Pharmacists in Manitoba are expanding their scope — from prescribing for common conditions to helping manage complex chronic diseases — easing pressure on the province’s health‑care system. Many Manitobans still don’t realize how much pharmacists can now do, especially as their responsibilities continue to grow across frontline care.
To support that shift, the University of Manitoba’s College of Pharmacy has introduced a new online micro‑certificate designed to build advanced clinical skills for practicing pharmacists. Unlike programs focused on minor ailments, this training prepares pharmacists to manage complex cases, evaluate rapidly changing medical literature and identify clinical red flags before patients end up in overcrowded emergency rooms.
The curriculum emphasizes systematic patient assessment, interpreting lab results and supporting care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression. It also prioritizes medication safety, opioid stewardship and deprescribing — ensuring pharmacists can safely reduce or discontinue medications that may be causing harm.
More information is available through the micro‑certificate program.
