How to Become A Pharmacist

Steps to Become a Pharmacist

Step 1: Complete Year 12 with Strong Science Results

Start by building a strong base in secondary school. Focus on chemistry, biology, and maths, as these are core to pharmacy study. A strong ATAR score (typically above 90 in most states) improves your chances of direct entry into a pharmacy program. Check the entry needs at your chosen university, as these can vary by state.

Step 2: Earn an Accredited Pharmacy Degree

Enrol in an accredited pharmacy degree at an Australian university. The most common path is the Bachelor of Pharmacy, which takes four years full-time. If you already hold a health science bachelor, you can complete a two-year Master of Pharmacy instead. All programs must be approved by the Australian Pharmacy Council to count towards registration.

Step 3: Complete a One-Year Supervised Pharmacy Internship

Complete a 12-month supervised internship at a registered pharmacy after graduating. Work under a registered pharmacist in a community or hospital pharmacy. This bridges the gap between study and independent professional practice. Your intern employer must be approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Step 4: Pass the Intern Written Assessment

Pass the Intern Written Assessment (IWA) set by the Australian Pharmacy Council. This test checks your pharmacy knowledge and clinical skill level. Australian-trained pharmacy graduates sit the IWA during their internship year. Passing this test is required before you can apply for general registration.

Step 5: Register with the Pharmacy Board of Australia

Apply for general registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Provide proof of your degree, internship completion, and IWA results. Once registered, you are legally authorised to practise as a pharmacist anywhere in Australia. Registration must be renewed each year.

Step 6: Complete Annual CPD to Maintain Registration

Complete ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) each year to keep your registration current. The Pharmacy Board of Australia requires pharmacists to record and submit CPD activities annually. You can focus on areas such as clinical pharmacy, oncology, or compounding through extra study and formal credential programs. These specialist paths can open doors to hospital, research, or consulting roles.

Career Overview

Around 46,300 pharmacists are employed in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The field is adding around 2,900 new jobs per year. The median weekly full-time earnings are $1,956, or around $102,000 per year. Pharmacists work across local pharmacies, hospitals, aged care, and research. The median age is 38 and 66% of the workforce is female.

A pharmacist’s day is full and varied. They receive and check scripts, review patients’ medicine histories, and confirm doses are safe before dispensing. They prepare and label medicines, advise on drug reactions, and track how patients respond to care. Pharmacists keep prescription records, store vaccines safely, and guide pharmacy technicians and interns. They also teach customers about safe medicine use and disease prevention. Pharmacists are a trusted health resource in every community.

Pharmacists are vital to health care in Australia every day. They dispense medicines, advise health professionals, and help patients manage their health. Their work covers every part of the medicine care process.

• Receiving prescriptions – Checking patients’ medicine histories and confirming correct doses and drug safety before dispensing.
• Preparing medications – Supervising the preparation and labelling of liquid medicines, ointments, powders, and tablets.
• Advising on medications – Providing guidance to prescribers on drug clashes and contraindications.
• Monitoring therapy – Reviewing and checking the effectiveness of individual patients’ medicine therapy.
• Maintaining records – Keeping prescription files and recording the issue of narcotics, poisons, and habit-forming drugs.
• Storing medications – Storing and preserving vaccines, serums, and other drugs that can deteriorate.
• Supplying non-prescription medicines – Dispensing over-the-counter medicines and therapeutic aids to customers.
• Supervising staff – Coordinating the work of pharmacy technicians, interns, and sales assistants.
• Conducting research – Engaging in research to develop and improve pharmaceuticals and related products.
• Collaborating with professionals – Working with chemists, engineers, and other experts on manufacturing methods.
• Testing drugs – Analysing drugs to confirm their identity, purity, and strength.
• Developing standards – Setting standards for drugs used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of drugs and medicines
• Attention to detail in dispensing and records
• Clear communication with patients and health staff
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Empathy and patient care
• Ability to work under pressure
• Planning skills and time management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Research and analytical skills
• Knowledge of legal and ethical standards in pharmacy
• Technical skills for preparing and dispensing medicines
• Ability to educate patients on safe medicine use
• Leadership and staff supervision
• Adaptability to new technologies and clinical practices