Frequently Asked Questions

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Dalhousie University's College of Pharmacy offers a gateway to a fulfilling career in healthcare. As the sole pharmacy school in the Maritimes, we provide a unique and supportive learning environment. Our program is distinguished by its strong, accredited curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and a close-knit community of dedicated faculty and students. At Dalhousie, you'll benefit from a comprehensive education that combines academic rigor with practical experience, preparing you for success in the diverse field of pharmacy.

Choosing a pharmacy program can lead to a rewarding career in healthcare, where you can make a significant impact on patient care. Pharmacy programs, like the one at Dalhousie, provide a comprehensive education that combines the acquisition of knowledge with the building of skills and experience, preparing students for various roles in the pharmacy field.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is the entry-to-practice degree in Canada, focusing on preparing students for clinical practice in various settings. It combines knowledge acquisition with skill-building and experiential learning. On the other hand, a PhD in Pharmacy is a research-focused degree that prepares students for careers in academia, research, and industry, emphasizing the generation of new knowledge in the field of pharmacy.

Yes, the PharmD program at Dalhousie University is accredited. It undergoes a rigorous review approximately every four years by the national accrediting body, which ensures that the program maintains a sound curriculum, provides adequate student support, and offers quality clinical placements. This accreditation process ensures that the program upholds the standards required for a high-quality pharmacy education.

You can apply to the PharmD program using the link provided on the website or by going to www.dal.ca/apply. The application deadline is February 1, 2025. Applicants are required to have specific prerequisite courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70. The program admits Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, with a preference for Maritime residents.

Please reach out to Student Accounts for tuition-related questions.

It is common for professional programs to have additional fees beyond tuition, such as fees for materials, equipment, or clinical placements. Please contact the program directly for detailed information on any additional fees.

The PharmD program admits 90 students per year.

Please review the Admissions Requirements page on the College of Pharmacy website. It contains everything you need to get started.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 as a minimum. If the applicant has taken more coursework, the cumulative GPA will be calculated accordingly. If a class is repeated and a higher grade is achieved, only the higher grade will be considered in the cumulative GPA calculation.

The required subjects are used to build the foundation for the pharmacy program and are crucial for moving forward and succeeding in the program. The selection process emphasizes these courses, and achieving a minimum grade of B- in each of these courses is necessary.

No, the PharmD program at Dalhousie University does not require the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) or the CASPer test for admission.

• Interviews: Yes, there are interview invitations sent by email. It is an online asynchronous interview. It is important to respond to the invitation, as not replying is taken as non-participation.
• References: No, the program does not require reference letters.
• Work Experience: No, the program does not require volunteer or work experience in a pharmacy setting or healthcare setting. However, it is encouraged to speak with a pharmacist for insight into the profession, especially if you get an interview.

Interview invitations are sent by email. It is important to respond to the invitation, as not replying is taken as non-participation. Offers are generally sent out in the late summer, depending on when the applicant's transcripts are received.

The admission criteria include a combination of the applicant's cumulative GPA and interview scores. The GPA is worth 60% of the admission score, and the interview score is worth 40%. The interview assesses non-academic qualities important to the profession, such as commitment to care, ethical reasoning, creative thinking, problem-solving, and responsibility. The admissions committee reviews the applicants' interview scores and cumulative GPA to offer invitations to the best-qualified candidates for admission based on these scores.

The program admits Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, with a preference for Maritime residents.

Yes, there is a quota for out-of-province students. A maximum of 10% of the class can be Non-Maritime Canadian students.

The Dalhousie Registrar's Office has a Transfer Credit Equivalency Table that can be used to evaluate transfer credits from other institutions. Applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the Pharmacy College Admissions Office for clarification to ensure both parties are on the same page.