Pharmacy

student signing paper

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.

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

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 pharmacy@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.

Related programs

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.

Ready to learn more?