Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Description

A community pharmacist is a professional who specialises in preparing and dispensing medications, including medicines, ointments and tablets. They also advise members of the public and health professionals in how to use medications (including advice on selection of medication, dosage, interaction with other medications, potential side effects and therapeutic effects) and promote health awareness and disease prevention.

Pharmacists may also work in:

  • hospitals – as part of a team of health professionals, where they may monitor medication usage, counsel patients, provide information and advice about medications, prepare medications, and conduct clinical trials
  • industry – conducting research, development, manufacture, testing and marketing medical products.

Services provided

  • Dispensing medications and other medical products
  • Advising the public on use of medications and other medical products
  • Advising health professionals on medications, including:
    • Selection
    • Dosage
    • Interaction with other medications
    • Potential side effects
    • Therapeutic effects
  • Health promotion
  • Preparing medications

Eligibility

You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a pharmacist.

How to access

Visit your local community pharmacist for information and advice.

Costs

Community pharmacists offer services, information and free advice.

Profile

Sector

Conventional healthcare

Regulation

Regulated by Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA).

Registration

Pharmacists must be registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Minimum qualifications

The minimum education requirement for a pharmacist is Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).

Complaints