Overview of Field
Pharmacy programs enable students to know the application and research of medicine. Students in these programs learn to provide the essential medication and other health care related facilities to the patients. They also learn to prepare prescriptions and provide insurance needs. Assisting patients about different needs in medications is also a part of the Pharmacy programs.
Pharmacy Courses
In order to become a pharmacist, you need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.). It is a six-year program that helps you make your way into this field. Two years of pre-pharmacy courses are included in this program. Students can also enroll in master's degree and PhDs programs once they earn a Pharm.D degree. The advanced degrees are useful for students who seek to involve in research or individuals who desire teach at a university. Another program for Pharmacists is MBA. Students who wish to pursue management positions or establish their own businesses in this domain can enroll in this program.
Highlights of Coursework
Some of the courses that students will cover in a pharmacy program include respiratory diseases, cardiac disorders, circulatory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, psychiatric disorders and clinical practice assessments. Biology, genetics, self-care, medical ethics, nutrition and therapeutics are some other courses that you will cover in a pharmacy program. In addition to the theory, on-site clinical practice is also a part of the pharmacy trainings.
Career Prospects
Students can find traditional pharmacist positions once they complete their education in this discipline. They can also opt for jobs that involve researching drugs for pharmaceutical companies and choose to teaching in universities. Some other jobs for pharmacists include compounding pharmacist, drug information specialist, infectious disease pharmacist, nuclear pharmacist, nutrition support pharmacist, oncology pharmacist, operating room pharmacist, psychiatric pharmacist and veterinary pharmacist. On average, Pharmacist can earn about $94,520 per year.
How to Become a Pharmacist in BC
Students who seek to pursue a career as a pharmacist in BC need to fulfill certain educational and legal requirements. In addition to earning a degree in Pharmacy from a reputed institute, you also have to complete your internship hours. You need to clear the Jurisprudence Exam. Also, you are required to pass the national qualifying exam given by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. It is also important for students who want to become a pharmacist in British Colombia to have fluency in English or French.