Pharmacists
What they do?
Industrial Pharmacists perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Participate in basic research for the development of new drugs
B. Formulate new drug products developed by medical researchers
C. Test new drug products for stability and to determine their absorption and elimination patterns
D. Co-ordinate clinical investigations of new drugs
E. Control the quality of drug products during production to ensure that they meet standards of potency, purity, uniformity, stability and safety
F. Develop information materials concerning the uses, properties and risks of particular drugs
G. Evaluate labelling, packaging and advertising of drug products
H. Promote pharmaceutical products to health professionals.
I. Check prescriptions for proper dosage
J. Compound prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating, measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required and filling appropriate containers with correct quantity
K. Dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or to other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contra-indications, adverse effects, drug interactions and dosage
L. Maintain medication profiles of customers including registry of poisons and narcotic and controlled drugs
M. Ensure proper preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of vaccines, serums, biologicals and other drugs and pharmaceuticals
N. Order and maintain stock of pharmaceutical supplies
O. Advise customers on selection and use of non-prescription medication
P. May supervise and co-ordinate the activities of other pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians and other staff.
What education do I need?
1. In general, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy.
2. You also need supervised practical training.
3. To be a community or hospital pharmacist, you need a licence in the province/territory where you'll work.
4. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Chemistry
4. Biology
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Pharmacists is $32.47/HR, which is above average for occupations in the health sector and above average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
0% of Pharmacists are unemployed. This rate is below the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Pharmacists is considered Above Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($32.47) are above the national average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (0%) is below the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Above Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be significantly above average, occurring primarily in retail businesses.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Pharmacists, Dietetitians and Nutritionists are found in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and British Columbia .
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (26%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Business and financial management
2. Committee work
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
