Hospital pharmacists

Hospital pharmacists work in both dispensary and clinical ward settings within hospitals, focusing on the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications. Their key responsibilities include: 

• Individualize drug therapy by assessing patient charts, clinical responses, and collaborating with healthcare teams to develop tailored treatment plans
• Work with patients and healthcare teams to create and monitor medication plans, including discharge plans and supportive care regimens
• Educate patients by answering questions, reviewing alternative and complementary treatments, and ensuring adherence to prescribed therapies
• Prepare and dispense medications in compliance with federal and provincial regulations
• Provide drug information to healthcare professionals and patients
• Mentor and supervise pharmacy students and residents through clinical instruction and training

To be eligible to work as a hospital pharmacist in British Columbia, candidates must meet specific educational and licensing requirements. 

Educational requirements:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy from an accredited institution
• Clinical pharmacists must also complete an accredited Hospital Residency Program

Licensing Requirements: 

• Registration with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC). This involves: 
  • Successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) evaluation, including the Document Evaluation and Qualifying Examination (Parts I and II) 
  • Passing the CPBC Jurisprudence Examination, which assesses knowledge of B.C. pharmacy laws and regulations 
  • Completion of the Structured Practical Training (SPT) Program, which provides Canadian pharmacy practice experience. The University of British Columbia’s Canadian Pharmacy Practice Program (CP3) offers this training

Hospital pharmacists are employed throughout B.C. with opportunities in both urban centers and rural communities. These positions are primarily offered by the province’s five regional health authorities. The Provincial Health Services Authority delivers specialized care across the province, including through BC Cancer centers. 

For support and resources to assist in your job search, visit Allied Health Jobs BC and register today. 

British Columbia’s publicly funded health authorities offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits:  

• Wages: $51.37 – $64.19 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2024) plus applicable shift premiums 
• Paid Vacation Time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment 
• Pension Plan 
• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) 
• Extended Health Care 
• Dental Coverage 
• Life Insurance 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan 
• Other Benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves 

• The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is the national organization that develops standards and policies used across Canada including Entry-to-Practice competencies, language proficiency requirements. International pharmacy graduates must register first through NAPRA, the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada 
• The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the national certification body of the pharmacy profession in Canada. All international pharmacy graduates must apply for PEBC for the Document Evaluation and Evaluating Exam (unless eligible for exemption – see news article below) once they have registered with the Pharmacists’ Gateway Canada 
• The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC) is the provincial regulatory body for pharmacists in BC. To practice as a pharmacist in B.C., individuals must be registered as a Full Pharmacist with CPBC. Candidates must first pre-register with CPBC through the applicable category (i.e., pharmacists from United States, International Pharmacy Graduates, new pharmacy graduate from the United States). Once they have met all the requirements, they can apply for Full Pharmacist Registration. Interested applicants can find more details through The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada website 
• Graduates who obtained their pharmacy degree outside of Canada or the U.S. are required to complete an English Language Proficiency assessment (i.e., Occupational English Test, International English Testing System). More information on this process is available at the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC) website