Become a Pharmacy Professional
Nova Scotia leads the way in pharmacy practice — with pharmacy teams serving as essential healthcare providers across the province.
Why Choose Pharmacy as a Career?
- You are interested in healthcare.
The pharmacy profession is an essential part of the healthcare system in Nova Scotia.
- Nova Scotia is a world-leader in pharmacy practice.
You will be part of a profession that is leading the way in pharmacy practice; you will be able to work to your full education and experience to provide excellent patient care.
- You want to make a difference.
Pharmacy professionals are accessible healthcare providers who create strong relationships with their patients. As one patient noted, “I am not just a number, they actually know my name.”
What do pharmacy professionals do?
Pharmacist
- Provide clinical services:
- Assessing and prescribing for a number of condition
- Dispensing, modifying, and/or substituting medications
- Chronic disease drug therapy management
- Medication reviews
- Injections and immunizations
- Point-of-care testing
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers
- Work in a variety of environments: community, hospital, primary care clinics, and collaborative family practices.
Pharmacists are licensed in accordance with the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.
Pharmacy Technician
- Undertake all technical aspects of dispensing medication
- Provide injections and immunizations
- Provide point-of-care testing
- Provide medical device training
- Work in both hospital and community settings
Pharmacy Technicians are licensed in accordance with the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.
Pharmacy Assistant
- Provide administrative support to pharmacy team
- Process prescriptions
- Assist patients
- Work in community pharmacies
In many instances, a role as a Pharmacy Assistant has inspired individuals to pursue further education to become a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician.
Pharmacy Programs in NS
Dalhousie University College of Pharmacy
- PharmD (4 year degree program)
Visit www.dal.ca/pharmacy to learn about university pre-requisite courses and other requirements.
reach out to pharmadm@dal.ca with any questions regarding the application and admissions process
Nova Scotia Community College Pharmacy Technician Program
- Diploma program (2 years)
Pre-requisites: High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Grade 12 Academic Biology, Chemistry and English; and a minimum mark of 75% in Grade 12 Academic Math
Eastern College
- Pharmacy Technician Program (Diploma program - 54 weeks)
Pre-requisites: Grade 12 or equivalent, with academic level (grade 11 and/or 12) Math, English and/or French, Chemistry and Biology
- Pharmacy Technician Bridging Program (Diploma program - 48 weeks) | virtual)
Pathway for pharmacy assistants with work experience to advance their careers to become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy Assistants are not a regulated profession and do not require additional education beyond high school. However, there are continuing education options to fast-track your career:
- PANS Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Training Program
Remote learning | Self-paced.
- Eastern College Pharmacy Assistant Program
Diploma (32 weeks) | Remote learning option
