Pharmacist
On this page
- What's it like to be a Pharmacist?
- How to become a Pharmacist
- Latest Pharmacist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Pharmacists
- Pharmacist role reviews
What's it like to be a Pharmacist?
A Pharmacist (Taka Rongoā) works in community pharmacies or hospitals, preparing and dispensing medication and counselling patients on the right medication for their needs. Pharmacists will recommend patients see another healthcare professional when necessary. They also regularly give vaccinations and perform routine health checks, such as checking cholesterol levels or blood pressure.
Tasks and duties
- Reviewing drugs prescribed by doctors and preparing medications accordingly.
- Monitoring drug therapies and advising on on-going treatments.
- Communicating with customers to understand their needs.
- Staying up to date with new medications.
How to become a Pharmacist
To become a Pharmacist in New Zealand, you’ll need to complete a four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy followed by a practical internship.
In the first year of a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, you’ll take the general health sciences course, alongside students studying other health-related fields.
Complete three more years of undergraduate study to specialise in pharmacy.
Complete a 52-week practical internship, either in a approved community pharmacy or hospital.
Register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand within four months of graduating from your degree.
To keep your knowledge current, continuing professional development is recommended. A number of New Zealand universities and organisations for Pharmacists run conferences, seminars and courses for practising Pharmacists.
