How to become a pharmacist
Do you have an interest in medicine? Does working in a range of healthcare settings, like as community pharmacies or inpatient care, excite you? If you’re interested in becoming an integral part of a medical team, you may have a future in pharmacy.
Pharmacists are the medical experts responsible for preparing, checking and dispensing medications to patients. With 80,000 employed and self-employed pharmacists in the UK, this rewarding path could be the foundation for a career in healthcare.
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What do pharmacists do?
As mentioned, pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medicine to patients.
These may be based on prescriptions from physicians or over-the-counter recommendations. Pharmacists make sure that treatments are safe by raising awareness of how medicines should be used and any potential side effects.
Daily routine
As a pharmacist, your daily routine might look something like this:
- Patient consultation: You may have to offer guidance on the proper use of medications, advise on the treatment of minor ailments, and conduct health screenings for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Inventory management: Day-to-day, you may be responsible for ensuring medications are kept in appropriate conditions. Pharmacists typically order, store and manage pharmaceutical stock.
- Collaboration with other healthcare workers: You’ll work closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans.
- Dispensing medications: Primarily, pharmacists provide prescriptions according to the correct dosages.
Due to their indispensable knowledge, pharmacists operate in many environments, including (but not limited to):
- Community pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- GP practices
- Prisons
- Mental health services
- Academia
- Military
- Care homes
- Government departments and agencies
- Veterinary pharmacy
How much do pharmacists get paid?
According to the government, the average salary for a pharmacist in the UK is £37,000 for a starter and £61,000 for those with experience. However, pay can vary based on factors like location and the specific sector of employment.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2024 indicates a median full-time salary of £50,853 for pharmacists, reflecting a 12.3% increase from the previous year.
In the National Health Service (NHS), pharmacists' salaries are structured according to the Agenda for Change pay scales.
Band | Salary range (£) | Role |
6 | £35,392 – £37,350 | Newly qualified pharmacist |
7 | £42,618 – £43,742 | Clinical pharmacist |
8a | £45,996 – £50,056 | Senior pharmacist |
8b | £50,952 – £57,349 | Senior lead pharmacist |
8b | £50,952 – £68,525 | Principal clinical pharmacist |
8c | £58,972 – £68,525 | Consultant pharmacist |
8d | £70,417 – £81,138 | Deputy chief pharmacist |
9 | £83,571 – £114,949 | Chief pharmacist |
For pharmacists employed in the private sector, compensation can differ significantly.
What skills does it take to become a pharmacist?
A career in pharmacy demands a wide skill set: it’s about more than just dispensing medication.
Attention to detail
Pharmacists are responsible for checking prescriptions, measuring doses, and spotting potential issues with medications. One small oversight could lead to serious consequences, so a careful approach is non-negotiable.
Clear communication
You’ll be explaining treatments to patients and working closely with doctors and nurses. Being able to communicate in a clear, professional way is just as important as your scientific knowledge.
Strong scientific understanding
Pharmacists rely on a solid grasp of chemistry, biology and pharmacology to do their job. Understanding how drugs work, how they interact, and how to choose the right option for each patient is at the core of your training.
Problem-solving mindset
You’ll often be one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in your community. Building trust with patients, supporting those who may be unwell or confused, and working with colleagues all depend on good interpersonal skills.
How to become a pharmacist
University
You must, first, complete a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree, which is a full-time course that spans four years.
The programme should be accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) so that your training standards meet those required for professional practice. After earning your MPharm degree, you'll undertake a foundation training year.
During this 12-month course, you’ll undertake practical experience in community pharmacies or hospitals, so that you can apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios (under supervision!)
Following foundation training, you must successfully pass the GPhC's registration assessment.
Entry requirements
- A-Levels: Most institutions require AAB to ABB grades, typically including Chemistry and at least one additional science subject such as Biology, Mathematics, or Physics.
Study with Distance Learning Centre today!
Learning how to become a pharmacist is the first step to success.
If you’ve yet to achieve the correct qualifications for entry into university, why not check out our A-Level courses? Our A-Level Biology course is the perfect chance! With the opportunity for at-home study, you can kick-start your pharmacy career.
