Pharmacist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

To become a pharmacist, you'll need to complete a master's of pharmacy (MPharm) degree, approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council which takes 4 years.

You'll then need to complete the pharmacist foundation training scheme which takes 1 year.

If you do not have the qualifications to get onto a master's of pharmacy degree, you could do a pharmacy foundation degree which takes 2 years.

You could then take a job as a pharmacy assistant or pharmacy technician and apply to join the master's degree in its second year.

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of biology
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Pharmacists give advice on the use and supply of medicines and medical appliances.

As a pharmacist you could:

• dispense medicines in a pharmacy, hospital or GP practice
• give advice about prescriptions, drug dosages, risks and how to use and store medication
• run screening programmes and buy, test and distribute medicines in a hospital
• manage stock and supervise and train staff like junior pharmacists
• do research into new medicines or run clinical trials

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a GP practice, at a university, at a store or at a research facility.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £69,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• progress to team manager, regional or national manager or become a pharmacy consultant
• work in a GP practice, health centre or set up your own community pharmacy business
• work as a pharmacist in the Royal Air Force , Royal Navy or Army
• move into teaching, scientific journalism or publishing
• do a postgraduate qualification in a subject like toxicology or pharmacology and move into research

You can find more information about developing your career in pharmacy from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.