How to become a pharmacist

Pharmacists are medication experts. They deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical care, working to optimise medication regimens, identify medication-related issues and enhance patient outcomes.

Pharmacists collaborate with healthcare professionals and form an essential part of healthcare teams. They personalise medication plans and operate in diverse environments, including community pharmacies, hospitals, aged care and clinics. They offer medication-related services that help doctors to manage conditions like chronic illnesses, acute infections and mental health concerns.

As the role of pharmacists evolves, the demand for skilled pharmacists in Australia continues to grow. This article offers valuable insights into the educational journey, registration requirements and practical experience required to excel in the field of pharmacy.

What is a pharmacist and what does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists are medication experts and engage in both direct clinical (patient-facing) and non-clinical (non-patient facing) roles.

Non-clinical roles include research and development, academia, working with pharmaceutical industries and guiding government policy and regulations.

As part of their clinical role, they facilitate the safe provision of prescription medications and educate patients on medication usage, including dosage instructions and potential side effects. They address concerns related to proper medication administration, potential adverse drug reactions, dose adjustments and the availability of over-the-counter products.

Pharmacists also work closely with other health professionals including doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals to provide holistic patient care, including therapeutic drug monitoring, identifying medication-related issues, patient education and vaccination advice.

Pharmacists are committed to continuing professional development. This involves improving and broadening their knowledge, expertise and competence alongside developing the personal and professional qualities required to succeed in the role. This ensures they consistently provide accurate and relevant information to their patients.

Pharmacist roles and responsibilities

These are the main roles and responsibilities of a pharmacist. They: 

• ensure the safe and accurate dispensing of prescribed medications, providing patients with clear instructions on administration and potential side effects
• offer crucial insights into potential drug interactions and adverse effects to avoid medication-related issues
• deliver personalised medication counselling, addressing patient concerns and optimising their understanding of prescribed medications
• collaborate with healthcare professionals to evaluate medication therapy plans, making necessary adjustments to achieve optimal patient outcomes
• manage medication therapy for chronic conditions, ensuring patients receive and use the appropriate medications safely and effectively
• ensure the safe and effective use of medications for older patients in aged care
• engage in health promotion by advising patients on lifestyle modifications and preventive measures
• can undertake medication reviews and provide recommendations to ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of medication management plans if they are credentialed pharmacists
• stay informed about the latest pharmaceutical developments, advancements and regulatory changes through continuous education
• advocate for patient safety, promoting rational medication use and reducing medication errors

How much does a pharmacist earn in Australia?

The annual pharmacist salary in Australia typically ranges from $80,000 to $100,000, depending on factors like experience, location and type of pharmacy. Pharmacists who manage their own pharmacies or work in specialised fields may have the potential for higher incomes based on their expertise and business success.

Pharmacists are consistently in demand, with approximately 298 million prescriptions dispensed in Australia each year, illustrating the essential nature of the profession. Job growth in pharmacy is projected to be around 9% over the next five years as the healthcare landscape evolves and the population continues to age.

According to the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia, hospital pharmacists are increasingly involved in prescribing decisions and monitoring patient outcomes, alleviating pressure on medical and nursing staff. This expanded scope is likely to reduce hospitalisations by improving access to community-based care.

Pharmacists in Australia have diverse career paths to explore. Beyond traditional community and hospital pharmacies, opportunities exist in sectors like clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, research, academia and government agencies. Pharmacists also contribute to public health initiatives, medication reviews and community education, fostering their role as integral members of the healthcare team.

In addition to financial rewards, being a pharmacist offers the satisfaction of making meaningful contributions to patient health, ensuring safe and effective medication use and becoming a trusted health resource in the local community.

Four steps to becoming a pharmacist in Australia

The journey to becoming a pharmacist takes approximately five years. Follow these four steps to embark on this path.

1. Evaluate your suitability for a career in pharmacy
   
   Essential skills for a pharmacist include attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, effective communication, empathy, problem-solving and teamwork. Reflect on your aptitude for these skills and your commitment to the demands of the profession.
    
2. Pursue the required education
   
   Begin your journey by gaining a relevant qualification like Bachelor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). This typically involves four years of full-time study. Completing Year 12 and achieving an appropriate ATAR is a prerequisite for gaining entry to these degrees.
   
   Alternatively, if you already hold a relevant undergraduate degree, you may be eligible to complete a graduate-entry Master of Pharmacy, which typically involves two years of full-time study. Pharmacy students must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
   
   After completing the degree, you can apply for provisional registration as a pharmacy intern with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and then undertake an internship and supervised practice. During your internship, you’ll complete an Intern Training Program accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council, after which you will sit for a written and oral registration exam.
    
3. Obtain general registration
   
   Following successful completion of approved supervised practice, the Intern Training Program and passing a written and oral exam, you are eligible to apply for general registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
    
4. Explore employment opportunities
   
   With your registration secured, you can pursue job openings within community pharmacies, hospitals, aged care and other healthcare settings. Networking with fellow pharmacists and participating in professional gatherings can also guide you toward promising career prospects.
   
   Additional training will be required to become a pharmacist immuniser or to undertake medication reviews.
   
   Vivienne Mak is a Registered Pharmacist in Australia. She shares that pharmacy is a rewarding career that has a crucial impact in healthcare.
   
   "As a pharmacist, you're entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring safe and quality use of medicines for patients, a role that is very meaningful as it contributes to improving patient outcomes. The pharmacy profession is versatile and continually evolving, offering a wide array of career pathways, from clinical and non-clinical roles. It's a dynamic profession that allows you to make a lasting impact on healthcare while also providing a secure and promising future."

A career in pharmacy

Embarking on a journey as a pharmacist offers remarkable prospects for personal and professional growth. Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare, advocating for wellbeing across communities. They are essential in providing comprehensive medication-related care to patients.

By aligning your career aspirations, pursuing a comprehensive education in pharmacy, gaining practical experience and actively exploring pharmacist job opportunities, you can set out on a fulfilling path as a pharmacist. This will allow you to significantly contribute to the health and overall wellbeing of Australians.

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