1. Pharmacy Overview
Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications and advise patients on how to use them. They also answer any health questions patients might have pertaining to their medications or health within their professional capacity. Pharmacists are taking on expanded roles and are increasingly being recognized as the medication management experts of the health care team. They are often the most accessible and first point of contact with the medical system when someone has a health issue.
As Of January 1st, 2023, Pharmacists are now able to prescribe medications to patients. For more information, please check out Ontario College of Pharmacists News Article.
2. Pharmacy Schools in Ontario
- University of Toronto Pharmacy (Casper but no PCAT required - more on these requirements below)
- University of Waterloo Pharmacy (Casper but no PCAT required)
For a full listing of Canadian and International universities offering pharmacy programs, visit: The Canadian Pharmacists Association
Before applying to international programs, investigate the licensing requirements of the province/country where you wish to practice.
3. Casper and PCAT Tests
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is an online multiple-choice assessment covering topics including biological processes, chemical processes, critical reading, and quantitative reasoning.
Neither of the two pharmacy schools in Ontario requires it but both do require Casper - an online situational-judgement test used to assess non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. See this overview of application requirements but always verify directly with the faculties themselves. Learn more about Casper here.
4. Pharmacy - Gain Experience
Experience working in a pharmacy as a pharmacy assistant is a great way to gain exposure and the basic skills needed for this career. Students are sometimes hired for cashier, stocking, and support roles in pharmacies. They may progress to counting pills and solving problems with insurers.
In addition to this, any experience that demonstrates your ability to apply scientific knowledge and social skills in research, medical, pharmaceutical or patient care settings will help you stand out as an applicant. Examples include research assistant, pharmaceutically relevant major projects, medical admin positions, first aid responder, hospital volunteer, and long-term care patient aide.
5. Pharmacy - Useful Links
6. Pharmacy - Additional Links
A related career to pharmacist is pharmacy technician. To learn about accredited programs visit:
Ontario College of Pharmacists
Ontario Colleges - Pharmacy Technician Programs (change Program Level to ‘Post-Diploma)
Updated September 2024