How to Get a Job as a Pharmacist in the UK

Working as a pharmacist in the UK is a rewarding career path that offers a solid salary and plenty of career development opportunities. If you’re considering a career as a pharmacist in the UK, then it helps to know what path you will need to take. This is especially true if you’re an international pharmacist looking to enter the UK for work. So, in this article, we will discuss how to get a job as a pharmacist in the UK.

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals responsible for the safe and efficient distribution of medications. They provide patients with prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine, offer expert advice on drug interactions, and support public health by administering vaccinations and conducting health screenings. In the UK, pharmacists work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and within the pharmaceutical industry. Their roles can vary significantly depending on the setting:

• Community pharmacists interact directly with the public, providing advice and dispensing medications.
• Hospital pharmacists collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to formulate treatment plans and manage patient care.
• Industrial pharmacists are involved in the production, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Pharmacist?

Working as a pharmacist in the UK requires you to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). To do this, you must hold a recognised pharmacy degree, such as a Master’s degree in pharmacy from a university. You will also require at least one year of foundation training before you can register with the GPhC. Once registered, pharmacists must commit to continuous professional development (CPD) to stay up to date with new medications, technologies, and industry practices. CPD is essential to maintaining your GPhC registration and ensuring that you deliver safe and effective care to patients. If you’re an international pharmacist who already holds a pharmacy qualification from abroad, it’s crucial to check whether the GPhC recognises your degree.

If your qualification is accepted, you can proceed with the usual registration process, including foundation training and the registration exam. However, if the GPhC does not recognise your qualifications, there are additional steps you will need to take to register as a pharmacist in the UK. In this case, you have the option to take the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP), a one-year course designed to ensure international pharmacists are up to UK standards.

Working as a Pharmacy Assistant

For overseas pharmacists whose qualifications aren’t recognised and who are not yet ready to pursue the OSPAP route, there is another option: working as a pharmacy assistant. While a pharmacy assistant doesn’t carry the same responsibilities as a registered pharmacist, it is a valuable opportunity to gain experience in the UK healthcare system. Pharmacy assistants do not require GPhC registration, and training is often provided on the job. This role can help you build a strong foundation in pharmacy practice and may be a stepping stone to pursuing further qualifications in the UK.

How Much Do Pharmacists Earn?

Salaries for pharmacists in the UK can vary based on experience, location, and the type of pharmacy practice. On average, full-time band 6 (newly qualified) pharmacists in the UK earn around £37,000 per year. Working as a locum pharmacist in the UK offers plenty of benefits when compared to full-time roles, but one of the most compelling is higher earning potential. A locum might expect to earn anywhere from £25 - £50 per hour depending on the pharmacy assignment and required experience. This can be further enhanced by working during nights, weekends and bank holidays. So, if you’re looking to earn more as a pharmacist in the UK, locuming is an incredibly lucrative option.

Work Visas for Pharmacists in the UK

If you’re not a UK national but want to work in the UK as a pharmacist, then you’ll likely need a visa that allows you to live and work here. For most international pharmacists, the health and care worker visa is the best route to take. This allows medical professionals (including pharmacists) to stay and work in the UK.

There are a few qualifying criteria for this visa, including:

• You have to be a qualified pharmacist with a recognised qualification.
• You must work in an eligible job in health or social care.
• You will need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a prospective employer.
• You must receive a minimum salary based on the role.
• You will require an offer of employment from an employer in the UK that has been approved by the Home Office.
• You should be able to speak, read and write in English to a competent level.

If you aren’t eligible for this type of visa, there are other options available. However, the health and care worker visa is the most popular for a reason - it allows you five years of living and working in the UK before you require an extension. What’s more, this type of visa can be extended as many times as required.

The Benefits of Working as a Locum Pharmacist

Choosing to work as a locum pharmacist in the UK offers lots of benefits, especially when compared to many similar full-time roles. By working as a locum with a reputable agency such as Globe Locums, you can truly get the most out of your locum career. From finding assignments that perfectly suit your career development to finding placements in the best parts of the UK, working with Globe Locums helps you enjoy your time as a locum pharmacist.

Some of the key benefits associated with working as a locum pharmacist in the UK include:

• Flexibility: Locum work allows you to choose when and where you work, providing a great balance between professional and personal life.
• Variety: It offers the chance to work in different settings, which can help broaden your experience and skills. Alternatively, you can decide to focus on certain specialist roles, which can streamline your career development.
• Earning potential: Locum pharmacists often earn higher hourly rates compared to permanent staff, reflecting the flexible nature of the job and the need to fill gaps at short notice.
• Travel opportunities: Locum work gives you the freedom to work anywhere you’d like, whether that’s in the bustling cities of the UK or more rural settings.

Is a Career as a Locum Pharmacist Right for You?

Becoming a pharmacist in the UK is an incredibly rewarding career path that offers excellent job stability, a good salary, and the satisfaction of improving patient health. Whether you aim to work permanently in a hospital or community setting or prefer the flexibility of locum work, the journey to becoming a pharmacist involves a commitment to education and training but promises a fantastic career dedicated to healthcare and medicine.

If you’re interested in working in the UK as a locum pharmacist, then our team at Globe Locums would love to help. Please take a look at our latest vacancies today or get in touch with us if you have any questions.