Whether you are a pharmacy student in first to third year or a fourth year about to graduate, you can join the frontlines in community pharmacy today.
Who qualifies as a Student Pharmacist Registrant?
As a UBC pharmacy student, you are eligible to be registered as a Student Pharmacist Registrant, and we trust you are already registered, whether you are in first year or fourth year. However, once you graduate, you will no longer be eligible to remain a Student Pharmacist Registrant.
Fourth years about to graduate, click here to learn about the Temporary Limited Pharmacist and Limited Pharmacist registration categories.
Scope of Practice:
We have heard from a number of students recently who mistakenly believe that they have a very limited scope of practice as a Student Pharmacist. However, a Student Pharmacist Registrant can actually practice to the same scope as a full pharmacist, but only under the supervision of a full pharmacist approved by the registration committee for that purpose.
The roles and duties assigned to students during a practicum or as a paid employee may vary however. And of course you should only practice within the limit of your knowledge and skills irrespective of your scope.
For a student to administer injections, the full pharmacist providing direct supervision also needs to be certified to administer injections. Read more about your scope here.
Insurance requirements:
There is also a general misconception that since you are under direct supervision of a full pharmacist registrant that you have insurance through that pharmacist’s insurance coverage. This is not the case. When you are on a practicum as a student, you are covered by UBC’s General Liability insurance. A Student Pharmacist who works at a pharmacy outside of practicum is actually not covered by UBC’s insurance since your work outside of the practicum is not considered a UBC sponsored-activity or practicum.
You need to ensure you either purchase insurance yourself or ensure that your employer has purchased personal malpractice insurance for you specifically. If the pharmacy you are working for purchases insurance for you, the insurance policy must have your name on it and you should make sure to get a copy of the policy as well. Remember that someone else’s coverage does not cover you.
Although the College bylaws do not require Student Pharmacists to purchase insurance, it does not mean you have insurance coverage in all cases and it is definitely not worth the risk if you are working at a pharmacy outside of a practicum, where you are no longer covered by UBC’s General Liability insurance.
Learn more about the special insurance coverage rate of $100 per year BCPhA is providing to support Student Pharmacists here. (Pricing updated as of March 2021)
What job opportunities are there for me?
If you had a job lined up after graduation, we recommend you contact that pharmacy first to discuss your options as a Student Pharmacist and Temporary Limited Pharmacist. Inform them that you can practice to the full scope of practice based on the College bylaws, but only under the supervision of a full pharmacist approved by the registration committee for that purpose.
Providing them with information so that they can plan and consider when it would be most appropriate for you to join the team.
Tips on how to find a job in pharmacy
Whether you are looking for your first job or you want to find the right job in the industry, a cover letter and resume are your keys to helping you achieve your goals.
When seeking job opportunities, it is important that you have a well-written resume and cover letter.
- Your resume is a marketing document that helps you sell your skills and abilities and should help you position yourself ahead of other job seekers. An example can be found here.
- Your cover letter is a marketing document that introduces yourself and your personality to the organization. It should demonstrate why you belong within that organization, usually by showcasing how you align with the values of the organization. Your cover letter is a personalized letter between you and the hiring manager.
We have put together a job search guide to help you with starting your career.
BCPhA job search resources
The BCPhA Job Board is the number one resource for pharmacists in B.C. looking for work – and for pharmacies looking to recruit.
Our job board features listings all across B.C. for full-time, part-time and relief pharmacists, as well as pharmacy managers, technicians and assistants.
Pharmacists, limited pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can also post their resumes on our Hire a Pharmacist web page, showcasing their skills to employers throughout B.C., as well as sharpen their resume and cover letter with our online resume resources.
Thank you for stepping up
Thank you for stepping up to help during this pandemic.
We know how much work every pharmacist is putting in to make sure patients are supported during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to advocate for members’ needs during this time, and we hear from many of you about the strains facing the pharmacy right now – the lack of access to medications, communications with patients and prescribers and lack of personal protective equipment because of a worldwide shortage.