intern pharmacist, Retail pharmacist, Clinical pharmacist, Hospital pharmacist, Community pharmacist, Industrial pharmacist, Pharmacist consultant, Registered pharmacist, Drug information pharmacist, Health care institution pharmacist, Druggist
Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists compound and dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals and provide consultative services to both clients and health care providers. They are employed in retail pharmacies and health center pharmacies, or they may be self-employed. Industrial pharmacists participate in the research, development, promotion and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. They are employed in pharmaceutical companies and government departments and agencies.
Main tasks
- Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists
- Check prescriptions for proper dosage
- Compound prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating, measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required and filling appropriate containers with correct quantity
- Dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or to other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contra-indications, adverse effects, drug interactions and dosage
- Maintain medication profiles of customers including registry of poisons and narcotic and controlled drugs
- Ensure proper preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of vaccines, serums, biologicals and other drugs and pharmaceuticals
- Order and maintain stock of pharmaceutical supplies
- Advise customers on selection and use of non-prescription medication
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Pharmacy degrees, Offered by 13 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensure is required in all provinces and territories for community and hospital pharmacists.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $108,206 a year The middle half earn $97,500 to $120,003.
- About 47,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 59,700 are projected by 2033. (+25.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Pharmacist?
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.
How much does a Pharmacist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $108,206 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $97,500 to $120,003.
Is a Pharmacist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 25% by 2033, from about 47,700 to about 59,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Pharmacist?
Usually. 97% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03