One of the most common misconceptions of the pharmacist profession is that they are only professionals responsible for dispensing medicine. When in truth, their job is not limited to being behind a pharmacy store counter. But instead, like any other healthcare professional, they also play a significant role in providing care to the general public.
Pharmacists are integral to the healthcare system as their function and specialty reach beyond your typical drugstore. In addition, there is diversity in the job regarding specializations and settings with which they can get assigned.
Job Opportunity for Registered Pharmacists in Australia
Australia, at present, is in demand of employing pharmacists, with job opportunities of over 1,900 in Australia and an expected growth of 9% in the next five years. The country recognizes the profession as a vital part of its healthcare system as they emphasize the importance of preventive therapy and nutritional supplementation. Moreover, various jobs are available in multiple fields, including but not limited to: hospitals, communities, research & development, etc.
Roles of a Pharmacist
Essentially, a pharmacist’s role is to uphold and promote a community’s health awareness and well-being. Some of their responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. They prepare and dispense prescription—or otherwise—medicines for patients or customers.
2. They educate patients or customers about their medicines and advise them on taking them safely and effectively.
3. Collaborate with other healthcare personnel regarding medicine administration and appropriateness of therapy to provide the best patient outcomes.
4. Pharmacists may also administer vaccination and can provide health screening tests.
5. They monitor patient drug therapies and treatments.
6. Be involved in the research and development of medicines.
7. Develop standards regarding the manufacturing and supplying of medicines.
Benefits of Working as a Registered Pharmacist in Australia
Australia has yet to fall short of being one of the best go-to nations for healthcare professionals wanting to pursue their careers overseas. The country has repeatedly proven that it is on par with the world’s best healthcare system.
Salary
A pharmacist’s salary varies on the experience and training they’ve had. Generally, a registered pharmacist’s annual salary can range between 80,000 AUD to 100,000 AUD. It can increase from 100,000 AUD to 120,000 AUD with seniority and may go as high as 140,000 AUD.
Career Development
With the diverse environments a pharmacist can choose from, there is an apparent opportunity to learn and branch out to multiple fields. In that regard, it allows one to grow professionally, maximizing their skills and increasing salary prospects.
Flexible Schedule
One of the great perks of being a pharmacist also includes having the choice over one’s shift type and duration. In addition, depending on one’s situation, one can choose between part-time or full-time work and whether one works on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift.
Less Physical Exhaustion
Compared to other healthcare professionals whose work can be physically taxing, working as a pharmacist only requires a little work that may not take a toll on someone. Pharmacists are less likely to suffer from muscle pains, emotional exhaustion, or even burnout, which is suitable for one that wants a work-life balance.
Travel opportunities
Traveling opportunities can also come as an added benefit if one opts to be a travel pharmacist instead. As their work allows them to travel from location to location to supply and supplement staffing to a pharmacy, one can seize the opportunity to tick off some places they intend to visit.
KAPS Exam Australia – How to Become a Registered Pharmacist in Australia
Before one can work as a pharmacist in Australia, overseas-qualified pharmacists from somewhere other than New Zealand should pass an exam. This exam, the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS), conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), evaluates their ability to practice the profession.
Simply put, the exam tests one’s knowledge and understanding of pharmaceutical sciences. Once candidates successfully pass the exam, they must complete an internship in line with the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s standards.
Summing-up
Being a pharmacist is more than dispensing medicines prescribed. On the contrary, they function in multiple ways that involve their utmost skills in the field. In addition, pharmacists are well sought after in Australia as the demand for the profession is and will continue to be high. And not only does the job bring numerous opportunities, but it also comes with advantageous benefits that further anyone’s pharmacist career.
One of the requirements to pursue such a profession is to pass the KAPS exam. To jumpstart your Registered Pharmacist, IPASS Processing will assist you in your KAPS Australia Exam Application process. With our streamlined process, you can get your eligibility in 8 weeks. Email us now, and together, let’s achieve your Australian pharmacist goals!
No Comments