To practise as a pharmacist, you have to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). To register, you need to study for an accredited Masters degree in pharmacy (MPharm). Universities across the UK offer the course, which lasts four years, full time.

After university, to become a fully qualified pharmacist you’ll need to:

• work for a 1-year pre-registration period under supervision in a community or hospital pharmacy
• pass a registration exam

Source: United Kingdom National Health Service

In order to become a licensed pharmacist in Canada, you need:

1. A bachelor’s or doctor of pharmacy degree from one of 10 Canadian universities
2. To complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) (except Québec)
3. Practical experience through an apprenticeship/internship program
4. Fluency in English or French

The profession of pharmacy is regulated on a provincial and territorial level. The regulatory authorities are directly responsible for granting pharmacist licenses, assessing the competency of pharmacists and ensuring public safety. For a detailed look at the specific provincial licensing requirements in every province, visit the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA).

Source: Canadian Pharmacists Association

To become a registered pharmacist in Australia you must complete an accredited university degree in pharmacy, a one-year paid internship and intern training program and then pass the Pharmacy Board’s registration examination.

Straight from high-school

You can apply to study pharmacy as an undergraduate student straight from high school if you meet the minimum ATAR or other Public Qualifications requirements.

Complete a 1-year internship and concurrent intern training program

Upon graduating with a degree in pharmacy, you will be required to apply for ‘provisional’ registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia in order to complete a one-year paid internship.

Working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, as an intern you will build on the practical experience gained in your degree to ensure you have the skills required for all areas of pharmacy practice, including:

• preparing and dispensing medications and ointments
• providing advice on prescription medications, ‘over-the-counter’ products and complementary medicines (including selection, dosage, interactions, side-effects and therapeutic effects)
• liaising with patients, their doctors and family to determine medication history and correct dosages
• checking for errors and conducting medication reviews
• promoting health awareness
• understanding legally recognised standards and government regulations for the supply of medicines

To register and practise as a pharmacist in New Zealand, a four-year University programme leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree followed by 52 weeks of trainee internship at approved pharmaceutical establishments has to be undertaken.

Source: Pharmacy Council of New Zealand