PHARMACIST

Career Description

The increased role of federal and provincial governments in public health has provided opportunities for pharmacists in analytical laboratories and in administrative positions as consultants, government inspectors, and health officers. Opportunities are also available in universities as teachers
and researchers.

Working as a Pharmacist, you need to have a good understanding of chemistry. In addition to dispensing prescription medication to patients, a Pharmacist also provides educational information about the drug prescribed. They explain prescribing instructions to a patient so that the patient can use the medication safely and effectively. Pharmacists ensure patients’ drug treatment plans are safe, effective and support their medical care plan. In some cases, they may be responsible for prescribing medications, ordering and following laboratory tests, administering injections and physical assessment of patients.

Pharmacists in Nova Scotia follow all legal requirements necessary to practice as a licensed pharmacist, including provincial and federal legislation regarding patient confidentiality; the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists as set by the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP) and which are consistent with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Model Standards of Practice; the Standards of Practice for Pharmacy Technicians as set by NAPRA; the Code of Ethics, policies, guidelines as set by the NSCP; and all legal requirements for practicing in and/or operating a pharmacy.

Academic and Licensing Requirements

  • A PharmD or a BSc in Pharmacy

To apply to a pharmacy degree program, you must complete first year university courses in Chemistry, Biology, Social Sciences, Math, Statistics, and English with a minimum B- (70) average

In anticipation of the approval of the Doctor of Pharmacy program, the admission requirements have been adjusted for the September 2017 intake. Students will now need to complete 60 credit hours (2 years) of course work before applying for admission

In Nova Scotia, This profession is regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists. In order to work as a pharmacist, one must be registered and licensed with the College. A number of registration requirements, including education, practice experience, national certification exam and jurisprudence exam must be completed in order to register and license with the College.

Where to study in Nova Scotia



PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Career Description

As a regulated profession, pharmacy technicians work collaboratively with pharmacists and other health care providers to provide optimal care to their patients. Pharmacy technicians are able to assume responsibility and accountability for the technical and administrative tasks of pharmacy practice. Their scope of practice focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the technical aspects of prescription and patient information, and of product and drug distribution. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for ensuring patient safety and for the accuracy and quality of product preparation and release

Academic and Licensing Requirements

  • Completion of High School or equivalent with required academic courses upper level mathematics, English, biology, chemistry
  • Completion of a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician training program

In Nova Scotia, this profession is regulated by the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists. In order to work as a pharmacy technician, one must be registered and licensed with the College. A number of registration requirements, including education, practice experience, national certification exam and jurisprudence exam must be completed in order to register and license with the College.

Where to study in Nova Scotia

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