Thinking about a career in pharmacy? Whether you're a high school graduate or an undergraduate science student looking for a new direction, a pharmacy degree can launch you into a dynamic and rewarding career.
Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacist in Australia.
Step 1: Complete an accredited pharmacy degree at university
Begin by earning a bachelor's level pharmacy degree, which typically includes a minimum of 350 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Clinical practice can be undertaken in a range of settings including hospitals and community pharmacies. This is your chance to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired through coursework and research, while also honing your clinical skills in real-world settings.
UQ's Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia as a qualification leading to registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
Prerequisites for entry
To study pharmacy at UQ, you’ll need to meet relevant entry requirements. The prerequisites for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) include:
- meeting the minimum ATAR score of 80.00 (or equivalent)*
- having completed the Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)*
- having completed General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)*
- having completed Chemistry (Units 3 & 4, C) (Biology also recommended).*
*These prerequisites are indicative and may vary from year to year. Learn more about entry requirements for this program.
Prior to applying for a pharmacy degree, applicants should also ensure they’ll be able to meet the placement requirements.
Step 2: Complete a pharmacy intern training program
Once you get your Bachelor of Pharmacy, the next step is completing an Intern Training Program (ITP). This is a mandatory 12-month course where you’ll develop knowledge and skills in:
- pharmacy legal and professional requirements
- primary health care
- communication of health and medical information
- dispensing procedures and risk management
- patient interviewing and medication review
- drug interactions and adverse drug reactions
- identifying and managing prescription problems
- health promotion and harm minimisation
- and more.
UQ’s Pharmacy Intern Training Program is an integrated, flexible program that involves working with a registered pharmacist to provide guidance and on-the-job training.
Step 3: Pass the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s registration exam
When you reach the end of the Intern Training Program, you’ll be eligible to apply for pharmacist registration in Australia through the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
This registration is essential for finding employment in a variety of clinical settings and specialties.
To secure your registration, you’ll need to pass the Pharmacy Board’s registration examination.
Once you receive your registration, you’ll be able to start seeking employment and set your pharmacy career in motion.
Careers in pharmacy
There are numerous unexpected and inspiring roles available in pharmacy. Whichever path you choose, you'll be making a valuable contribution to the profession in an area you're passionate about. Discover more about careers in pharmacy.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
UQ’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) is a 4-year degree when studied full time. The proceeding Intern Training Program is a 1-year program.
This totals 5 years to become a registered pharmacist. However, many pharmacy students find casual and part-time work in community pharmacies while they study, where they can perform some of the more general functions assisting customers.
Discover what it’s like to study the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at UQ
How do I study the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at UQ?
UQ’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) program is delivered on campus. This program includes supervised clinical placement and pharmacy courses by leaders in pharmacy research and practice.
Your first year of study will be predominantly at UQ’s St Lucia campus, where foundational studies are undertaken with other health and behavioural sciences students.
From your second year onwards, most of your study will take place at the School of Pharmacy at UQ’s Dutton Park campus, a leading facility for pharmaceutical research, education and commercialisation.
Becoming a pharmacist in Australia puts you in the heart of medicinal health. Begin your journey in studying pharmacy by learning more about UQ’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).
