In British Columbia there are more than 4,700 pharmacists and 1,100 pharmacies. Pharmacy is practised in many settings. You will find pharmacists working in community pharmacies, both in independent pharmacies and in chain stores; in hospitals; in long-term care facilities; teaching in universities; consulting; and working in government and industry.

Not every person you see behind a pharmacy counter is a pharmacist. In many pharmacies, pharmacy technicians assist with the day-to-day technical functions, so that pharmacists can focus their time on patient care responsibilities, such as medication management and counselling. Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists by performing duties that do not require the professional skills and judgment of a pharmacist, such as purchase transactions, preparing prescription orders, entering drug orders, managing pharmacy inventories, and checking other technicians’ work.

To locate a pharmacist in your area, please click here to do a search.