What NHS career would suit you?

Pharmacist

THE WORKING DAY

Pharmacists are experts in drugs and medicine and manage hospital or community pharmacies.

You use your knowledge of medicines and health to make a positive difference to people’s lives and wellbeing. You’ll provide care in a range of settings, often at the heart of local communities. You’ll also have a role in preventing people from getting sick by helping them live healthier lifestyles and making sure they get the most from their medicines.

You’ll also work daily with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists, using scientific evidence to deliver care in your local community.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

You need to be able to communicate with people at all levels, have excellent attention to detail and hand-to-eye coordination, along with the capacity to work well on your own and as part of a team. However, the main thing is a love of science. If you can combine a love of this subject with a desire to improve lives, you’ll be rewarded with a stimulating career across a range of settings and industries.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There are no set university entry requirements but generally you’ll need:

  • three A-levels or equivalent in chemistry and a second science or maths, typically offers range from AAB to BBB
  • pharmacy degrees with a foundation year may have lower grade requirements
  • GCSEs are considered alongside A-levels, with most schools of pharmacy expecting a minimum of five GCSEs including maths, English language and one science
  • some universities accept vocational qualifications such as BTEC Level 3, National Extended Diploma in Applied Sciences or the Access to HE Diploma

You can find all UK courses running pharmacy courses at the bottom of this page.

To find out more about studying pharmacy go to Pharmacy Schools Council website and for advice about the application process visit Studying Healthcare website. 

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An interactive resource to help you find your career with us in the local NHS.

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