Clinical Pharmacists

If you're keen to help others, enjoy science, and want a career in healthcare, pharmacy could be just right for you! 

Clinical pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to improve value and outcomes from medicines and consult with and treat patients directly. This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medicines and better access to health checks. The role is pivotal to improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

Having clinical pharmacists in GP practices means that GPs can focus their skills where they are most needed, for example on diagnosing and treating patients with more complex conditions. This helps GPs to manage the demands on their time.

Much more than just pills and potions!

Entry requirements:          

Often Clinical Pharmacists will already have be a Doctor of Pharmacy (Mpharm) – a four year course, if they do not prescribe already then they can complete an independent prescribing qualification following completion of the 18-month Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) pathway. This pathway includes 28 dedicated study days, no placements are required as the clinical pharmacist will be employed within primary care whilst completing the PCPEP.

Entry requirements for Mpharm vary between universities. However, as a guide, you might be expected to have A-B grade A-levels in chemistry and two further A-levels in other sciences or maths.

After university, to become a fully qualified pharmacist you’ll need to work for a 1-year pre-registration period under supervision in a community setting and pass a registration exam (General Pharmaceutical Council.)

Career progression -

Many Pharmacists undertake further training to gain additional qualifications (e.g. Independent Prescriber module/ Advanced Clinical Practitioner Masters course.) There may be opportunities to take on education roles (e.g. secondment to university Pharmacy programmes/ Training Hub ambassador programmes) and some Pharmacists may become partners in their practice. 

What are the benefits of training in general practice?

The opportunity to develop a broader skillset, work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and receive the support of a wide range of practitioners. You will also have access to an e-Portfolio to support your learning.

• Training in more than one sector allows you to develop a broader range of knowledge and skills through the different experiences offered in each sector.
• The training is designed to prepare you for the registration assessment but also to develop the core skills required of pharmacists both now and in the future.
• Develop and practice clinical and physical assessment techniques and gain strong consultation skills.
• Experience the management of both acute and chronic conditions and see first-hand the role pharmacists have in delivering healthcare in general practice