Pharmacist

Pharmacists are the link between doctors and their patients. As a pharmacist, your role is to prepare and dispense prescribed medication to people in your community. 

You’ll be legally required to maintain prescription files and recording medications of the patients you dispense medicine to, as well as ensuring the correct dosage is given. 

You’ll also be supervising other staff such as pharmacy technicians and sales assistants. 

How to be a Pharmacist in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

Depending on the specific career path you wish to take, you will typically need the following qualifications to become a pharmacist in South Africa:

1. Certificate (National Senior Certificate / NC(V) with a Bachelor’s Degree pass)
2. Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
3. 12 months of community service

Demonstrate Competence in the Required Subjects

Different educational institutions may have different admission requirements; however, you will typically be required to demonstrate competency in the following subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Pharmacists in South Africa typically study for about 4 years.

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

Pharmacists in South Africa often work at hospitals, clinics, by retail pharmacy companies or go into private practise by opening up their own pharmacies. 

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about pharmacists in South Africa, contact the:

• Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa

Pharmacist Related Careers

• Pharmacy jobs
• Healthcare jobs
• Hospital jobs
• Private practise jobs