In order to work in the pharmaceutical field, there is no need to take a full course in university. Canada offers a wide selection of professional programs in colleges. It provides good training for work in this industry, either in an administrative position or in laboratories.
Before choosing a specialty in pharmaceuticals, you need to know which specialists are in demand in this industry and what are the areas of training in this specialty.
Briefly about this profession
The profession of a pharmacist is quite diverse in applications. Basically, these specialists are employed in pharmacies, acting as sellers of drugs. But they perform not only the function of implementation but also the selection of analogs, alternatives, etc. Quite often, pharmacists help determine which medicine to choose. The second area of activity can be called scientific processes. This is work in laboratories, research institutes, etc. Many university graduates go to drug manufacturing enterprises.
The work of pharmacists is interesting and dynamic. After all, these specialists create substances that often help save our lives. They are an integral part of the healthcare system.
Types of programs and directions of training by specialty in colleges in Canada
There are three main areas of training or specialization in “Pharmaceuticals”:
Pharmacy Technician (pharmacist). Specialists in this area are engaged in the development of medications. They also collaborate with pharmacists in the preparation and development of medications. They are responsible for customer service. They are also responsible for managing pharmaceutical inventories.
Pharmaceutical Chemical Lab Technology (chemist-pharmacist). On these programs, students learn the basics and aspects of pharmaceutical research, in particular – product compounding, production, toxicology, testing and much more.
Pharmaceutical Quality Operations. These programs are aimed at managing the pharmaceutical industry and organizing the work of pharmaceutical companies. As well as research specialties, this program focuses on the study of clinical research, development, and production of pharmaceutical products. The program of this training area also includes the study of legal norms and regulation of the industry.
Pharmacist. This is a pharmacy worker. Every day, your work will include communication with people, answering their questions and selecting analogs of medications that are similar in composition to those prescribed by doctors. In addition, a pharmacist is responsible for keeping track of the income and expenditure of medications. In some drugstores, these specialists compound drugs according to the prescription released by the doctor. Also, such specialists are responsible for the proper storage of drugs. Many medications require special conditions. The pharmacist is responsible for restocking. All preparations must be available in the required quantity.
Research Pharmacist. These specialists work in laboratories. They are engaged in an in-depth study of various diseases, processes, bacteria, etc. Based on the findings, they create effective disease control methods. Nowadays, the most relevant is the search for effective drugs for AIDS, Ebola and other dangerous incurable diseases. There are several levels of access and hazard to laboratories. Only the most experienced and tidy employees have the right to work with high-risk viruses and vaccines against them.
Distributor pharmacist. This is an employee of pharmaceutical companies. This is the link between the manufacturer and the pharmacy. These employees visit doctors, pharmacy employees to advertise drugs for which they are responsible. They are not only pharmacists but also sales representatives – the face of companies and brands.
Pharmacist in the manufacturing process. Typically, such specialists work strictly for pharmaceutical companies. They participate in the creation of drugs, are involved in calculating the dosages of the components and the process of mixing them.
Depending on the program that the college provides, the requirements for applicants may vary. Therefore, before submitting documents, it is necessary to check the individual requirements of each particular academic institution and training program.
In most cases, the Diploma, Higher Diploma programs require a certificate of secondary education in Canada. Applicants must show a high score for grade 12 in such subjects as English, mathematics, chemistry, biology.
