Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Rachel Berry, Pharmacist
Rachel Berry is working as a Pharmacist in University Hospital Galway. She studied for her A Levels in Banbridge Academy Northern Ireland and took her Pharmacy degree in Queens University Belfast. Initially she worked in retail but moved to a job as a dispensary/rotational C Grade pharmacist in a hospital in the NHS, for the next couple of years. Deciding that her career needed some direction and focus she applied to work for the HSE as a Basic Grade pharmacist and to start a Masters in Clinical Pharmacy.
Videos on the Web
- Pharmacist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working Life
Pharmacy is an applied science concerned with the chemistry and action of drugs, and their preparation and production for use in medicine. Central to pharmacy work is the science of 'formulation'. This is the process whereby a drug is combined with another substance, such as ointment, tablet, injection or liquid, for its use as a medicine. The formulation and dispensing of medicines require detailed understanding of the action of drugs and medicines on the body.
There are three main areas of work for Pharmacists:
1. Hospital Pharmacist
Hospital pharmacists are responsible for the ordering, quality testing, storing and security of drugs and medicines in hospitals. They must also ensure an adequate supply of medicine and that it is secure and accounted for. Hospital Pharmacists work closely with doctors and nursing staff to make sure that patients receive the best treatment. This includes discussing appropriate medicines, or safe combinations of drugs in a course of treatment.
In most hospitals, pharmacists have direct contact with patients on the ward, advising them how to take medicines and of any possible side effects. They also make sure that patients have enough information about their medicine to be able to safely take it when they have returned home. Pharmacists use computers widely. They help with day-to-day work, such as storing information, stock control and drug monitoring.
Pharmacists may also use the Internet and worldwide databases when answering drug queries from hospital staff and from patients. Pharmacists supervise the work of pharmacy technicians. Technicians prepare medicines according to a prescription, and dispense them to patients or to the hospital staff who treat patients.
2. Retail or Community Pharmacist
Community pharmacists supply prescribed and over-the-counter medicines to the general public in a retail pharmacy (such as a local chemist). They may give advice to customers on the safe use of medicines and their possible side effects.
They also advice on the treatment of minor ailments, such as colds or sore throats, and sometimes refer cases to the doctor. Most medicines are supplied ready-made by the manufacturer. However, some may need to be made up in the pharmacy, for example, when a particular strength dosage is wanted, or for very small quantities of potentially dangerous substances.
In most cases, pharmacy technicians (often known as dispensing technicians) carry out the routine work. The pharmacist checks that the dosages are right and that labels show the correct information.
Most retail pharmacists use computers for stock control and for producing labels. Some now have computerised databases that can hold information on regular customers' health and medicine records.
Retail pharmacists usually stock a wide range of other goods, such as perfumes, cosmetics, baby care products and photographic materials. In rural areas, the pharmacy may also sell agricultural, horticultural and veterinary products. The retail pharmacist is, therefore, involved in the wider role of retail management.
This includes supervising and training sales assistants to give an efficient service to the public, marketing goods, keeping records of stock, ordering new goods and maintaining accounts. This work carries a high level of responsibility.
3. Industrial Pharmacist
The aim of pharmacists in industry is to discover safe and effective new drugs. They also develop them into effective medicines, and market the finished product to customers.
Industrial Pharmacists also work on improving existing medicines and finding new ways of formulating old drugs. Industrial pharmacists work alongside pharmacologists, specialist chemists, microbiologists and other experts in the pharmaceutical industry.
Many industrial pharmacists work in the area of medicine formulation. This is the process of turning a basic medicinal compound into a useful product that can deliver a drug safely and effectively to the patient and set up processes used to manufacture on a massive scale. In order to find the most effective formulation of a medicine, industrial pharmacists have to rigorously check the concentration, impurity levels and stability of products. This checking is carried out throughout the production process, from the piloting stage (known as clinical trials) through to the manufacture and launch of the medicine.
Industrial pharmacists are also employed in quality assurance. They look at the processes and raw materials involved in making a medicine and assess the final product. For example, they carry out tests to establish the shelf life and stability of a medicine.
Industrial pharmacists may work in a pharmaceutical company's registration department. Before a new or modified drug can be marketed, its prospective manufacturer must get a licence from the Department of Health. In the registration department, the relevant data is collected for presentation with the licence application to the Department of Health.
Some pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry provide an information service about the company's own and its competitors' products. They use on-line databases to search medical and scientific literature. In the course of their day-to-day work, they develop detailed knowledge of a company's products. They may use this knowledge to train medical representatives and write technical literature.
It is likely that you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. You can read more about Garda Vetting here.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Review prescriptions to assure accuracy, to ascertain the needed ingredients, and to evaluate their suitability.
- Provide information and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
- Maintain records, such as pharmacy files, patient profiles, charge system files, inventories, control records for radioactive nuclei, or registries of poisons, narcotics, or controlled drugs.
- Plan, implement, or maintain procedures for mixing, packaging, or labeling pharmaceuticals, according to policy and legal requirements, to ensure quality, security, and proper disposal.
- Assess the identity, strength, or purity of medications.
- Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, or evaluate the quality or effectiveness of drugs or drug regimens, providing advice on drug applications or characteristics.
- Order and purchase pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies, or drugs, maintaining stock and storing and handling it properly.
- Analyse prescribing trends to monitor patient compliance and to prevent excessive usage or harmful interactions.
- Advise customers on the selection of medication brands, medical equipment, or healthcare supplies.
- Compound and dispense medications as prescribed by doctors and dentists, by calculating, weighing, measuring, and mixing ingredients, or oversee these activities.
Further Information
- Community/retail pharmacist- from: GradIreland
- Pharmacist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Pharmacist (hospital)- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Pharmacist
A good aptitude for chemistry and an interest in studying chemical compounds and structures is needed if you want to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
In both hospitals and shops, pharmacists have direct contact with patients, customers and health care professionals. Therefore, you will need good communication skills. You will also need the confidence to talk about a wide range of general health matters. When liaising with doctors and other health care professionals, you will need to use tact and discretion.
Industrial pharmacists work mainly in laboratories or manufacturing/production environments. The work involves using a wide range of specialist equipment and automated systems. You will need to have strong analytical skills and be able to develop a good understanding of health and safety in the workplace.
In areas such as production or marketing, your knowledge of pharmacy needs to be complemented by good management, communication and customer liaison skills. Research is very much a team effort, so it's important to enjoy working closely with colleagues as well as making use of your scientific knowledge.
Interests - Pharmacist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Pharmacist
To qualify as a Pharmacist in Ireland, you must complete a five year master’s degree in pharmacy which is accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
Approved programmes are delivered by Trinity College Dublin, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and University College Cork. You can find up-to-date information about the approved courses PSI Pharmacy Society Ireland and applications are made through the CAO.
There are many pathways to careers close to pharmacy, retail, research, manufacturing, and bio science.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory assistant, pharmacy sales assistant, quality management, quality assurance.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: pharmacy technician, applied science, pharmacy studies, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, forensics, biomedical, pharmaceutical science.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Analyst, Lab Technician.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: pharmacy, science, pharmaceutical science with drug development.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
When you have completed the Masters Pharmacy programme, you may be eligible to apply to register as a pharmacist in Ireland, with the PSI. Medicine is always evolving and pharmacists must stay up-to-date by continuously engaging in training, even after their Masters qualification.
Irish Institute of Pharmacy (IIoP) role includes the development and implementation of a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) system for pharmacists in Ireland.
Pharmacists in Industry, Education and Regulatory (PIER) you can also find training and education for pharmacists.
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) After a few years (usually a minimum of 3 or 4) of working as a ‘support pharmacist’, you can progress to a role with more responsibilities, such as a supervising pharmacist, and eventually a superintendent pharmacist. There are specific requirements to be met.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Pharmacist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €29k - €73k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.
Data Source(s):
HSE.ie/ CPL/ Excel Recruitment
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Pharmacist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Psychologists; Pharmacists; Opticians (including dispensing opticians); Dental practitioners; Veterinarians; Medical radiographers; Podiatrists; Health professionals n.e.c.; Health services and public health managers; and directors Social services; managers and directors Health care practice managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was above the national average for this occupation, although employment in 2022 were similar to 2021 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment was spread across a large number of roles in 2022, with increases across all within this occupation since 2016.
While the numbers employed have increased since 2016, for the most part, the supply from the education and training system has not, and plans to expand training will not have an impact on the potential supply to the labour market in the short-term, given the duration of training required. This has led to issues for a number of roles within this group; for instance, there is an increasing number of students opting to study veterinary medicine in Poland due to the lack of available places to study in Ireland.
Psychologists and pharmacists were added to the employment permits Critical Skills list in June 2022 although new permits issued in 2022 primarily related to radiographers/sonographers, with a small number issued for dentists and pharmacists. With a quarter of those employed aged 55 years or older, replacement demand alone will create job opportunities in the coming years. Demand remains high across these occupations and issues with recruitment are occurring; however, as the numbers employed are too small across the roles for detailed analysis, evidence of shortages are difficult to determine.
Useful Contacts - Pharmacist
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Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
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Irish Pharmacy Union
- Butterfield House, Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
- (01) 493 6401
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Health Service Executive (HSE)
- Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
- 041 685 0300
- Click Here
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
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The Irish Institute of Pharmacy
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Pharmacists in Industry, Education and Regulatory (PIER
