pharmacist

[miss sixty]

what qualifications do you have to get to become a pharmacist and what universities do these courses?

[AllYourBase]

To be a pharmacist you must possess a degree in pharmacy (4yrs) and complete a year of pre-registration (on the job) training (followed by another exam).

Universities that offer the degree are numerous. The best (IMHO) being Nottingham, Aston, Cardiff, Manchester and London. Many 'new' unversities also offer the course, such as Sunderland, De montfort and Liverpool John Moores. Entrance requirements vary, with some requiring interviews and grades, others just certain A level grades or equvalent.

As a qualified pharmacist, work is plentiful in all three fields (community, hospital and industry) and the financial rewards are fairly good. Job security is very good too, although many choose to chop and change their roles every year or so, beacuse they can. This does tend to lead to a more negative impression of the profession though and reduced job satisfaction.

In my opinion (as a pharmacist of several years) the work is very interesting and rewarding, with never a dull or repetative day. I would always recommend it as a good, safe, interesting career with many different options open within.

The downside is that it is genuinely challenging work. There is also a tendancy for the public to be impatient and impolite ( but that's the same for many jobs in the NHS - which is a scandal)

The responsibilites of the pharmacist in the community are undergoing a major change this year as part of the changing NHS. Only time will tell how it affects pharmacists themselves but it shold lead to improvements in the way the NHS operates. Reward will be greatest for those providing the most services of highest quality.

For more information, contact one of the university tutors, any of the big retail companies (Boots, Moss, Lloyds), the RPSGB website or the NPA. Most local chesmits would also I am sure gladly speak to you if asked and answer any specific questions.

[Hgrove]

I don't know if this appeals to you, but someone I know is doing a course with Asda to become a "dispenser", which I gather is a similar, but less highly qualified than a regular pharmacist; she told me her course is equivalent to half a degree.  She is happy with the course and finds Asda a family friendly employer.