Pharmaceutical management is a discipline that incorporates health and chemical sciences with management techniques. It teaches students about the safe use of pharmaceutical drugs while providing them with tools to conduct further research.
A bachelor’s in pharmacy and related domains introduces students to basic medicine. Candidates looking to explore the field further can opt for an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada to gain familiarity with managerial skills and find employment in high-paying positions in the sector.
Canada has innumerable lucrative opportunities, thanks to its innovative pharmaceutical sector with a 2.1% share in the global market. Hailed as the ninth-largest world market for pharmaceutical sales, the pharmaceutical industry has strong roots in Canada.
Universities offering an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada emphasize practical learning with modern research facilities. Additionally, industrial visits and business case studies help improve students’ understanding of the sector.
Top Universities Offering an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada
Canada is considered one of the most popular education destinations, with over 220 public and private universities all over the country. While all of them follow a basic standard of education, it is crucial to understand and aim for the best in the country.
On that note, here are some top universities for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada.
Name of University
Tuition Fee
Subject ranking worldwide (for pharmacy and pharmacology)
Program and Specialization
Duration
University of Toronto
Approx. CAD 46,270 per year
9
PharmD-MBA programme
5 years
University of Alberta
CAD 35,000
85
MBA Pharmacy combined programme
5 years
University of Saskatchewan
Approx. CAD 60,612
251 – 300
PharmD and MBA Combined Programs
5 years
Queen’s University at Kingston
CAD 25,000
301 – 350
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Management and Innovation
10 months
Eligibility for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada
The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada is a postgraduate program that admits students who have completed their bachelor’s from accredited institutes. Since most of these are combined programs, they require students to be accepted into the pharmacy program first.
Fulfilling the following requirements grants students the eligibility for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada.
An undergraduate degree in related disciplines like biomedical, public health sciences, or pharmaceuticals
Minimum grade (usually A-) during the undergraduate study period
Scores of English proficiency tests (which may differ by the institute, but standard tests include IELTS or TOEFL)
Additionally, some universities accept applications from students pursuing the last year of their undergraduate degree.
Following confirmation of admission, candidates are enrolled for the combined course. The structure for the five-year study is as follows.
Two years of pharmacy degree
Two years of management studies
One year of pharmacy degree
Levels of Education
The MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada is only offered as a postgraduate course. Even for combined programs, candidates are only eligible if they complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute.
Some universities offer the flexibility for MSc and MCom students to apply for the course, irrespective of the subjects chosen.
Scope of the MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada
The pharmaceutical sector is one of the driving forces of the Canadian market, with more than 200 active enterprises in the country. These contribute to a total of CAD 15 billion to the gross domestic product value of Canada and employ over 100,000 individuals.
Since the pandemic, research activity in the sector has increased substantially. Innovation leads the charge as multiple drugs are created and tested to improve the quality of life.
As advancement in the health sector continues, the industry needs skilled professionals with extensive knowledge of management concepts and drug use. Hence, admission to MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada can help students cater to this demand.
Five-year-integrated Pharmaceutical Management courses offer students the opportunity to branch out into multiple domains of the pharmaceutical industry. To ensure this, here are some offered subjects in MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada.
Economic foundations
Financial reporting and analysis
Global business environment
Data analysis and decision making
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Pathophysiology
Medicinal Chemistry
Combined with a solid academic curriculum, students are exposed to real-life examples and business models to understand the intersection between management and pharmaceuticals.
Cost of Attendance
The fees for MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada are high, going up to CAD 46,270 per year for five-year courses. However, the integration of business and pharmacy allows these courses to cover comprehensive insights and provide a complete perspective of drug use and management.
Students also have the option to opt for a one-year diploma at CAD 25,000 after their undergraduate program.
Job Prospects
The field of Pharmaceutical Management offers a flexible curriculum for students to adapt to numerous roles after completion. Here are some of the expected job profiles with average remuneration in Canada.
Job Title
Annual Expected Remuneration
Healthcare Product Manager
CAD 81,042
Pharmaceuticals Market Manager
CAD 83,113
Pharmaceutical Business Development Manager
CAD 81,819
Project Manager for Pharmaceuticals
CAD 79,116
Pharmaceutical Consultant
CAD 75,485
FAQs
Why pursue an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada?
Unlike standard pharmaceutical degrees, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada introduces candidates to an amalgamation of management and drug use. The course provides additional insights into effective drug development, discovery and research, and effective marketing and finance techniques.
Are there requirements for admission to MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada?
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like medical sciences to be eligible for Pharmaceutical Manager. The other requirements for admission to MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in Canada are as follows.
English proficiency test scores
Minimum grades in an undergraduate degree (at the discretion of each university)
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.