Comparison
The pharmacy staffing agency alternative, with no agency fees
Pharmacy staffing agencies add fees to every shift and often impose a non-solicitation clause. PharmaBase isn't an agency: the platform puts your pharmacy in direct contact with replacement pharmacists, for one fixed annual subscription.
- $0 in agency fees
- No non-solicitation clause
- You choose the pharmacist
- One fixed annual subscription
How a pharmacy staffing agency works
The agency recruits pharmacists, assigns them to the pharmacies that need them and charges a fee for every replacement. Negotiation goes through the agency, and the contract often includes a non-solicitation clause that stops the pharmacy from hiring the pharmacist directly, or sets a penalty if it does.
What changes with PharmaBase
- Fixed cost: one annual subscription per pharmacy, with no per-shift fees.
- Choice: you see the applicants and choose your pharmacist.
- Direct negotiation: rate, per diem, travel and housing are set between you.
- Freedom to hire: you can hire the pharmacist permanently, with no penalty.
- For pharmacists: free sign-up and no commission on their shifts.
Agency fees and non-solicitation clauses: check before you sign
Before signing with a pharmacist staffing agency, check the fee per hour or per shift, how long the non-solicitation clause lasts and the penalty for hiring. With PharmaBase, there are no agency fees and no non-solicitation clause.
Is PharmaBase an agency?
No. PharmaBase is a technology platform: it is neither a placement agency nor an employer. The pharmacy and the pharmacist make their agreement directly.
Side by side
The same shift, two very different models
What changes when the pharmacy and the professional talk to each other directly.
| Side by side | PharmaBase | Staffing agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to the pharmacy | PharmaBaseOne fixed subscription, no hidden fees | Staffing agencyAgency fees on every shift |
| Non-solicitation clause | PharmaBaseNone | Staffing agencyCommon |
| Negotiation | PharmaBaseDirect, with no middleman | Staffing agencyThrough the agency |
| Choice of professional | PharmaBaseYou choose from the applicants | Staffing agencyAssigned by the agency |
| Cost to the professional | PharmaBaseFree sign-up | Staffing agencyVaries by agency |
The agency column describes the common market model, not any single provider.
FAQ
Pharmacy staffing agency
What is the difference between PharmaBase and a staffing agency?
An agency assigns a pharmacist and charges a fee for every replacement, often with a non-solicitation clause. With PharmaBase, you choose the pharmacist, negotiate directly and pay one fixed annual subscription, with no non-solicitation clause.
Can a staffing agency stop me from hiring a pharmacist?
Many agency contracts include a non-solicitation clause that limits or penalizes direct hiring. Read yours carefully. PharmaBase has no non-solicitation clause.
How much are agency fees?
They vary from one agency to another and are generally added to every shift. Ask for the details in writing. With PharmaBase, the pharmacy pays one fixed annual subscription, however many replacements it needs.
Can I use PharmaBase and an agency at the same time?
Yes. Nothing stops you from posting your contracts on PharmaBase while also using an agency.
Related guides
Free for professionals
Find your next replacement
Download PharmaBase and connect directly with pharmacies and pharmacists across Quebec.