What are the Career Paths, Training and Salaries for Pharmacists?
Pharmacy can offer a compelling career choice for those who have an interest in medical fields. Pharmacists have a key clinical role as experts in medicines, supporting the treatment of patients, typically in a community or hospital setting. So, what training is involved? How do you make for a rewarding career? What will you earn? To help answer these and other questions, we spoke to Superintendent Pharmacist, Jody Butler, about his successful career path, and examine the earning potential and salaries on offer.
Introduction
Pharmacists train for a minimum of 5 years in the UK, (6 in the US), to become qualified medical professionals, with entry to university requiring top grades. Many healthcare systems have acknowledged that their considerable knowledge and training has been an underused resource. As a result, pharmacists roles have evolved significantly in the past decades, beyond checking and dispensing prescriptions. Pharmacists can prescribe medications after completing further training — a move towards easing pressure on family doctors. Additionally, they administer vaccinations, review patients’ medication regimens and run patient clinics for specialised disease areas.
In the following articles, we get first-hand insights and advice on the profession, coupled with essential salary and training information for anyone considering a career in the sector.
Forging a successful career path as a pharmacist: Interview with Jody Butler
Pharmacists train as experts in medicines, playing a pivotal role in healthcare and the support of patients. In this article we talk to Jody Butler, Superintendent Pharmacist, whose career to date has spanned working in a doctor’s practice, multinational chain and the independent sector. He describes his day-to-day role and diverse experiences in the UK, with candid advice to those embarking upon a career in pharmacy.
How Much Does a Pharmacist Earn?
When it comes to choosing a career, there are a number of factors to consider: personal interests, working hours, terms and conditions of employment. However, money remains a key motivating factor. In this article, we examine the earning potential for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a Pharmacist. Furthermore, we examine the training process and what can one expect.
Summary
Working as a pharmacist can be an ideal career for those wanting to work in a medical field. Key attributes include attention to detail, being scientifically-minded and excellent communication skills in a public setting. The role has expanded considerably beyond checking and dispensing prescriptions, and with competition for jobs increasing significantly in the sector — diversifying your skills and experiences is essential. Becoming a fully qualified pharmacist involves a long time commitment due to the required undergraduate degree and pre-registration period, with ongoing study often required. However, it does have the potential to be a highly lucrative career path for senior and experienced pharmacists that invest in further training.