Pharmacy
Medicines are the most common treatment offered to patients and pharmacists and their support staff are vital in ensuring they are used safely. Pharmacists make a difference to the lives of their patients through an expert knowledge of medicines and as such play a vital role in recovery.
Pharmacies can be found in hospital and in the community.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists have expert knowledge of medicines and health and as such play a vital role in recovery.
A pharmacist is a health care professional who works with the wider healthcare team and advises other professionals on the safe and effective use of medicines. They are also responsible for:
- the quality of medicines supplied to patients
- ensuring that the supply of medicines is within the law
- ensuring that the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable
- advising patients about medicines, including how to take them, what reactions may occur and answering patients’ questions.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians prepare and supply medicines for prescriptions, under the supervision of a pharmacist. You may also speak with patients in hospitals or the community, offering them advice on how to best manage their medicines.
Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy assistants help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians order, prepare and dispense medicines.
Entry Requirements
For other Pharmacy professions a BTEC or NVQ level qualification may be required. To become a Pharmacy Assistant there are no set entry requirements and organisations requirements may vary.
The main route into becoming a Pharmacist is by taking a Masters level degree. Healthcare degrees are a hands-on, dynamic way of learning that will give you experience like no other. You are likely to need 2-3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
