Canada Welcomes Foreign Pharmacists Under New ELMO Pilot Project
A new Expedited Labor Market Opinion (ELMO) pilot project makes it easier for pharmacists to enter Canada as temporary workers. In Canada, pharmacists work in the community and hospitals to compound and dispense pharmaceuticals to private citizens as well as doctors and other health care providers. Pharmacists are also employed by pharmaceutical companies to develop, manufacture and test new pharmaceutical products.
Pharmacist Duties
According to ELMO, pharmacists in Canada typically:
- Ensure prescriptions are given according to the proper dosage
- Compound, mix and otherwise prepare pharmaceuticals for dispensing to private citizens and health care providers
- Dispense pharmaceuticals and advise clients one dosages, side-effects and other concerns
- Maintain details records on clients, making careful note of allergies and other factors that could cause adverse reactions
- Order and maintain pharmaceutical supplies, including vaccines, serums and other substances
- Advise clients regarding non-prescription medication
- Oversee other pharmacy technicians and staff
- Pharmacists working in the pharmacy industry may also:
- Research and develop of new pharmaceutical products
- Test and refine new pharmaceutical products
Pharmacist Qualifications
ELMO specifies that pharmacists who want to work in Canada must have:
- A bachelor of science degree in pharmacy
- Work experience and training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist
To practice in Canada, pharmacists must also be licensed by the province.
Pharmacist Wages
According to ELMO, wages for pharmacists vary quite widely according to region. Pharmacists earn the most in Fort McMurray, St. Paul and Lloydminster, Alberta ($45.59/hour) and the least in the Calgary/Red Deer regions ($38.53/hour).
If you meet the above qualifications and would like to learn more about the ELMO pilot project and/or working as a pharmacist in Canada, we encourage you to visit the official ELMO web site.
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