PFP Program Sunsetting

Why is the PharmD for Pharmacists (PFP) program being sunset?  

As with all bridging programs, from the outset, the PFP program was designed to be a time-limited offering for pharmacists with a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (BScPhm) or equivalent, who wanted to expand their skills and explore new opportunities in the profession of pharmacy by earning a PharmD degree. 

Since its launch in 2015, the PFP program has been highly successful, equipping over 300 practicing pharmacists and recent grads with the skills, knowledge and experience to engage in an expanded scope of practice.  The decision to sunset the program at this time reflects the decreased demand for a program of this nature. 

When is the PFP’s sunsetting period? 

The sunsetting period will begin in fall 2027 when the final cohort begins the program and will continue until the program’s final term in summer 2031. 

Will new students be admitted to the PFP program?

Yes, new students will be admitted to the PFP program in fall 2027.  This will be the final cohort.  Students will not be admitted to the program after that point. 

When is the final cohort and admission cycle for the PFP program?  

The last opportunity to apply to the PFP program will be during the admission cycle that will run from November 1, 2026 until February 1, 2027. Students who are admitted in this cycle will begin the program in fall 2027.  The fall 2027 cohort will be the final cohort in the PFP program. 

When will the PFP program officially close?  

The PFP program’s last cohort will begin in fall 2027.  Students admitted in this cohort will have 4 years to complete the program.  The last term will be summer 2031. 

Will there be any changes to admission requirements as a result of the sunsetting of the PFP program? 

No, the admissions requirements will not change. 

Will the program requirements change during the sunsetting period?  

The program requirements in place as of fall 2026 will remain in effect for the duration of the program.  

Will the courses change during the sunset period? 

The same courses will be offered during the sunset period. However, there will be changes to the frequency in which they are offered.  Students who are admitted to the program should work with the program coordinator to ensure that their individualized academic plan aligns with the course offerings. 

Will currently enrolled students be able to complete the program?   

Yes, all current PFP students will be able to complete the program.  There will be some changes to the frequency in which some courses are offered.  All current students are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator to discuss their individualized academic plan for program completion to see if changes to the frequency of when courses are offered will impact them.   

Will students still have access to academic advising? 

Yes, all newly admitted students should meet with the PFP program coordinator to discuss their individualized academic plans. 

 Will students still have access to University of Toronto student services? 

Yes, students in the PFP program will still have access to University of Toronto services for part-time students in each term with a confirmed course registration. 

How will the program ensure academic quality is maintained? 

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy continues to ensure the quality of the PFP program through the University of Toronto’s Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP). This process holds the PFP program to the same academic standards and educational outcomes as the entry-to-practice PharmD program. 

How can I advance my career after the PFP program sunsets? 

Pharmacists and internationally trained pharmacists can continue to advance their careers in Canada through a clear, scaffolded professional development pathway at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Many internationally trained pharmacists choose to build on their clinical and regulatory readiness by entering the International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) Program, which supports integration into Canadian practice and prepares learners for licensure and workplace success.  Visit here for more information about the IPG Program. 

Pharmacists can also deepen and expand their expertise through the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program. As the PharmD for Pharmacists program sunsets, the CPD program will serve as the Faculty’s primary pathway for pharmacists seeking structured, advanced professional development, offering flexible microcredentials, robust certificate programs, and high‑impact clinical learning in areas such as geriatrics, oncology, primary care, and evidence‑based decision‑making. The CPD program provides a lifelong learning ecosystem that supports pharmacists as they integrate into the Canadian healthcare system, pursue specialization, and progress into advanced or leadership‑oriented roles. Visit here for more information about CPD courses. 

Will current students’ degrees, transcripts, or credentials be affected? 

No, there will be no impact on current or past students’ academic records or degrees. 

Will graduates of the program continue to be recognized after the program closes? 

Yes, students who have completed the program will still have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Toronto after the program closes. 

Who should current students contact with questions about their individual academic plan?   

Students should reach out to the PharmD for Pharmacists program coordinator at pfp.adm@utornto.ca  

Who should applicants or prospective students contact for more information? 

Students can reach out to the PFP program at pfp.adm@utornto.ca  

General

What is the difference between the PharmD for Pharmacists program and the PharmD program offered by Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto?

Graduates from both programs will be awarded a PharmD degree from the University of Toronto.  But the programs are designed for students with different educational training and experiences.

The PharmD for Pharmacists program is a bridging program specifically designed for experienced pharmacists and recent graduates who have a Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in Pharmacy degree and wish to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

The Faculty’s PharmD program is the first professional degree for incoming students with no previous training in pharmacy.

What is the difference between the previous post-Bachelor PharmD and the current program called PharmD for Pharmacists, also a post-Bachelor degree?

The previous version of the post-Bachelor PharmD program offered by the University of Toronto, which was a two (2) year program, will not be returning.

All Canadian universities will be offering a first-professional degree by 2020, so this program offers practicing pharmacists with a Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in Pharmacy the opportunity to enhance their skills to that educational level.

The main differences between the previous program and our new program are:

  1. Different educational outcomes, as defined by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP), to meet first professional degree PharmD level.
  2. Increased flexibility for courses completion, with ability to complete almost all didactic coursework online.  Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice is a hybrid course with one-week onsite in your first term and other work completed throughout the semester
  3. Designed to be completed by practicing pharmacists with a shortened duration
Why should I choose the PharmD for Pharmacists program?

The University of Toronto has offered a full-time PharmD program since 1992 and a part-time online PharmD program since 2004. It offers a depth and breadth of experience and expertise that is unmatched by other programs with a proven record of success in online and part-time delivery. Our graduates are trained to be leaders in patient care, pharmacy, and healthcare. The PharmD for Pharmacists program will help you develop advanced clinical expertise and experience in a flexible and customizable way, regardless of your location.

How many students do you admit?

The number of students admitted each intake varies.

Admission Requirements

Can you tell me who to choose as a reference? Or review my transcript and/or CV to let me know if I am a good candidate?

We do not advise applicants on application procedures or screen any documentation prior to the entire application package being received by our program. Due to the high demand for this program, we are not able to do individual pre-screening before the application procedure. Please review all admission requirements, including forms and documentation required to self-assess that you are eligible to apply.

Can I send unofficial transcripts (copies/previously submitted) with my application?

No. These will not be reviewed. You must have your post-secondary institution send your official transcripts directly to our program. If you have exceptional circumstance and are unable to comply with this criteria, please contact our office directly (pfp.adm@utoronto.ca) and discuss your situation. An inability to meet our intake deadlines is not an acceptable reason for unofficial transcript..

I do not live or practice in Toronto. Will I have to come to Toronto to interview?

No. All interviews are conducted virtually.  More information will be provided to applicants who are invited to interview.

Is there a confirmation deposit?

A non-refundable deposit must be paid by international students.  

I applied last year and wasn’t accepted. Do I have to resubmit my application?

Yes, you must resubmit your application.  If you submitted official transcripts to the PFP program previously, contact us to see if you you must resubmit those documents.

May I defer admission to the PharmD for Pharmacists program?

No. Admission to the PharmD for Pharmacists program cannot be deferred.

Courses

How many courses will I need to take each year?

In order to ensure your progression through the program, you are required to take four (4) courses annually (one year is equivalent to 3 consecutive terms: fall, winter, summer).

What is the maximum length of time allowed to complete degree requirements?

Four (4) years.

Do I need to come to Toronto for courses?

There are two mandatory courses that require students to come to Toronto: Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice and Physical Assessment and Findings. The Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice course starts with one week of intensive instruction in Toronto scheduled at the beginning of your first term in the program. The remainder of this course is delivered on-line throughout the semester. The Physical Assessment and Findings course is a fall term course delivered mostly on-line that requires a weekend in Toronto for its practical component. This weekend is usually scheduled in November.

Will I have to take time off from work to complete this program?

To make the PharmD for Pharmacists program as flexible as possible for practicing pharmacists, we have designed the didactic coursework to be undertaken while you are working. However, Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice course and Experiential Rotations are a mandatory part of this program and will require time away from your usual practice site. Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice requires one week (Monday – Friday) in your intake term AND Experiential Rotations are offered Monday – Friday during business hours for the duration of the rotation.

Can I take courses on-campus?

We offer enough didactic courses on-line to meet all program requirements, although the Foundations for Advanced Pharmacy Practice and the Physical Assessment and Findings courses each require an on-site visit. In addition, our students are eligible to take some courses on-campus through the PharmD program towards their pharmacotherapy and social administrative course requirements in the  PharmD for Pharmacists program.

Can I keep my appointment at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy?

If you currently hold an academic appointment (lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor) with the Faculty it will be temporarily suspended upon your acceptance into the PharmD for Pharmacists program. Your appointment will be reactivated after graduation as long as you continue to contribute to the Faculty.

Experiential Rotations

Since I am already practicing, can I opt out/ get credit for specific rotations?

Students must complete all degree requirements. We recognize our applicants will be highly skilled pharmacists upon admission. The largest changes for the new first-degree to practice PharmD is greater emphasis on pharmacotherapy and experiential learning. We designed our curriculum balancing our need to ensure all applicants meet the educational outcomes for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, with the anticipated knowledge and skill level of our applicants.

What rotations are required?

All students must complete 2 Direct Patient Care experiential courses (rotations),  Students may also complete 1 additional rotation as their elective in the program.  

Where can I complete my rotations?

Rotations are offered primarily in Ontario, with some opportunities to practice across Canada and internationally. Once you are admitted to the program, you can meet with Experiential Education Coordinator from the Office of Experiential Education (OEE) to discuss your requests/preferences for location or types of rotations.  The PharmD for Pharmacists program and OEE do not guarantee accommodation for students’ requests/preferences for experiential rotations, and students may be required to travel for these rotations.

Financial

What is the tuition for this program?

Tuition fees are posted on the Student Accounts website. Please note that fees are subject to an increase of no more than 5% every summer term as per the University’s tuition policy.

Is financial assistance available?

There are no bursaries available from the PharmD for Pharmacists program. As a student in an academic degree program, you might be eligible for provincial or federal student loan/grant programs. If you do not qualify for student loan/grant funding, you may apply for a loan through your banking institution. Two common loan options are: the ScotiaBank Professional Loans Program or the Royal Bank Financial Services for Students in Professional Practice program. Please note that we cannot guarantee your eligibility for any of these sources of funding as they will process your application based on their own criteria.

Can you suggest options for short-term housing while attending classes or completing rotations in Toronto?

Students are responsible to secure their own accommodations/housing for any classes or rotations. Assistance with housing is part of an array of services the University of Toronto has available for students. For more information, please visit http://www.housing.utoronto.ca/.

Licensure

Will a PharmD for Pharmacists degree from the University of Toronto allow me to be licensed as a pharmacist in other provinces?

The PharmD for Pharmacists program prepares participants to practice pharmacy as a skilled clinician. Every jurisdiction has its own licensing body to determine who may and may not practice pharmacy, all questions regarding licensing should be directed to the relevant authority in the jurisdiction.

If you are an internationally trained student who wants to practice pharmacy in Canada, you would be better served by our International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) program, please review their website.

International Students

I am a foreign trained pharmacist who wishes to expand my practice as a pharmacist and expand pharmacy practice in my home country. Why should I choose the PharmD for Pharmacists?

This is the best program for you at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Our internationally recognized pharmacy faculty has a long history of graduating skilled patient care providers. Our graduates are trained to be leaders in patient care, pharmacy and health care. Our PharmD for Pharmacists program meets the same rigorous requirements as our PharmD program, with greater flexibility for working pharmacists. The skills, knowledge, and experience acquired through participation in the PharmD for Pharmacists program will prepare you to deliver the enhanced scope of practice and serve you well wherever you go.

I am a foreign trained pharmacist who wishes to move to Canada and practice as a pharmacist in Canada. Why should I choose the PharmD for Pharmacists?

The PharmD for Pharmacists may not be the best program for you. Please go to our International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) program, which consists of programs designed to assist pharmacists trained in countries outside Canada.

My name on my official transcripts is different from the names on my other documents. Should I provide a document explaining this discrepancy?

Please ensure that you complete the previous and preferred names sections on the application form so that we can reconcile the discrepancy. If there is a specific issue, please contact the Admissions Office directly at pfp.adm@utoronto.ca.

My academic records are in a language other than English. Should I also submit English translations of my documents?

Notarized/Certified English translations are required for all international documentation written in a language other than English or French. Translations do not replace the original documents. Both the original documents and notarized/certified translations must be submitted.

 I do not intend to practice pharmacy in Canada. Do I still need to pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating and Qualifying Examinations before applying to the PharmD for Pharmacists program?

If you have graduated from an international faculty of pharmacy (Not a Canadian (CCAPP) or American (ACPE) faculty) and are not currently licensed to practice pharmacy in Canada (except Quebec), you must pass the PEBC Evaluating Examination (but not the Qualifying Examination) before applying to the PharmD for Pharmacists program.

English is not my first language. Do I need to take the TOEFL/TWE exam?

English facility testing is not required if you meet any of the following:

  1. Primary language is English;
  2. Currently licensed as a pharmacist in a Canadian jurisdiction (except Quebec) or an American jurisdiction (except Puerto Rico);
  3. Graduated from a Pharmacy school which was not accredited by CCAPP or ACPE school but where the language of instruction and examination was English;
  4. Completed four (4) or more years in post-secondary training where the language of instruction and examination was English; or
  5. Previously registered in a degree program at the University of Toronto previously.

If you do not meet any of these requirements, then an English facility test must be completed before you submit your application. Applications will not be reviewed until all requirements are submitted.

The TOEFL is just one of the many tests that we accept. For more information, including minimum required scores, please see the English Language Proficiency Testing page.

Where can I find more information about the PharmD for Pharmacists program?

For more information, please visit our website or contact our Admissions team.