D. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, and all require the applicant to have completed post-secondary courses such as chemistry, biology and anatomy. “I would be keen to do more national-level research in the future; although I would not want to lose the patient-facing aspect of my work completely.”, Banner predicts: “There may, in the future, be more opportunities for pharmacists to work in senior positions as clinical leaders. The service now offers referrals to community pharmacies for follow up through the new medicine service or via a medicines use review and, in September 2015, it became a winner at the HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards. Most stand-alone Pharm.D. “In some ways, being a consultant pharmacist does not differ from being a non-consultant — there are many pharmacists operating at that same advanced level of practice but just not in a job with this title,” she says. However, do you know how long it will take you to become one? Print Email. A consultant post must incorporate certain elements, such as expert clinical practice, education and training, audit and research, and it needs to consider issues that may be outside of the post-holder’s immediate place of practice but relevant to the wider profession.”, Tim Banner, consultant pharmacist for community healthcare across Wales, says: “Clinically you are at the forefront of the profession and provide leadership to drive the profession forward.” He adds: “In my role, I am required to provide advice to the Welsh government and make sure a pharmacy voice is heard at the highest level.”. Pharmacy is a professional course, so which means Pharmacist salary will a good one. Nina Barnett, consultant pharmacist for care of older people, based at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, was one of the first consultant pharmacists to be appointed in the UK. To get into pharmacy school, you must first pass the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test), which is administered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. She also believes a consultant should have, or be working towards, a higher-level degree, such as a PhD. Her path to the post started in 1987 when she had been a pharmacist for only a few weeks. While, like Murphy, she moved away from management to spend more time with patients, she does not regret her time as a deputy chief. Becoming a pharmacist certainly isn't an overnight pursuit and takes years of study, but it's a high-demand position with good job security. Well as you should know, it's an end-point of the hospital pharmacy route. For commenting, please login or register as a user and agree to our Community Guidelines. A pharmacist must have a specialized doctorate, called a doctor of pharmacy, or Pharm. “It is crucial to learn how to work with people in different organisations who do not necessarily ‘speak the pharmacy language’ — such as care workers and government agencies.”. “It does mean you have to develop your influencing skills.”, While Ridge may have aspirations for an explosion in consultant pharmacist numbers, Murphy believes the immediate issue is to protect the posts that exist currently. Now, England’s chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge has called for a ten-fold increase in the number of consultant pharmacist posts — there are currently 68. Caroline Parker has worked in mental health for around 15 years and has been consultant pharmacist for adult mental health at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust since 2008. 0. reply. How Long Does it Take to Get an LPN Degree?→, Prerequisite to Becoming a Dental Hygenist→. To become a pharmacist, you'll need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from a school or college of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Although some programs offer a three-year option, most Pharm.D. The amount of continuing education is set by each state board of pharmacy, but generally includes 12 to 15 hours per year. “In other ways, though, it does differ. She says her role exists to “decrease the incidence of stroke across Wessex by improving the prescribing of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation”. In 2016, 312,500 people were employed in the U.S. as pharmacists. Also what is the average pay for pharmacy consultants? Expect that it will take 6 months to a year (maybe longer) to potentially get your first opportunity. 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To become a pharmacist, you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm D), which is offered by just 135 colleges and universities. It is not just about delivering expert care to your own patients but also helping others to develop the care they deliver to theirs.”, Anna Murphy, consultant respiratory pharmacist for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, has been in her role since 2001 — although it was only ratified as a consultant post in 2007. Pharmacists Salary. Banner says: “You need to be approachable and have the ability to foster relationships and gain people’s trust quickly.” He adds: “You also need to have confidence in what you are doing and in your skills as a pharmacist.” His role is strategic — developing pharmacists’ roles across primary and secondary care to improve the service patients receive with regards to medicines, and to facilitate other pharmacists to do the same. Or advanced research jobs must also take the test after two years pre-professional. 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