Pharmacy Officer

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Regina; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Pharmacy Officer, where you will provide essential pharmaceutical care to military personnel. This dynamic role involves consulting on drug therapy, managing medical supplies, and leading initiatives in challenging clinical environments. You will engage in continuous learning and have opportunities for advanced training, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical practice. With a commitment to excellence and service, you will play a vital role in supporting health services both at home and abroad. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a significant impact in a meaningful career.

Benefits

Medical and dental care

Paid education options

Vacation benefits

Leadership training opportunities

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid pharmacy license and a 'Good Standing' letter.
• Completion of military training and ongoing clinical experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide pharmaceutical care and drug therapy consultation to military personnel.
• Manage medical supplies and equipment for domestic and overseas operations.

Skills

Pharmaceutical care

Drug therapy consultation

Clinical competence

Supply chain management

Leadership

Procurement

Education

Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy)

Pharm D degree

Tools

Clinical residency training

Basic Military Officer Qualification training

Job description

Overview

As a member of the military, Pharmacy Officers provide pharmaceutical care to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. They offer expert advice on drug therapy for emergency medicine, intensive care therapy, pain management, infectious diseases, and medical countermeasures for nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. Pharmacy Officers also identify and resolve complex drug-related problems.

The role of a Pharmacy Officer is constantly evolving and is no longer confined to medication distribution. They consult with patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals, teach and guide pharmacy students and interns, serve on advisory and professional committees, and maintain clinical competence through ongoing learning initiatives.

Pharmacy Officers also manage medical supplies and equipment. They are experts in procurement and supply chain management within the CAF, ensuring personnel have access to medical supplies both domestically and overseas, including handling contracts and transporting cold chain medications globally.

Work environment

Typically, Pharmacy Officers provide services at health clinics in Canada, but may also work in depots or support military missions in field units. They face challenging clinical situations and also serve as leaders, administrators, and material managers.

In the Regular Force, upon completing training, you are assigned to your first base, with possible relocations. In the Primary Reserve, you serve part-time with a specific Reserve unit, working one night per week and some weekends, with potential for full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

If you hold a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) or Pharm D degree from a recognized Canadian university, have passed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada’s exam, hold a current license to practice pharmacy in Canada, and possess a 'Good Standing' letter, the CAF may place you directly into on-the-job training following basic training. This training leads to a 6-month clinical residency, requiring prior or ongoing clinical experience in a tertiary care facility.

The Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) allows successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree at a civilian Canadian university, with full salary, medical and dental care, and vacation benefits, in exchange for service commitment. Applicants must apply concurrently to the CAF and a university, as seats are not reserved.

For more information, contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: [e-mail]

Training

After enrollment, Pharmacy Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification training in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, including two weeks of Distance Learning and four weeks of in-house training covering military knowledge, leadership, regulations, weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities for applying military skills in exercises are provided. Successful completion is required for further training.

Additional language training may be offered, lasting from two to nine months depending on proficiency.

Pharmacy Officers must complete the eight-day Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) e-learning course, and then attend the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, for the Basic Pharmacy Officer Course, covering military medical doctrine, healthcare administration, pharmacy practice, and medical supply management.

On-the-job training

Opportunities include a six-month preceptor program at an accredited civilian hospital and specialized courses such as:

• Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacovigilance Certificate – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Travel Health Certificate – International Society of Travel Medicine
• Basic Aviation Medicine training
• Leadership and management training

Progressing officers may pursue postgraduate training at Canadian universities.

Part-time options

The Reserves support CAF operations and maintain community links. Reservists must have an unrestricted license, stay current in their practice, and can serve part-time in their community, with opportunities for full-time positions, deployments, and service at different bases. They are paid approximately 92.8% of Regular Force pay and receive benefits.

Applicants with a Pharmacy degree, passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exams, holding a license, and a 'Good Standing' letter, can be directly placed into military training post-basic officer training.

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