Become a Pharmacy Student

Pharmacy is one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare and offers students’ the chance to train as experts in medication and its uses.

As a pharmacy student it is possible to train in different sectors, including community, industrial or hospital pharmacy. There are also opportunities to train as a pharmacy technician or assistant.

In the coming years there will be some amazing developments in science which will lead to the introduction of new medicines. Pharmacists will be involved in this at every step of the process - from development of medicines in the lab to distribution in the community and hospitals.

The answer to this is anywhere! Pharmacist’s are in demand worldwide. Pharmacists are expert health professionals and after five years of study and training you’ll find many doors open to a career that offers flexibility, variety, opportunity, satisfaction and excellent rewards.

What qualifications do I need?

Most pharmacy courses require three science A-levels in chemistry and two other subjects in either biology, mathematics or physics. However, students with chemistry and one other science A-Level may be considered with a third unrelated subject.

In Scotland, students require Highers in Chemistry and English plus two of either mathematics, physics or biology.

To qualify as a pharmacist, you must undertake a four-year accredited Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree course, followed by the successful completion of a year’s pre-registration training within a pharmacy. The final stage is to pass the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain’s registration exam to qualify as a registered pharmacist in England, Scotland and Wales.

As a community pharmacist, your job is about helping the public; assessing medical conditions and deciding which medicines are appropriate. You’ll be involved in dispensing medicines and offering patients practical help and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More and more community pharmacists are taking on clinical roles, traditionally undertaken by doctors, including the management of asthma and diabetes as well as blood pressure testing, helping people give up smoking, alter their diets, or offer advice on sexual health. Some community pharmacists own their own business and enjoy the challenges of financial management, responsibility for staff, stock and premises. Others work for large high street pharmacy chains and have the opportunity to move around within an established company.

Hospital pharmacy

Hospital pharmacists are a vital part of the overall healthcare team and work in either an NHS or private hospital. Like doctors, hospital pharmacists regularly attend ward rounds to advise on medicines and the correct dosage. Other areas of work include the manufacturing of sterile medicines, working in the dispensary and managing the purchase of medicines for the whole hospital. Some pharmacists also specialise as consultants in areas such as haematology, infectious illnesses, cardiology, paediatrics and care of the elderly.

Industrial pharmacy

Industrial pharmacy covers a broad spectrum, but mainly involves the research and development of new medicines and ensuring their safety and the quality of the product. Industrial pharmacy can be extremely rewarding and lead to managerial positions within large pharmaceutical companies. Working in this exciting area of pharmacy means you will be using the latest technologies, processes and methods to develop new medicines. You may also work in quality control as a qualified person (QP) - a role which has a high level of responsibility, making sure your company has the correct ingredients and the right quantities in their medicines.

Other types of pharmacy

• Primary care pharmacists work for NHS organisations in health centres and doctor’s surgeries.

• Academic pharmacists are involved in teaching or research.

• Veterinary pharmacists work with animals, providing support and help to vets or in other areas such as farming or racehorse training.

Does this sound like you?

You’re careful, thorough and responsible. You enjoy maths and science and have good problem-solving skills. You like interacting with all sorts of people and want a rewarding career helping others.

Further information:

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain careers website:

www.pharmacycareers.org.uk Telephone: 0207 572 2330