Pharmacists are medication experts who identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems for their patients. Many pharmacists work in community pharmacies, but they also provide care in hospitals, family health teams, and long-term care facilities, often collaborating closely with other health professionals.
At the School of Pharmacy, you’ll work towards your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree while alternating between study terms and co-op work terms.
The School of Pharmacy is located at our Health Sciences Campus in downtown Kitchener, approximately five kilometres south of Waterloo's main campus. You'll gain direct experience in patient care through close collaboration with the other services at the Health Sciences Campus, including a full-service medical clinic.
Degree:
Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD)
Requirements:
Previous university study
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you'll gain paid work experience and can explore different areas and types of employers within the pharmaceutical industry.
| Year / term | September to December | January to April | May to August |
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | – | School | School |
| Second year | School | Co-op | School |
| Third year | Co-op | School | Co-op |
| Fourth year | School | School | School |
| Notes | School = four-month school term, Co-op = four-month co-op work term The Pharmacy program starts in January. | ||
"In co-op, I was nervous to work in a hospital as I thought I lacked clinical knowledge. But, by the end of the term, not only did I know many medications and their uses, but also how to effectively communicate with patients." Cherry, second-year Pharmacy student
The School of Pharmacy is committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous Peoples in its programs. Students who self-identify as Indigenous can complete that section of the OUAC application and an admissions representative will reach out with details about a targeted application pathway that's available. Students can also contact pharmacy@uwaterloo.ca for information.
Normally, applications to the Pharmacy program are considered from university students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate science. By applying to Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP), high school students can receive a conditional offer of admission to Pharmacy and start the program after two years at Waterloo.
As a CAP student, you can connect with the School and Pharmacy students through events and activities and learn more about the degree program and the profession. With the connections and friendships they establish, CAP students will have a smooth transition into the Pharmacy program. School of Pharmacy staff are also available to guide CAP students toward successful admission into the PharmD program.
Biology, Biomedical Sciences, and Honours Science provide the fastest route into the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
