University of Tasmania, Australia

Pharmacists are medication experts. They are also one of Australia’s most trusted professions. After completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy there are several career paths that a pharmacist can venture into. The most common areas include:

Community Pharmacist

The community pharmacist is the public face of the profession and is often the first point of contact in the healthcare system. A community pharmacist works at your local pharmacy. You would have often come across them if you have needed to see a pharmacist about a health issue or to collect a medicine that has been prescribed to you by your doctor.

Many community pharmacists own and operate their own pharmacy, so they are not only pharmacists but business owners and entrepreneurs. Pharmacists supply medications and advise people on how to use them safely and in a way that maximises their health. It is often a complex puzzle of information that a pharmacist must piece together to advise a patient on how to be as healthy as they can.

Hospital Pharmacist

Pharmacists are also employed in hospitals. Similarly to community pharmacists they supply and review medications.  However hospital pharmacists work closely with doctors, nurses and other health professionals in working out the best way to manage a patient’s health. Many hospital pharmacists specialise in specific areas such as oncology (cancer) or paediatrics (children).

Industrial Pharmacist

Pharmacy graduates are well suited for employment in the pharmaceutical industry. Industrial pharmacists can take part in all stages of the medication development process, from research and development to production, sales and marketing. As an industrial pharmacist you can be involved in the development and testing of new drugs and help combat major diseases such as HIV or cancer.

Travelling as a Pharmacist

As a locum pharmacist you can travel Australia and work in a range of locations helping out in lots of different pharmacies on a short term basis. You could find yourself moving from Sydney to Surfers, or Canberra to Kununurra, working in big cities or small towns. There are also many opportunities overseas for pharmacy graduates that can range from full time employment to aid work or more temporary locum positions. Many enjoy the flexible lifestyle of being a locum and because Australian pharmacists are highly trained their skills are in great demand in many parts of the world.

A Career in Research

Upon completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy many people choose to continue to study and start to develop a career in research. Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates may pursue a research-based higher degree or may seek employment in full time research work at a university or pharmaceutical company. Graduates with relevant research experience are often sought after for employment in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry.