Due to a shortage of pharmacist positions in Canada, several medical schools and institutions, such as the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia and Shoppers Drug Mart, offer pharmacist training programs to help trainees obtain pharmacist certification.

Canadian Pharmacist Training Programs:

Short-Term Training (3–12 weeks)

Shoppers Drug Mart Offers a 3–4 week pharmacy training, focusing on dispensing, customer support, and compliance.Hourly wages range from $25 to $32 during training Graduates receive a certificate and can access work opportunities within Shoppers Drug Mart’s network.

PharmaChoice Local Training Programs Some community pharmacy chains provide 4–8 week on-the-job training, preparing trainees for pharmacy support roles with an emphasis on hands-on experience.

Medium-Term Training (6–12 months)

Bridging Programs for International Pharmacists：University of Toronto, University of California, San Diego Lasts about 8–12 months. These programs help internationally trained pharmacists prepare for the PEBC exams, often including paid placements.

College Diploma – Pharmacy Assistant：Centennial College in Toronto; CDI College in Vancouver Duration 8–12 months. Courses cover pharmaceutical basics, inventory management, and patient support. Graduates receive a certificate and access to employer partnerships.

Long-Term Training (2–4 years)

University of Toronto – Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy A 4-year PharmD program with courses in pharmacology, clinical rotations, and community practice.

University of Alberta – PharmD Program A 4-year program with clinical placements through Alberta Health Services, some of which are paid.

Who is Pharmacist Training Suitable For?

No Prior Experience Needed: Many programs start from the basics, making it accessible for people without previous pharmacy or medical training.

This wide age and experience range makes pharmacy training a flexible choice for anyone motivated to work in healthcare.

Young Adults (18–25 years old): Students just leaving high school who want to pursue a long-term healthcare career.

Mid-Career Adults (26–40 years old): Individuals seeking a stable and respected profession, possibly switching from fields like biology, chemistry, or nursing.

Older Adults (41–55 years old): Those with experience in healthcare or business who want a career change into a growing sector.

Benefits of Pharmacist Training in Canada

Training as a pharmacist in Canada offers several advantages. It leads to a highly respected healthcare role, with salaries ranging from CAD $80,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience. The job market is stable, with demand for pharmacists in hospitals, community pharmacies, and research. In addition, many training programs provide government support, financial aid, or paid practical experience, reducing the financial burden for students. Graduates also gain officially recognized certification, which ensures long-term professional mobility across provinces.

How to Apply

Applying for pharmacist training typically involves:

Submitting an application—through the institution's website or college's website.

International applicants—applying for a bridging program and registering with the Pharmacists Practice Board of Canada (PEBC).

Financial Aid—Exploring government grants, scholarships, or employer-sponsored training programs.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist training in Canada combines academic study, practical experience, and certification into a career pathway accessible to people at different life stages. With both traditional university programs and shorter bridging or technician options available, the training system is designed to be flexible and supportive—especially with paid placements and government support. For anyone seeking a stable, rewarding, and impactful healthcare career, pharmacist training offers a strong and reliable path forward.

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