The demand of Pharmacists in Canada?

[pharmstudent98]

Hello guys I will be attending pharmacy school this September in Canada and just had a question with regards the pharmacy profession in Canada. I understand that in the states it seems that they are overflowing with the amount of pharmacists they have and it seems like job opportunities are limiting. (This knowledge is from past threads I've read). I was just wondering what the job market will be like for us new graduates, in my case I will graduate in 2015. I talked to several of my friends one is a pharmacy manager and one has opened his own pharmacy with regards to the future of the pharmacy profession and they told me that it is good and will be for a long time. But I would like to get input from you guys more preferably pharmacists or people in Canada that have a background or knowledge when it comes to the profession and its future.

Thank You

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[1ive2die]

Hello guys I will be attending pharmacy school this September in Canada and just had a question with regards the pharmacy profession in Canada. I understand that in the states it seems that they are overflowing with the amount of pharmacists they have and it seems like job opportunities are limiting. (This knowledge is from past threads I've read). I was just wondering what the job market will be like for us new graduates, in my case I will graduate in 2015. I talked to several of my friends one is a pharmacy manager and one has opened his own pharmacy with regards to the future of the pharmacy profession and they told me that it is good and will be for a long time. But I would like to get input from you guys more preferably pharmacists or people in Canada that have a background or knowledge when it comes to the profession and its future.

Thank You

I'm not a pharmacist but I will be heading to pharm school this fall like you. I have done a lot of research on the supply and demand in Canada and I'd say supply is starting to meet demand. After reading all the threads here on sdn about the U.S. oversupply I looked into what the situation was in Canada.

Although Canada had a shortage a while back, many schools increased enrollment a few years ago (e.g. U of T, UBC, U de M + University of Waterloo opened), and now we are almost at equilibrium. Pharmacists I've spoken to have told me that this increase in enrollment has caused a downward pressure on pharmacist salaries. I think Ontario has been the worst hit due to cutbacks but I'm sure this will eventually spill over to other provinces.

I'd say the job outlook is fair but gone are the days where pharmacists can name their price, hours, and location. I'm going into pharm school knowing that I may be competing fiercely for jobs when I graduate or may have to relocate to find a position. I think if you go into it with that mindset you'll be fine.