Pharmacy careers

If you are interested in science and how medicines help patients manage their condition, then a pharmacy career could be for you.

Pharmacists play a vital role in all areas of the NHS as key members of the health professional team. Their knowledge of medicines and the effect they have on the human body is critical for the successful management of every type of medical condition. Rapid advances in technology mean this is now one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding areas of the NHS.

They advise doctors, nurses and patients on how to achieve the best results and make cost effective use of medicines available. They help evaluate new medicines and supervise staff involved in handling medicines.

More and more, pharmacists are helping diagnose patient conditions and put interventions in place to treat them. As the first point of contact for many patients, they are also at the front-line of public health and talk to patients about how they can prevent illness and disease, such as advice on stopping smoking.

Pharmacists tend to either work in the community or in a hospital. They are supported by pharmacy technicians and assistants.