What comes to mind when you think of a pharmacist? What does their job involve?

What do Pharmacists do? Pharmacists are experts in medicines and as one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare play a key role in improving the health of the nation, and ensuring patient safety. They work in a number of different settings: –develop new medicines; –supply medicines; –provide advice about medicines; – offer health services. Pharmacists also work in other roles where there may be less direct contact with patients, for example in universities, regulation, government organisations, research, publishing and the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the pros and cons? Cons  Competitive  Long hours in certain sectors and evening/weekend shifts  Physically demanding in certain sectors Pros Job security Flexible working Excellent rewards Transferable skills Variety Opportunities in new roles/settings Opportunities to specialise

Where can I work? Community Pharmacy Hospital Pharmacy Industrial Pharmacy Primary Care Pharmacy Academic Pharmacy Veterinary Pharmacy Military Pharmacists Regulatory Affairs Care Homes Prisons Portfolio Careers

What qualifications do I need? You need basic literacy and numeracy skills GCSEs in English language, mathematics and science. A/S and A-levels (Highers in Scotland) in chemistry and two of biology / mathematics / physics You may also be considered with chemistry and one of biology / mathematics / physics (and one other subject). Approximately one third of students admitted to Schools of Pharmacy have other qualifications.

What training do I need to complete? You must take a four-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree course followed by the successful completion of a year of preregistration training At the end of preregistration training, you must pass the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration exam after which you will be able to register and practise as a pharmacist. –Pharmacists must renew their registration on an annual basis in order to be able to continue to work as a pharmacists. UK School of Pharmacy can be found at:

1)Choose the right subjects 2)Speak to your careers advisor or careers teacher at your school or college 3)Look at the websites of the Schools of Pharmacy 4)Get some work experience 5)Get more advice from pharmacists 6)Visit the NHS Careers website 7)Find out what student life is like What next?

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