Pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities have not only evolved but also broadened over the years. Traditionally, they have been expected to specialise in drug administration, maintenance, and storage and guide patients on how to use medications. However, pharmacists have bigger shoes to fill. They have become the second most important person for a patient after the doctor.
Many of the tasks that doctors conventionally performed have shifted to pharmacists, including vaccine administration. Since pharmacists stay in direct contact with patients, a high standard of professionalism with empathy and endearment is expected from them. Studying pharmacy in the UK opens up many career options, thanks to the British universities’ high global reputation and deep collaboration with the industry.
Learn more about the different types of pharmacy jobs available below. If you want to study pharmacy in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Different Types of Pharmacists
1. Clinical Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacists and Hospital Pharmacists are often used interchangeably. They are the professionals who collaborate with hospitals, nursing homes, physicians and other health professionals. Their roles vary according to the setting they work in. Clinical Pharmacists can also work as experts in different specialities and can be titled accordingly, for example, paediatric pharmacists, cardiology pharmacists, and oncology pharmacists.
Looking at the specialised nature of clinical pharmacy, institutes have started training students in different areas of expertise.
2. Community Pharmacist
A community pharmacist is in charge of a local drug retail shop or a community centre. They are amongst the most popular types of pharmacist professionals since they are the closest to customers who need over-the-counter medications and other health-related products. They can either represent a community drug store or own family-owned drug stores. Local patients rely on them for vaccinations and basic health tests.
3. Consultant Pharmacist
Consultant pharmacy deals with medication reviews, documentation, and administration. Pharmacists working in this field usually assist healthcare professionals in bettering their workflows. To be a consultant pharmacist, one must have a deeper understanding of drugs and diseases and handle managerial tasks.
4. Technical Pharmacist
These pharmacists handle the technical work, including maintaining drug safety, operations, and customer service. Technical Pharmacists’ duties differ according to their workplaces. If they work in hospitals, they might have to deal with laboratory tasks. In the technologically-transforming world, the scope for such professionals is highly increasing.
5. Sales Representative Pharmacist
With the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, several market giants have emerged, requiring more people to sell their products. Sales representatives generally don’t interact directly with patients but with doctors, physicians, and other health professionals. They arrange appointments with doctors and hospitals, educate them about the company’s products by showing them a pre-prepared presentation, and create a positive working relationship to market the products.
Top UK Universities for Better Employability in Pharmacy
Here is the top five UK universities for pharmacy career prospects according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Lincoln
- Cardiff University
- University of Bath
- Robert Gordon University
Study Pharmacy in the UK
Do you want to become a pharmacist by studying at top UK universities? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today and get your questions about courses, career opportunities, and how to become a pharmacist in the UK answered.
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