Thinking about Becoming a Pharmacist? Here’s What to Consider

Photo by nasro azaizia on Unsplash — this is not me btw. I just thought that it is the closest illustration of what the environment is like when working in community pharmacy in England. PS: we don’t sit; we stand all day.

Pharmacy is an exciting and rewarding field, and if you’re considering studying to become a pharmacist, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you should think about if you’re thinking about studying and becoming a pharmacist.

Start by getting a pharmacy textbook to get an idea of the type of material you’ll be studying. I recommend a pharmacology textbook, as a pharmacist’s expertise lies in the use of medicine to treat medical problems. This will give you a good idea of what you can expect from the coursework and what kind of information you’ll be expected to know.

At King’s, Rang and Dale Pharmacology is famous. It is comprehensive but does not delve deeply into each class of medicine. It is a good starting point. Reflect on your experience. How do you feel when you read the textbook?

Next, ask yourself if you would enjoy studying this subject. Pharmacy is a complex field that requires a great deal of focus and dedication, so it’s important to make sure you’re passionate about the material before investing your time and energy into it.

Imagine yourself as a pharmacist, tasked with solving a pharmacological problem. Look for problem questions and see how pharmacists address them. Use this as an example of what pharmacists do and ask yourself if you would enjoy this type of work. A pharmacist’s job involves not only dispensing medications but also consulting with patients, interpreting medical information, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

If you’re still interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist, it’s a good idea to get some shadowing experience. Shadowing a practicing pharmacist will give you a first hand look at what the job entails and help you determine if it’s the right fit for you. This is the only way for you to get a flavour of what actually happens in the ground.

Get real. Studying and working is two completely different things. You must see it, understand what it takes to survive and succeed and decide for yourself.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message.