About the role
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and drugs, patient dosages and how the medicines work. 70% of pharmacists work in the community, 20% within NHS hospitals and the residue in a variety of industry and academic settings. They use their clinical expertise to ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by the public and are commonly seen by the public dispensing prescriptions written by GPs. The four main locations of their work are:
- Community pharmacists who sell and supply medicines. The majority work in retail outlets and some are employed by health centres or surgeries
- NHS primary care trust pharmacists may take the lead in all issues related to medicines’ management and prescribing
- Hospital pharmacists work to ensure that patients get the most appropriate medicines
- Industrial pharmacists are employed by pharmaceutical companies and veterinary product manufacturers.
Employability
The core skills required to become a pharmacist include:
- A numerate and scientific nature
- Good communication abilities
- Attention to detail
- Organisation talents to ensure no mistakes
- Excellent interpersonal skills to discuss issues and concerns of patients
Some commercial skill will be necessary for those working in community settings.
Career Entry
To become a pharmacist in the UK, applicants undertake a four year degree leading to the qualification M.Pharm. Entry requirements for this pharmacy degree are usually three A levels and five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications. The GCSE grades should include English, maths and science. A level subjects should include chemistry and usually one other science subject or maths. After graduating, trainees carry out a one year practice role either in the community or a hospital and if your tutor signs you off and you pass the 3 hour registration examination of the British Pharmaceutical Society (BPS) then you are qualified to practice on your own.
Employers & Salaries
Around 70% of pharmacists work in the community, either running their own pharmacy shop, working for other larger pharmacy chains like Boots or Lloyds or as locums for a variety of clients. Another 20% work within NHS hospitals where they look after the medicine needs of all patients. The final 10% practice in a variety of industry settings or are academic lecturers and tutors.
Pharmacist salaries are typically:
| M.Pharm Pre-registration pharmacists starting a practice year | £21,176 | Band 5 |
| Post registration junior pharmacist / basic grade | £25,472 | Band 6 |
| Specialist pharmacists | £30,460 | Band 7 |
| Pharmacist consultant / Director | £80, 810 | Band 8b-d |
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