Pharmacist

Pharmacists are the medication management experts of New Brunswick’s healthcare teams. Not only do our pharmacists dispense medications, but the role has also expanded to prescribing, medication reviews, chronic disease management, administration of injections, and wellness programs. New Brunswick pharmacists collaborate with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers – making them friendly, helpful, and passionate workers. Pharmacists may specialize in fields such as oncology, cardiology, psychiatry, infectious disease, or drug information.

New Brunswick is looking for pharmacists with good communication skills, tact and integrity, and an interest in helping a diverse range of people. When compounding, preparing, and dispensing drugs, accuracy is incredibly important, which is why pharmacists must be able to work well under pressure, work independently, and develop quick problem-solving skills. An interest in keeping up to date with new ideas and advances in the pharmaceutical sciences is also considered an asset!

Personal characteristics and skills

  • A genuine interest in people from diverse backgrounds
  • Good communication skills
  • Tact and good judgment
  • Precise work habits and the ability to work under pressure
  • High degree of integrity
  • Desire to keep up to date with new ideas and advances in the pharmaceutical sciences
  • Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems (critical thinking)

Pharmacists in New Brunswick have a variety of important roles, including but not limited to:

  • Providing non-prescription drugs, healthcare aids, and devices
  • Administering drugs by injection
  • Assessing and prescribing drugs for minor ailments
  • Determining, monitoring, and managing drug therapy
  • Educating clients, patients, caregivers, and other health professionals
  • Providing disease state management
  • Counselling patients regarding the safe and appropriate use of drugs
  • Advising patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers about the selection and use of drug and non-drug products
  • Supervising and managing drug distribution systems
  • Conducting or collaborating in drug-related research
  • Conducting or administering drug and other health-related programs
  • Adapting prescriptions regarding dose and dosage form to meet individual patient needs

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Community pharmacies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Government
  • Professional, advocacy, and regulatory bodies
  • Colleges and universities (in teaching and research positions)

Most pharmacist positions require physical stamina and mental commitment. Pharmacists may need to work rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. While this type of work can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding.

To begin practicing in New Brunswick, pharmacists must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. A Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm D) is currently the minimum curriculum degree level in Canadian schools of pharmacy. This degree level may also be an asset to work in clinical or specialty settings. In New Brunswick, pharmacists must also be registered and licensed with the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists. Completion of the national practice examinations and the provincial jurisprudence examination are requirements for licensure.

Education programs offered in Atlantic Canada include: