If you want to become a pharmacist in the UK it is necessary to complete a four year
degree course, which leads to a Master of Pharmacy Degree.
On obtaining your degree, a one year pre-registration placement must be undertaken
where prospective pharmacists work under the guidance of a fully qualified and registered
pharmacist to gain practical experience of the knowledge they have gained during their degree.
Finally, to be able to register with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
(RPSGB Internal Link to Royal Pharmaceutical society page) a registration exam must be passed.
Once qualified and registered with the RPSGB, pharmacists are required to maintain their
knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is achieved in a variety of
manners such as reading articles, attending workshops, self study courses etc.
All of the above ensure that whenever a customer obtains medicines through a registered
pharmacy they can be confident they are receiving a safe and informed service.
Not only are pharmacists required to have an extensive training period, but their staff
are too. From pharmacy counter assistants to pharmacy technicians, they are all required to
undertake specific levels of training stipulated by the RPSGB. Ensuring safe advice and
information even if you don’t speak to the pharmacist.
All pharmacies have a pharmacy superintendent. He or she will be a qualified pharmacist who
has overall responsibility for the provisions of services and standards of the pharmacies.
For more information on Careers in pharmacy
click here.