Pharmacist migrating to Canada…

So, you are a pharmacist looking to migrate to Canada…

This is our general page for pharmacists looking to migrate to Canada if you are coming from a specific country you may want to use our country selector on the front page to get specific advice about tailored to your country of origin and destination.

In Canada, there is a fragmented provincial-federal system. Primarily  you would want to choose which province to migrate to, each province has its own Regulatory Authorities:

By far most immigration occurs to the most populous states which from greatest to lowest population are: Ontario, Quebec (French-speaking), British Colombia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

In legislation, above this is a controlling board called the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

Overview – 6 steps to becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada

  1. Obtain a visa – this is made easier by the Canadian government including pharmacists in their Federal Skilled Worker Class list allowing for “express entry” which bypasses the Evaluation Exam listed below.
  2. Document Evaluation (ECA) – this is performed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). Documents required include:
    • Degree certificate
    • Proof of British registration
    • Statement of good standing from the General Pharmaceutical Council
  3. Take the PEBC Evaluating Exam – once your documents are approved you can sit the evaluating and subsequent qualifying exams.
  4. Take the PEBC Qualifying Exam – this exam allows you to register as a pharmacist in Canada.
  5. Take the specific Jurisprudence Exam of the province you would like to migrate to.
  6. Start working as a Canadian Pharmacist!

Pharmacist Salary in Canada

A pharmacist’s salary in Canada is influenced by several factors, including education, years of experience, location, and type of employment (hospital, retail pharmacy, or corporate). On average, a pharmacist in Canada can expect to earn between CAD 70,000 to CAD 140,000 annually.

Impact of Experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining a pharmacist’s salary in Canada. Entry-level pharmacists with less than one year of experience typically earn between CAD 70,000 and CAD 90,000 per year. As pharmacists gain more experience and responsibilities, their earning potential increases. Those with 5-10 years of experience can expect to earn between CAD 90,000 and CAD 120,000 annually, while pharmacists with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of CAD 120,000 to CAD 140,000.

Regional Variations

Salaries can also vary based on location within Canada. Pharmacists in urban areas or larger provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia generally earn more than those in smaller provinces or rural areas.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, pharmacists in Canada often enjoy additional benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. These perks further enhance the attractiveness of working as a pharmacist in Canada.

Future Prospects

The demand for pharmacists in Canada is expected to grow in the coming years, due to an aging population and the ongoing development of the healthcare sector. This growth will likely lead to potential salary increases and more job opportunities for pharmacists.

In conclusion, a career as a pharmacist in Canada offers not only a competitive salary but also a chance for professional growth, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse countries.