Clinical Pharmacist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Clinical Pharmacist
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Practice Now »What is a Clinical Pharmacist?
Clinical pharmacists work within healthcare settings and focus on the direct care of patients, ensuring their medications contribute effectively to their overall health. Their job involves advising doctors and nurses on drug choices and dosages, participating in patient rounds at hospitals, conducting wellness programs and counseling patients directly about their medication.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of pharmaceuticals and medication management
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary healthcare team
- Attention to detail and accuracy in medication dispensing and patient counseling
- Proficiency in clinical decision-making and problem-solving
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations in pharmacy practice
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to provide patient-centered care and counseling
- Proficiency in using pharmacy software and technology
- Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest developments in pharmacy practice
Qualifications & Education
- Possession of a degree in pharmacy
- Completion of a one year period of pre-registration training
- Passing of a registration exam
- Additional training to permit independent prescription of medicines
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a clinical pharmacist in the UK, one must complete a five-year program that includes both academic and clinical-based teaching. The first four years are spent as a student, earning a Master's degree in pharmacy (MPharm) at university. After completing the degree, there is a one-year paid work placement called a foundation training year.
A clinical pharmacist in the UK works as part of a general practice team to improve the value and outcomes of medications. They provide additional support to manage long-term conditions, offer advice to patients taking multiple medications, and improve access to health checks.
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