NSIM

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Retail pharmacists are responsible for dispensing and controlling both prescription and non-prescription medicine. They also advise customers on general healthcare. Retail pharmacists must work to legal and ethical guidelines.

Employment as a retail pharmacist involves:

• providing advice about health issues, symptoms and medications in response to customer enquiries

• recruiting, training and managing staff

• processing prescriptions and dispensing medication

• ordering and selling medicines and other stock

• meeting medical representatives

• managing budgets

• keeping statistical and financial records

• preparing publicity materials and displays

• marketing services

Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications and training required

It takes five years to qualify as a pharmacist. This includes a four-year degree course (an MPharm), one year’s work experience in a clinical setting. Relevant experience gained in any retail area involving contact with customers or the general public can be beneficial.

Key skills for retail pharmacists

• Maturity

• Attentiveness

• Responsibility

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Organisational skills

• Verbal communication skills

• Confidence

• Commercial awareness

Typical employers of Retail pharmacists

• Independent pharmacies

• Supermarket pharmacies

• Pharmacy chains