Pharmacy Officer

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 is not limited to the distribution of medications; Pharmacy Officers consult with patients, physicians, and other health care professionals, teach and guide pharmacy students and interns, serve on advisory and professional committees, and maintain clinical competence through structured and self-directed learning initiatives.

Pharmacy Officers manage and control medical supplies and equipment and are experts in medical materiel procurement and medical supply chain management. They ensure entitled personnel have access to medical supplies wherever stationed, including bases in Canada or overseas operations. They perform contracting functions for the procurement of medical supplies and work with non-medical CAF members to transport cold chain medications around the world.

Work environment

Pharmacy Officers typically provide pharmacy services at health clinics in Canada, and may work in a medical depot or in support of military missions in a field medical unit. They may serve as leaders, administrators, and material managers and face challenging clinical situations.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

Qualifications and eligibility (highlights)

If you already have a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) or a Pharm D degree from a recognized Canadian university, have passed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada’s qualifying exam, hold a current license to practice client-based pharmacy in a Canadian province or territory, and possess a letter of ‘Good Standing’ from your professional regulatory authority, CAF may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. This on-the-job training leads to a 6-month clinical residency, and candidates (except very recent graduates) should have clinical experience in a tertiary care facility as delineated in the entry standard prior to applying. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before assignment.

Training

After enrolment, Pharmacy Officers attend Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. The Condensed Health Services Basic Military Officer Qualification Training consists of two weeks of Distance Learning and four weeks of in-house training. Topics include general military knowledge, leadership, CAF regulations, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Training exercises in force protection, field training, navigation, and leadership are included. A rigorous physical fitness program is a vital part of basic training. Training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training. Second language training may be offered and could take from two to nine months to complete depending on language ability.

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

On-the-job training

Pharmacy Officers may have the opportunity to complete a six-month preceptor program at an accredited civilian hospital, similar to a Hospital Residency program. They may also pursue specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including :

Progression may include pursuing post-graduate training at an accredited Canadian university.

Part-time options

The Canadian Forces Health Services Reserves provide part-time opportunities to support CAF operations while maintaining ties to the civilian workplace. Reserve Pharmacy Officers may work part-time at a Health Services Clinic and may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates and receive a reasonable benefits package. Reservists must hold an unrestricted license and maintain clinical currency.

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