Pharmacists play an important role in Canada’s healthcare sector. One of the remarkable things about this profession is the high demand and its competitive salary. Therefore, Immigrating to Canada as a pharmacist is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself.
Pharmacists take up the responsibilities of administering prescriptions to patients, offering medication counseling, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. These can include pharmacists, physicians, nurses, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants. Reports from the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CphA) indicate a national shortage of pharmacists in Canada. So, now is the best time to immigrate to Canada as a pharmacist.
Furthermore, the high demand for pharmacists in Canada is due to its aging population and increased healthcare services. Pharmacists are now taking on new roles and duties since there are numerous employment options available. These options include working with community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Pharmacists in Canada can make an average salary of 145,560 CAD annually, although compensation may differ based on individual provinces. In this article, we’ll discuss the different pathways to immigrate to Canada as a pharmacist, their requirements, and the province’s demand for pharmacists. Read on!
Immigration Pathways for Pharmacists
There are different immigration pathways available for international pharmacists who wish to relocate to Canada. Dive in to know three of the most efficient ones we’ve compiled for you.
1. Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program
Pharmacists are on the list of in-demand professions in the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program. As a pharmacist, you’ll likely get an invitation to one of the several Express Entry contests since it uses the Express Entry system. However, if you want to apply for a PNP, it has to be through Express Entry.
With this pathway, you can submit your application directly to the Manitoba PNP without even using the Express Entry System. In addition, speaking fluent French is a great advantage because certified French test results are more recognized than those from English tests.
2. Express Entry FSWP
Your pharmacy license is a free pass for you to immigrate to Canada using the Federal Skilled Worker Program. However, you must qualify by meeting the program’s eligibility requirements. These include certified training, language proficiency, job experience, age, planned employment, and flexibility.
The documentation you require may change depending on your country of origin or residence, as well as on your family members and personal situations. Listed below are some of the paperwork required.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Biometrics.
- Valid identity card.
- Educational credential assessment.
- Birth certificate.
- Language Tests (IELTS and TEF).
- Medical test held by an approved doctor of the Canadian Panel of Physicians.
Once you have completed all the above requirements and you meet the program’s fundamental conditions. Your application will then be included in the Express Entry pool. Furthermore, when you apply to the pool, the CRS which is based on the following variables will rank your application.
- Education.
- Provincial Nomination.
- Valid Job Offer.
- Age.
- Adaptability Factors.
3. British Columbia PNP for Healthcare Workers
If you want to immigrate to Canada as a pharmacist, you can also submit an application through the British Columbia PNP for Healthcare Professionals. To begin, you must first submit an online application through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). Ensure you do this with the assistance of your immigration specialist to avoid any form of mistake.
The requirements include:
- A valid employment offer from a British Columbia-based company.
- Meet the Express Entry eligibility for one of the three federal programs.
- Should be able to continue working as a pharmacist.
- Possess a minimum of two years experience as a pharmacist.
- And also meet the minimal language criteria (minimum level 4 for Canadian Language Benchmark or National Core Language Competency (NCLC).
Requirements for Foreign Pharmacists in Canada
You may be wondering if you’ll have to start your education afresh after immigrating to Canada as a pharmacist. Fortunately, you won’t have to start your academics again. An international pharmacist in Canada can continue working as a pharmacist but they must meet all the criteria first.
However, these requirements may differ since pharmacists are regulated through the individual provinces. The requirements listed below are general.
- Register on Pharmacists Gateway Canada.
- PEBC will review your application to ensure ECA and training meet Canadian standards. Your skills and experience will also be reviewed.
- In addition, you will have to take a written exam and pass an OSCE.
- Register with the provincial pharmacy regulating body.
- Complete a structured practical training program.
- Receive license to practice.
Pharmacist Salary in Canadian Provinces
Several factors can affect a pharmacist’s salary in Canada. These factors include province/location, experience, and practice environment. Pharmacists in metropolitan settings will likely earn more than those in rural settings. Furthermore, pharmacists who aim to advance and focus on other fields like oncology or pediatrics will earn more.
The minimum academic requirement needed to become a pharmacist is a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Also, Pharmacists need to have a broad knowledge of drug therapy and know about the latest advances in the pharmaceutical sciences.
Best Canadian Province to Immigrate to as a Pharmacist
Even though there is a shortage of Pharmacists across Canadian provinces. Listed below are some of the cities and provinces with a high demand for pharmacists. They include Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba, Hamilton, Windsor, and Prince Edward Island.
Duties for Pharmacists
Community and hospital pharmacists are in charge of dispensing prescribed medication and providing consultative services to patients and health care providers. Pharmacists may work in the community and hospital pharmacies or be self-employed. Industrial pharmacists take part in the research, development, and manufacture of all products.
In addition, they can also be employed in pharmaceutical companies and government departments and agencies. The duties of community and hospital pharmacists are listed below. Read on!
- They 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 quantities.
- They also dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contra-indications, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage.
- They keep track of patients or customer’s medication profiles including registry of poisons and narcotic and controlled drugs.
- They oversee the proper preparation, packaging, distribution, and storage of vaccines, serums, and other drugs and pharmaceuticals.
- In addition, they usually order and maintain stock of pharmaceutical supplies.
- They also advise customers on the selection and use of non-prescription medication.
- May supervise and coordinate the activities of other pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other staff.
Advantages of Immigrating to Canada as a Pharmacist
Immigrating to Canada as a pharmacist will offer you the following benefits.
- A high salary package: Pharmacists in Canada earn one of the best salaries in the world for their profession. They earn an average salary of 146,535 CAD per year. However, their earnings can range from 143,858 CAD to 160,344 CAD based on their experience and the province they move to.
- Remarkable Health Benefits: Pharmacists have access to Canada’s subsidized healthcare coverage as citizens and permanent residents. Free MRI scans, physical exams, and other medical checks are included. The health coverage and insurance policies are a bit different in each province. However, if you are new, you need to register with the insurance system and get a health card. You won’t have to pay for most of the emergency and medical services under the free healthcare system.
- Good Quality of Life: Canada is one of the countries with the highest standard of living. Also known for its quality healthcare, affordable housing, and low unemployment rate. You will be qualified for these benefits and the corresponding level of living as a pharmacist in Canada.
Conclusion
Additionally, Canadian Pharmacists have the option to pursue a specialization in several practice contexts. In Canada, chemists are also highly respected and seen as crucial medical team members. They are essential to ensure patients receive safe and efficient drug treatment. Hence, immigrating to Canada as a Pharmacist will only prove more beneficial for aspiring candidates.