Gain paid, hands-on experience through the only co-op pharmacy program in Canada. Spend co-op work terms at a community pharmacy practice, or explore careers in industry and government.
Pharmacists are medication experts who identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems for their patients. Many pharmacists work in community pharmacies, but they also provide care in hospitals, family health teams, and long-term care facilities, often collaborating closely with other health professionals.
At the School of Pharmacy, you’ll work towards your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree while alternating between study terms and co-op work terms.
The School of Pharmacy is located at our Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener, approximately five kilometres south of Waterloo's main campus. You'll gain direct experience in patient care through close collaboration with the other services at the Health Sciences Campus, including a full-service medical clinic.
Learn how to become a pharmacist in Canada.
Admission requirements
- Successful completion of at least two full years of university-level science with specific course requirements
- Minimum overall university average of 75%
- Admission Information Form, reference, online assessment of personal characteristics (CASPer test), interview, Fundamental Skills Assessment required
- High school students may qualify for Conditional Admission to Pharmacy
Indigenous applicants
The School of Pharmacy is committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous Peoples in its programs. Students who self-identify as Indigenous can complete that section of the OUAC application and an admissions representative will reach out with details about a targeted application pathway that's available. Students can also contact cap@uwaterloo.ca for information.
Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) status for high school students
Normally, applications to the Pharmacy program are considered from university students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate science. By applying to Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP), high school students can receive a conditional offer of admission to Pharmacy and start the program after two years at Waterloo.
As a CAP student, you can connect with the School and Pharmacy students through events and activities and learn more about the degree program and the profession. With the connections and friendships they establish, CAP students will have a smooth transition into the Pharmacy program. School of Pharmacy staff are also available to guide CAP students toward successful admission into the PharmD program.
- Get complete details about the Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) including requirements, how to apply, and important deadlines.
- If you are admitted to CAP, you will receive two offers of admission: one to Honours Science or Life Sciences (Biology or Biomedical Sciences as your major) and one for CAP. You need to accept both offers of admission.
About the program
- Available as a co-op program only
- Requires previous university study
- Graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD)
- Offered by the School of Pharmacy
- Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Honours Science provide the fastest route into the Doctor of Pharmacy program
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience. Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Gain paid co-op experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
Sample co-op positions
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Reconciliation Pharmacy Student
- Pharmacist Student - Special Projects & Patient Care
- Special Projects Coordinator
Co-op work/study sequences
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study |
Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2026).
What can you do with a pharmacy degree?
Sample graduates
- Clinical Consultant and Operations Pharmacist, Remedy's RX Specialty Pharmacy
- Clinical Pharmacist, St. Mary's General Hospital
- Drug Safety Associate, Actavis Canada
- Pharmacist, Shoppers Drug Mart
- General Surgery Pharmacist, Victoria Hospital
- Pharmacist, Rexall Pharma Plus
- Inpatient Pharmacist, Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital
- Pharmaceutical Processor, McNeil Consumer Healthcare
- Pharmacist, Parkwood Hospital
"In co-op, I was nervous to work in a hospital as I thought I lacked clinical knowledge. But by the end of the term, not only did I know many medications and their uses, but also how to effectively communicate with patients."Cherry, second-year Pharmacy studentReady to learn more?
- Learn how to become a pharmacist
- Visit the School of Pharmacy website
- Email the School of Pharmacy if you have questions about admissions or the program
