A Career in Pharmacy

Are you interested in chemistry and its uses in the treatment of illness and disease? You should consider a career as a Pharmacist. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing, preparing and providing advice on the proper use of prescription drugs or over the counter medications.

Pharmacists advise people including health professionals about medicines (both prescription and over the counter medicines), including appropriate selection, dosage and drug interactions, potential side effects and therapeutic effects.
 

What does a Pharmacist do?

There are six major areas of employment for Pharmacists:

Community Pharmacists are involved in dispensing prescriptions, providing advice on drug selection and usage to doctors and other health professionals, and providing education and support to customers on the proper use of medicines.

Hospital Pharmacists operate as part of a health-care team, monitoring medication usage, counselling patients, providing drug information, conducting clinical trials and preparing products for patients use. Most hospital pharmacists will visit wards to work with the medical team and help patients manage their medicines, especially when they go home from hospital.

Industrial Pharmacists are involved in clinical trials, research and the development, manufacture, testing, analysis and marketing of pharmaceutical and medical products. They often have to liaise with government bodies to gain approval of their drugs. They also provide clinical information to health professionals and consumers during the marketing phase of the drug.

Government Pharmacists work in the area of regulation and control of pharmaceutical and medical products, at either the State or Commonwealth level.

Academic Pharmacists are involved in teaching pharmacy to students and qualified pharmacists. They will also undertake research into drug discovery, drug effects and patient’s use of medicines. These pharmacists may also provide education to other health professionals on medication such as general practitioners and nurses.

Accredited Pharmacists work with patients in their homes or aged care residences and hostels. They work closely with patients GP's, review patients medicines and may recommend changes.

Where can Pharmacists work?

Pharmacists are employed in private practices, private and public hospitals, research companies, government departments, the defence force and academic institutions. There are management opportunities also available.

How much do Pharmacists get paid?

Approximately $45,000 - $95,000 per annum plus depending on the number of hours worked, experience and where they work.

 

Can Pharmacists specialise?

The areas of specialisation for pharmacists include community, government, hospital and industrial.  Hospital pharmacists are most likely to work in specialist practice areas eg. Intensive care units, cancer centres or children’s hospitals. They will become experts in medications used in these areas.

What scholarships are available?

There are a variety of scholarships and financial assistance available. For further information, click here 

Further Information

http://www.jobs4careers.com.au/jobs/pharmacy