Pharmacist

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Hospital Pharmacist
Industrial Pharmacist
Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Pharmacy Technician

 

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Retail Pharmacists supply and make medications and other prescription drugs in hospitals and pharmacies. They prepare and supervise the dispensing of a range of medications, ointments, tablets and other medicinal products, as well as advising both patients and physicians on their appropriate use. They also FutureGrowthModerate conduct research on the manufacture, production, storage and distribution of medicines and drugs. Pharmacists have the opportunity to work across the state, from our cities and towns to more remote areas.

Retail Pharmacists supply, dispense and manufacture medicines and pharmaceutical products in hospitals and community pharmacies, and advise on their appropriate use. They also conduct research into the formulation, production, storage, quality control and distribution of medicines and pharmaceutical products.

ANZSCO description: 251513: Retail Pharmacists supply and make medications and other prescription drugs in hospitals and pharmacies.

Alternative names: Chemist, Retail Pharmacist,

Specialisations: Industrial Pharmacist; Hospital Pharmacist; and...

  • Community or Retail Pharmacist: A community pharmacist is involved in dispensing prescriptions,Giving advice providing advice on drug selection and usage to doctors and other health professionals, providing primary healthcare advice and support, and educating customers on health promotion, disease prevention and the proper use of medicines. They usually have a high level of contact with the public.
      
  • Consultant Pharmacist: A consultant pharmacist is employed by community pharmacies or hospitals, or self-employed and contracted by community pharmacies, to provide medication reviews for residential care or ambulatory care patients and/or other medication-related cognitive services.
       
  • Government Pharmacist: A government pharmacist is involved with the regulatory control of pharmaceutical and medical products at state, territory or federal level.


Knowledge, skills and attributes

A pharmacist needs:

  • a desire to help people
  • communication skills
  • logic and problem-solving skills
  • an interest in biology, physiology and pharmacology
  • the ability to lead and train others
  • discretion and maturity when discussing personal health issues


Duties and Tasks

Pharmacists may perform the following tasks:

  • prepare or supervise the dispensing of medicines, ointments and tablets
  • advise patients on how their medicines are to be taken or used in the safest and most effective way in the treatment of common ailments
  • advise members of the public and other health professionals about medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter medicines), including appropriate election, dosage and drug interactions, potential side effects and therapeutic effects
  • select, advise on and supply non-prescription medicine, sick room supplies and other products
  • develop legally recognised standards, and advise on government controls and regulations concerning the manufacture and supply of medicines
  • work in the research and development of medicines and other health-related products
    manage pharmaceutical companies.

Retail Pharmacist
(Source: Your Career)

Working conditions

Pharmacists may work in community pharmacies, chemists, aged care facilities, hospitals and other medical establishments. They may also visit patients in their homes. Part of their time may be spent researching and testing pharmaceutical products, however most pharmacists make up prescriptions and consult with patients and other health care professionals.

Tools and technologies

Pharmacists often use laboratory equipment and more traditional means for combining medicines such as a mortar and pestle and measuring equipment. They also work with a range of pharmaceutical and medicinal drugs in liquid, capsule and tablet form, as well as other treatments like ointments, balms and lotions. They often use computers, and usually wear sterile clothing including gloves and gowns.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a pharmacist you usually have to complete a four year Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at university.

​To work as a pharmacist in Australia, you must be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Did You Know?

Australia’s system of community pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are recognised as world leading.

There are 5,700 community pharmacies in Australia.

The average Australian visits a pharmacy 14 times a year.

Annually there are about 350 million individual patient visits to pharmacies.

Pharmacists are one of the most trusted professions along with nurses and doctors. Public opinion surveys have shown that 95% of patients are satisfied with their community pharmacy.

Pharmacies dispense more than 300 million prescriptions a year.

99 per cent of dispensed PBS prescriptions are now claimed electronically online.

Community pharmacies employ about 60,000 staff across Australia – nearly 80 per cent are women. Two thirds of Australia’s 30,000 registered pharmacists work in community pharmacies

There are at least 230,000 hospitalisations a year attributable to medication-related issues, costing $1.2 billion a year. Medicines adherence is an important role for community pharmacists.

(Source: Pharmacy Guild of Australia)

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Pet Groomer

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Makeup Artist

Visual Merchandiser

Screen Printer

Signwriter

Kennel Cattery Operator

Vending Machine Servicer

Croupier

Weight Loss Consultant

Antique Dealer

Butcher

Jeweller

Waiter

Florist

Hairdresser

Salesperson

Baker

Chef

Greengrocer

Home Entertainment Store Attendant

Beautician

Newsagent

Pharmacist

Locksmith

Retail Manager

Funeral Director

Pastrycook

Entrepreneur

Barista

Tattoo Artist

Auctioneer

Events Coordinator

Restaurant Manager

Wedding Coordinator

Hotel Motel Manager

Drycleaner

Pet Groomer

Picture Framer

Makeup Artist

Visual Merchandiser

Screen Printer

Signwriter

Kennel Cattery Operator

Vending Machine Servicer

Croupier

Weight Loss Consultant

Antique Dealer