HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway into pharmacy often starts with strong secondary school courses in science, mathematics, and English. Students may then study in a university pharmacy program, followed by any required practical training and licensing steps for the province or territory where they hope to work. Along the way, it can help to build communication skills, attention to detail, and comfort working with health information. Volunteering or part-time work in a healthcare setting may also provide useful exposure.
THE WORK
What you may do
- Review and prepare prescriptions
- Check medication doses and interactions
- Explain how medicines should be used
- Answer questions about side effects and storage
- Support patient counselling on basic health concerns
- Keep accurate records and follow safety procedures
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A pharmacist’s day often includes reviewing prescriptions, preparing medicines, and checking that the right drug and dose are being provided. They may spend time talking with patients, answering questions about how to take medications, and helping them understand possible side effects or storage instructions. The job can also involve working with other healthcare professionals, updating records, and solving problems when prescriptions need clarification or safety checks.
SKILLS TO BUILD