What Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?

As medicine experts, pharmacists are at the heart of healthcare. They work directly with patients, helping them understand their prescriptions and use their medicines effectively. They also offer advice on health issues such as healthy eating, smoking cessation and vaccination. Pharmacists are found in community pharmacies such as Antidote, Life Pharmacy and Unichem; hospital pharmacies; and medical clinics. They are trusted by healthcare professionals to assess medications and prescribe or advise on drug combinations; and they provide accessible, appointment-free services such as vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, asthma care and cholesterol screening.

Pharmacists are uniquely qualified to advise on herbal remedies, supplements and over-the-counter medication. They have knowledge of how different foods, drinks and activities can interact with drugs – so they are the best people to ask for advice on whether your new diet pill will go with your new gym membership, or if a herbal supplement you take for stress is safe when taking your diabetes medications.

Pharmacy is a rapidly evolving profession with an expanding scope of practice. There are now specialized pharmacy practice areas such as hematology/oncology, HIV/AIDS, critical care, emergency and toxicology; and there are exciting innovations in technology (e.g. e-prescription) and in research (e.g. pharmacogenomics).

A career in pharmacy will require a good understanding of the human body and how it reacts to medication, and excellent numeracy and analytical skills. A strong science background is also required, especially chemistry and biology, as well as the ability to think critically and make decisions. During your studies you will need to develop a strong professional network and be able to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues.

You should aim to get as much paid work experience as possible, or volunteer at local hospitals and healthcare settings. This will help you to develop the necessary soft skills for the job, such as working with people, providing medical advice and exercising patience. It will also give you the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a healthcare team and gain a better idea of what it is like to be a pharmacist.

When applying to pharmacy school, it is important to prepare extensively for the PCAT exam, which will be one of the main barriers to entry. Getting a high score will demonstrate that you have the right personality for the profession, and that you are committed to it.

Liverpool John Moores University has a reputation for excellence in pharmacy and pharmacology, with two of its programmes being ranked in the Top 20 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. It offers four postgraduate pharmaceutical programs, including a Joint PharmD/MBA, which may be a great choice if you want to strengthen your business skills alongside your PharmD qualification. The university also has a strong international community and excellent facilities, including the largest simulated hospital in Europe. Its excellent career outcomes include 95% of graduates finding employment or studying further 15 months after graduation.

As medicine experts, pharmacists are at the heart of healthcare. They work directly with patients, helping them understand their prescriptions and use their medicines effectively. They also offer advice on health issues such as healthy eating, smoking cessation and vaccination. Pharmacists are found in community pharmacies such as Antidote, Life Pharmacy and Unichem; hospital pharmacies; and medical clinics. They are trusted by healthcare professionals to assess medications and prescribe or advise on drug combinations; and they provide accessible, appointment-free services such as vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, asthma care and cholesterol screening. Pharmacists are uniquely qualified to advise on herbal remedies, supplements and over-the-counter medication. They have knowledge of how different foods, drinks and activities can interact with drugs – so they are the best people to ask for advice on whether your new diet pill will go with your new gym membership, or if a herbal supplement you take for stress is safe when taking your diabetes medications. Pharmacy is a rapidly evolving profession with an expanding scope of practice. There are now specialized pharmacy practice areas such as hematology/oncology, HIV/AIDS, critical care, emergency and toxicology; and there are exciting innovations in technology (e.g. e-prescription) and in research (e.g. pharmacogenomics). A career in pharmacy will require a good understanding of the human body and how it reacts to medication, and excellent numeracy and analytical skills. A strong science background is also required, especially chemistry and biology, as well as the ability to think critically and make decisions. During your studies you will need to develop a strong professional network and be able to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues. You should aim to get as much paid work experience as possible, or volunteer at local hospitals and healthcare settings. This will help you to develop the necessary soft skills for the job, such as working with people, providing medical advice and exercising patience. It will also give you the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a healthcare team and gain a better idea of what it is like to be a pharmacist. When applying to pharmacy school, it is important to prepare extensively for the PCAT exam, which will be one of the main barriers to entry. Getting a high score will demonstrate that you have the right personality for the profession, and that you are committed to it. Liverpool John Moores University has a reputation for excellence in pharmacy and pharmacology, with two of its programmes being ranked in the Top 20 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. It offers four postgraduate pharmaceutical programs, including a Joint PharmD/MBA, which may be a great choice if you want to strengthen your business skills alongside your PharmD qualification. The university also has a strong international community and excellent facilities, including the largest simulated hospital in Europe. Its excellent career outcomes include 95% of graduates finding employment or studying further 15 months after graduation.