An Overview of Pharmacists

At MedicsPro, we specialize in connecting qualified pharmacists with both locum and permanent roles across various countries and healthcare settings. As a clinician-led recruitment agency, we understand the unique pressures of clinical work and the importance of finding excellent job opportunities. We offer:

• Access to numerous exclusive pharmacy jobs
• Opportunities in both NHS and private healthcare sectors
• Positions in the UK and Ireland
• A dedicated compliance officer
• A market-leading refer-a-friend scheme
• Weekly payroll
• Expert consultative service

We provide a diverse range of locum and permanent pharmacy positions, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as renal, palliative, and pediatric pharmacy.

What is a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are specialists in medications, responsible for ensuring prescribed drugs are appropriate for individual patients, advising on proper usage, and providing guidance to other healthcare professionals on safe and effective medicine use.

In a hospital setting, pharmacists may remain in the pharmacy to check prescriptions and dispense medications. They might also work on wards to review drug interactions, dosages, and medication histories to ensure continuity of care. They prepare discharge medications and create "TTOs" (medications to take out) to ensure patients have the necessary medications until their prescriptions are taken over by their GP.

In the community, pharmacists sell over-the-counter medications and provide health information, including advice on sexual health and travel vaccinations. They may also offer services like smoking cessation support, cholesterol management, and blood pressure monitoring.

Pharmacists have many opportunities for professional development, including roles in teaching, research, and specialized areas.

Pharmacy Qualifications

To become a pharmacist, one must complete a degree in Pharmacy, combining theoretical learning with practical placements. In the UK, pharmacists must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Effective communication and the ability to manage complex medical interactions are essential skills for pharmacists, as they often work closely with patients, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Pharmacy Job Salary Range

Entry-level pharmacists typically earn around £25,000 per annum, with potential to increase to over £38,000 with experience. Consultant pharmacists can earn upwards of £60,000. Locum pharmacists often earn a higher hourly rate, ranging from £19 to £40, with additional pay for unsocial hours such as nights, weekends, or bank holidays. This can significantly increase earnings while allowing for flexible working hours.

What Does a Locum Pharmacist Do?

Locum pharmacists perform many of the same duties as staffed pharmacists, including dispensing medications, reviewing drug interactions, and managing medication supplies. Unlike permanent staff, locums must quickly adapt to new environments and build relationships swiftly.

The flexibility of locum work allows pharmacists to choose their work locations and hours, often leading to higher wages and opportunities to gain diverse experience in different specialties.

Pharmacy Jobs

MedicsPro offers a wide range of locum and permanent pharmacy positions, including:

• Hospital Pharmacist
• Prison Pharmacist
• Outpatient Dispensing
• Community Pharmacy
• Specialist Pharmacist in Renal, Pediatrics, or Oncology
• Pharmaceutical Production
• Teaching and Research

Key Benefits:

• Expert advice
• Numerous job opportunities across the UK & Ireland
• Dedicated Consultant and Compliance Officer
• Competitive referral scheme

With high demand for pharmacy skills globally, there has never been a better time to explore new opportunities.