Pharmacists are an integral member of the healthcare team and play an essential role in delivering quality patient care. Pharmacists have expert knowledge about how drugs interact with the human body and how they can be used safely for therapeutic purposes. They use this knowledge to advise and counsel patients and other healthcare professionals on the correct use and side effects of prescribed medication. Pharmacists are often the first health professionals contacted for advice on medication and play a major role as healthcare providers and educators to the community. More than ever, pharmacists are contributing to improved health care through their growing scope of services.

Pharmacists are employed in a range of settings including community pharmacies, hospitals, industry, regulatory and research roles. You can expect your skills to be in demand as this course focuses on preparing for working in all aspects of the pharmacy profession. You will be prepared for postgraduate studies in pharmacy-related areas, with an emphasis on both the theoretical and applied aspects of research, health promotion and business directly associated with the pharmacy profession in Australia.

As the most accessible healthcare professional contacted for advice about health, pharmacists frequently play a major role in health education and promotions. Clinical pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals in a patient-care role, evaluate newly released medicines, coordinate clinical trials, or prepare medicines for patients requiring specialised treatments.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council. Following graduation, approximately 12 months of pre-registration training performed under the supervision of a registered pharmacist is required to meet the registration requirements of the Pharmacy Board of Australia. See the Pharmacy Board of Australia registration standards and requirements for more information.

Graduates are eligible for membership with a number of professional associations, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Pharmacy Guild and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.

Possible careers

• Community Pharmacist
• Hospital Pharmacist
• Pharmaceutical Research Scientist