Salsa2002 said:
Dear Tiger
Could you tell me about the future of health information management jobs in Canada and what is the best choice if I plan to get a 2 years diploma . I am actually a pharmacist in gulf now but according to the new FSW list pharmacists are not involved in the list. Please advise me about the available scynarios for my case .
Hi,
The decision on an application for a Canadian study permit will completely be based on one's individual application package. Usually good academic record ( especially marks of last major degree) , proper course selection (preferably showing progression in same field) consistent profile, sufficient proof of funding and a decent IELTS score and showing strong ties to your home country is seen as a standard benchmark to get the Canadian study permit. There may be more requirements, depending upon the citizenship of one's country.
So, it's best you choose to study a course in your field of study i.e Pharmacy or related fields.
As a practicing Pharmacist, you should look forward to practice Pharmacy in Canada. To practice Pharmacy in Canada, as a foreign trained Pharmacist, you could consider joining 1 of the only 3 Pharmacy bridging programs (to convert your degree to a Canadian one)---
1.The International Pharmacy Graduate Program — Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto in Toronto, ON
2.The Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme — Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC
3.The International Pharmacy Bridging Program — Bredin Institute in Calgary, AB and Edmonton, AB
As far as the 1st two programs are concerned at Univ. of Toronto and UBC, you can very well apply for these programs, as an International student, get a study permit, and complete the program. You will be eligible for full student work permits such as the OCWP (Off Campus WP) or PGWP (Post Grad WP) as these are recognized universities accepting International students. But I'm not sure about the 3rd Bridging program, whether they accept International students or not.
To know more and get official links of these programs see:
http://www.pharmacists.ca/index.cfm/pharmacy-in-canada/pharmacists-in-canada/
Or join a full fledged 4 years B. pharma degree in one of only 10 Canadian public universities offering it. -
http://www.pharmacists.ca/index.cfm/pharmacy-in-canada/directory-of-pharmacy-organizations/canadian-faculties-and-schools-of-pharmacy/
If you cannot qualify to one of these highly competitive bridging programs or cannot get entry into and/or afford to spend time and/or money on a full 4 years B. pharma degree (Not to mention for Sept 2013 intake dates are already over..and you will have to wait to apply for Sept.. 2014 intake);
Then you may opt for a 2 years/4 sem Health information management or Pharmacy technician , job oriented practical diplomas at any of the Canadian colleges. Most of these diplomas may also have clinical and field placements, which will give you much required real life experience. After passing out from a 2 years diploma, you will be eligible for a 3 years PGWP, which will also give you enough time to search for job as well as pursue immigration/PR. In-fact, you may even get direct provincial nomination and then PR (no job necessary) after completing 2 years/1800 hours Pharmacy technician DVS diploma in Quebec, provided you are ready to learn French. The term diploma is different and has value in Canadian society, which majority of Canadians pursue to have solid in hand training in any given occupation, unlike in countries like India... where diploma is considered as not so valuable. Unfortunately, Pharmacy technician has been classified as Semi-skilled/ Skill Level C - (NOC 3414).
To find 2 years Health information management or Pharmacy technician diploma programs, go through all the official websites of recognized college participating in OCWP+PGWP, listed according to province:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp
Best of Luck.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.
