what is a pharmacist?

As a pharmacist, you handle prescriptions and guide customers on the proper use of medications. You fill prescriptions issued by healthcare professionals. If the medications are unavailable, you advise patients on alternatives and explain the possible side effects of the drugs.

Pharmacists typically work in chemist shops, dispensing prescription medication. You help customers choose over-the-counter medicines for minor ailments. You also answer health-related questions, from inquiries about various drugs to methods of use. Some pharmacists work in hospitals and research facilities. The career has evolved from a historical focus on the distribution of medicines to an emphasis on safe and rational drug use. You provide a pharmaceutical service that revolves around preventative health care and monitoring medication use.

The provision of pharmaceutical care relies on understanding the characteristics of medications, from dosage formulations to the dispersal of drugs in the body. It is also important to understand drugs' interactions with the human body to determine their effects.

Personal attributes necessary for pharmacists include compassion and genuine care for patients. You need accuracy to avoid administering the wrong medication.

Would working as a pharmacist suit your passion for helping people and keen attention to detail? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a pharmacist role.

pharmacist jobs
1

average pharmacist salary

According to Job Bank, the average salary of a pharmacist in Canada is $95,656 per year. As a pharmacist, your earnings fluctuate based on your experience and where you work. The earnings are slightly lower in a junior-level position, with an annual starting salary of $76,214. As you improve your skills and experience or get promoted to a senior-level position, you receive a salary of $156,257 annually.

what factors affect the salary of a pharmacist?

When you have minimal experience, you start with a lower salary. As you gain valuable experience or complete additional certifications, you are likely to earn more. Your qualifications also influence your earnings. For instance, with a master's degree, you qualify for higher-paying jobs.

Additionally, the pay structure for pharmacists in healthcare facilities differs from community pharmacists in drugstores and chemist shops. Large companies can pay higher salaries due to the unlimited resources available. Besides, working in a large company presents additional responsibilities.

download our salary guide
2

types of pharmacists

Some of the types of pharmacists include:

  • community pharmacists: you work in chemist shops and pharmacy counters in larger shops. The job involves administering medications to patients based on their prescriptions. You also answer any questions they have about over-the-counter medication and explain the side effects. Sometimes, you provide primary care, such as administering flu jabs.
  • clinical pharmacists: you work in hospitals and other healthcare settings to dispense medication and provide patient care. You go on rounds with doctors and healthcare teams. Your job is to recommend which drugs to administer to patients and oversee the dosage and delivery times of the medications. Clinical pharmacists also conduct some medical tests.
  • academic pharmacists: you conduct research on medicines and publish articles on new types of drugs for various ailments. You also lecture trainee pharmacists and mentor them by supervising their practice.
woman and man wearing white coats having a conversation
woman and man wearing white coats having a conversation
3

working as a pharmacist

If you are passionate about medicine and helping patients, you will enjoy working as a pharmacist. Check out the specific tasks and work environments of pharmacists.

4

branch manager skills and education

The educational requirements for becoming a pharmacist in Canada include:

  • university degree: the minimum requirement for becoming a pharmacist is to enrol in an undergraduate program in pharmacy. When you complete the program, consider pursuing a master's degree and completing the supervised practical training required.
  • licensing and professional certification: pharmacy is a regulated career in Canada, and you require a license to practice. To get your professional certification, you should pass the examination from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. Even with the professional certification, you also require licensure from the province or territory you intend to work in. For instance, to work as a pharmacist in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must apply for a licence from the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board.

competencies and characteristics of pharmacists

As a pharmacist, you require the following skills and personal attributes:

  • accuracy: as a pharmacist, it is important to dispense proper medications for patients after reviewing their prescriptions. You also check their medical history to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy help you provide patients with the correct medicines and appropriate methods of use.
  • problem-solving skills: you assist patients in solving pharmaceutical challenges, such as identifying medication from damaged labels. Since you analyze how various medications interact with the human body, you help doctors find the best pharmaceutical solution. Problem-solving skills are useful in working out the best possible solutions.
  • communication skills: you require exceptional communication skills to explain medical concepts to patients. Providing clear and concise information is important in ensuring patients don't misuse prescriptions.
  • critical thinking skills: you handle complex medical situations that require you to think critically to help patients. Critical thinking skills help you find the ideal medicine for a patient based on the symptoms they present.
  • computer proficiency: as a pharmacist, you use computer systems to perform various tasks, like sending insurance claims, retrieving prescription orders and printing instructions. Having computing skills and proficiency in pharmacy management software is crucial in your role.
5

FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a pharmacist.

6

meet a recruiter

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.