A pharmacist is a health professional with expertise in the science of medicines, which includes the development, use, and the supply of medicines. Titles include hospital pharmacist, clinical pharmacist and pharmacologist.

It takes five-years to become a pharmacist in Ireland. The qualification for practice as a pharmacist is a 5-year integrated Master's degree in pharmacy with a strong clinical focus. On successful completion of the four year degree course, and completion of a one year pre-registration period in a chemist or hospital pharmacy setting, pharmacists can then work independently. 

Pharmacists work in a variety of contexts, including in hospitals, the pharma industry and in retail pharmacies. Companies can also employ pharmacy graduates to work in areas such as quality assurance, research and development, marketing, and sales and management.

They will be will be required to register as a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to practice.  

Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants both have important roles in the pharmacy operation. There are a variety of Level 4, 5 and 6 courses which offer progression to these careers. Pharmacy assistants typically work as counter assistants in community pharmacy environments. Pharmacy technicians aid the pharmacist with dispensing information, processing prescriptions, the preparation, checking and filing/storage of medicines.

Attention to detail and accuracy is of paramount importance in this career.