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.
Faculty:
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science
Degree:
Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD)
Requirements:
Previous university study
Gain paid co-op experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you'll gain paid work experience and can explore different areas and types of employers within the pharmaceutical industry.
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Reconciliation Pharmacy Student
- Pharmacist Student - Special Projects & Patient Care
- Special Projects Coordinator
Co-op work/study sequences
| Year / term | September to December | January to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | – | School | School |
| Second year | School | Co-op | School |
| Third year | Co-op | School | Co-op |
| Fourth year | School | School | School |
| Notes | School = four-month school term, Co-op = four-month co-op work term The Pharmacy program starts in January. |
||
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 Ontario Universities' Application Centre application and an admissions representative will reach out with details about a targeted application pathway that's available. Students can also contact pharmacy@uwaterloo.ca for information.
Related programs
Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Honours Science provide the fastest route into the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
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.
How to apply to CAP
- Apply to Honours Science or Life Sciences (with Biology or Biomedical Sciences as your major) through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
- Once you’ve done that, you’ll then use a separate application on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre website to apply to CAP.
- Further details are on the CAP website.
- 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.
Ready 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
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.