Tag: pharmacist

Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist

Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist

chibueze uchegbu | November 3rd, 2023


There are various reasons to understand the similarities and differences between Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist. I took my time to explain the essentials you ought to know if you desire to pursue a career in any of these paths.

A pharmaceutical scientist is a professional who works in drug development. They study drug actions and drug discovery to design efficient drugs for the treatment and prevention of disease. It is a field of pharmacy that focuses on the impact of the drug on the body and living organs; it involves synthesizing drugs that treat ailments of the body.

They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to create new drugs and improve existing ones. They may work in a research laboratory, developing new drugs or testing the safety and efficacy of existing ones. Alternatively, they may work in a quality control lab, ensuring that drugs meet the necessary standards.

Pharmaceutical scientists often work as part of a team, collaborating with other scientists, physicians, and regulatory experts. They may also be involved in writing patent applications and presenting their work at conferences.

A pharmaceutical scientist may have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biology, but most have a master’s or doctoral degree. Many also pursue a certification in pharmaceutical science, which can demonstrate their expertise in the field. While many career paths are available to pharmaceutical scientists, most start as research associates or scientists in the pharmaceutical industry.

As they gain experience, they may advance to positions such as senior scientist, clinical pharmaceutical scientist, principal scientist, or director of research and development. Some may also move into academia, teaching, and conducting research at a university. It is a better choice for individuals who love to do research, discover new things, and work in a laboratory.

Who is a pharmacist?

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who is accountable for dispensing medications and providing advice to patients.

They typically work in a pharmacy, where they fill prescriptions, counsel patients on how to take their medications, and answer questions about potential side effects or interactions.

They may also work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. Their role includes patient education on medication risks, proper dosage of medication, manner to use drugs, etc. It is the combination of medical sciences and chemistry that focuses on drug prescription.

With additional training, some pharmacists may specialize in a particular pharmacy area, such as oncology, geriatrics, or nuclear pharmacy. Some pharmacists also go on to become pharmacy managers, overseeing the operations of a pharmacy. It is a better option for people who have good communication skills and like to interact one-on-one with patients.

Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Education and training requirements for a pharmaceutical scientist

To become a pharmaceutical scientist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry. However, most pharmaceutical scientists have a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field.

A master’s degree usually takes two years to complete, while a Ph.D. typically takes four to six years; many pharmaceutical scientists also participate in a post-doctoral fellowship. This is a type of training program that provides additional research experience. Fellowships typically last one to two years and are often required for specific career paths. Many pharmaceutical scientists also obtain certification from a professional organization.

This certification demonstrates that a scientist has the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

It’s also important to note that pharmaceutical scientists must stay current on the latest studies and developments in the field. Therefore, they may participate in continuing education programs or attend conferences throughout their career. They must also study medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmacogenetics, etc.

Education and training requirements for pharmacist

To become a pharmacist, complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) degree program. These programs typically take at least four years to complete, although some schools offer sped-up programs that can be completed in three years. Most programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a corresponding field, such as biology or chemistry.

In addition to the Pharm.D. degree, all states require pharmacists to be licensed. To obtain a license, pharmacists must pass two exams. The foremost is the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which tests general pharmacy knowledge. The second is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests knowledge of specific state laws and regulations related to pharmacy practice.

Once licensed, they become FRP ( Fully Registered Pharmacist) pharmacists must complete continuing education to maintain their license. The amount of continuing education required varies by state but usually ranges from 10 to 30 hours per year.

Salary and job outlook for a pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacists

Pharmaceutical scientists earn an average salary of $97,482 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $50,230, while the highest 10 percent make more than $161,900. However, salaries vary based on education, specialty, experience, and geographic location.

The BLS also projects that the demand for pharmaceutical scientists will grow about 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is about as fast as the average for all disciplines. The increasing demand for new drugs and improved healthcare will require more pharmaceutical scientists. Pharmaceuticals may have better job prospects in specific locations. States like California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are significant hubs for the pharmaceutical industry and are home to many research and development facilities.

While the BLS( Bureau of Labor Statistics) reports that pharmacists earn an average salary of $128,570 annually. The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $87,790, while the highest 10 percent make more than $161,250. Just like pharmaceutical scientists, the salary for pharmacists can differ based on location, experience, and other factors.

The job outlook for pharmacists is relatively stable. The BLS projects that pharmacist demand will grow about 3 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Work environment and responsibilities of pharmaceutical scientist

Pharmaceutical scientists typically work in research and development (R&D) labs. These labs can be found in universities, hospitals, and private companies.

Pharmaceutical scientists only sometimes converse with patients and are, therefore, most likely to work in crime labs, government agencies, and drug manufacturing companies.

Pharmaceutical scientists spend much time at their workstations, using computers to analyze data and design experiments. They may also spend time in the lab performing experiments and collecting data.

The primary responsibility of a pharmaceutical scientist is to

  • design and conduct experiments to create new drugs or improve existing ones.
  • They may also be responsible for writing research papers and presenting their findings at conferences.
  • Determining dose and frequency guidelines
  • Writing reports of drug trials to regulation agency
  • Collecting and analyzing data
  • Testing new drugs for safety and efficiency.

Pharmaceutical scientists may collaborate with other scientists, such as chemists, biologists, and engineers.

Pharmaceutical scientists typically need strong analytical skills, as they must be able to design and interpret complex experiments. They also need excellent communication skills, as they must write clear and concise research papers and give clear and concise presentations. Finally, they must be highly organized and detail-oriented, as they must keep track of a large amount of data.

These skills and qualities are also crucial for a successful career as a pharmacist. However, the main difference between the two professions is that pharmacists interact directly with patients and customers, while pharmaceutical scientists do not.

Work environment and responsibilities of a pharmacist

Pharmacists work in different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies. They may spend most of their time on their feet, dispensing medications and interacting with patients. They may also spend time on administrative tasks, such as retaining patient records and managing inventory.

The primary responsibility of a pharmacist is to ensure that patients obtain the correct medications and understand how to take them. Pharmacists must also be able to answer questions about medications and their potential side effects.

They also;

  • Prepare drug prescription
  • Collect medications
  • Dispense medication to patients
  • Answering patients questions about health-related issues and medications

They may also provide health screenings and immunizations. In addition, they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses.

Pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists are both essential members of the healthcare team. Pharmaceutical scientists research to develop new drugs, while pharmacists dispense medications and provide patient information. Both professions require a strong understanding of science, as well as outstanding communication and organizational skills.

Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist
Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist

Career advancement and specialization opportunities for a pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacists

Let’s go

For pharmaceutical scientists

There are many opportunities for career advancement and specialization in pharmaceutical science. Many pharmaceutical scientists begin their careers as research associates and then move to senior research associate or scientist positions. From there, they may become principal scientists, research directors, or department heads.

In terms of specialization, pharmaceutical scientists may choose to focus on

  • therapeutic areas, such as oncology( specializing in the treatment of cancer), diabetes, and toxicology ( specialization in the study and effect of poison)
  • They may also specialize in a particular stage of the drug development process, such as preclinical or clinical research.
  • Some pharmaceutical scientists also pursue careers in regulatory affairs, helping to ensure that new drugs meet government regulations.
  • Biotechnology involves the study of biological processes to aid in the development of antibiotics.
  • In medicinal chemistry, which involves drug production by application and chemistry research
  • Some pharmaceutical scientists choose to pursue a career in academia. This may involve teaching and conducting research at a university or college.
  • Others may choose to work as consultants or as independent researchers. There are also opportunities to work in the pharmaceutical industry in other capacities, such as marketing, sales, or management.

For pharmacists

The career path for pharmacists is also quite varied. Many pharmacists start their careers in community pharmacies, working directly with patients. From there, they may move into positions in hospitals, clinics, or managed care organizations. Some pharmacists choose to specialize in a particular area, such as

  • geriatrics pharmacy, which involves the treatment of older individuals in healthcare facilities
  • oncology pharmacy, which involves specialization in the study and treatment of cancer
  • Pediatric pharmacy, which specializes in the treatment of young children and infant
  • Psychiatric pharmacy, which specializes in the management of mental health-related conditions and neurological problems.

Similarities of a Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist

Although the two professions have some key differences, there are also several similarities between pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists.

  • Both professions require a strong foundation in science and math, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Both pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists must stay current on the latest developments in their field. They must also be able to work effectively as part of a team. In addition, both professions require a commitment to patient care and the ethical practice of their profession.
  • Both professions play a vital role in the healthcare system, and both are well-respected and in demand.
  • One thing that both professions have in common is that they require individuals committed to lifelong learning. The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, and both pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists must be prepared to adapt and change as new information becomes available.

Differences between Pharmaceutical scientist vs pharmacist

The most significant difference between pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists is the focus of their work. Pharmaceutical scientists primarily focus on developing new drugs, while pharmacists focus on the safe and effective use of medications.

  • Another key difference is the level of education required for each profession. A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in pharmaceutical science, while a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.) is required to become a pharmacist.
  • There are some differences in the day-to-day work of pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists. For example, pharmaceutical scientists often spend their days performing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and writing reports. Pharmacists, on the other hand, typically spend their days dispensing medications, consulting with patients, and providing education about medications.
  • There is also a difference in the salary of the pharmacist and the pharmaceutical scientist. A pharmacist may earn up to $128,000 annually, while a pharmaceutical scientist earns about $93,000 annually.

Top schools to study pharmaceutical science

Some of the top schools for studying pharmaceutical science include:

Top schools to study pharmacy

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pharmacist salary in South Africa

Pharmacist salary in South Africa

chibueze uchegbu | February 4th, 2022


Let us step into the pharmacy zone and find out what makes them an edge over other fine occupations. Come along let us discover how much is that pharmacist’s salary in South Africa.

You see, we all have come together and collectively agreed that studying pharmacy as a discipline is such a cool move.

But the question of every lip is how much exactly pharmacists make. Does their paycheck match the hype or just overrated?

Everyone still goes ahead to wonder if this whole stress of pharmacy school will be compensated in the salaries.

In places like South Africa where the cost of schooling is relatively high, it will not be an injustice to anyone if you decide to find out how much is a pharmacist salary in South Africa.

That is before you enroll yourself in a pharmacy school or advice, someone, to enroll.

Well, we are about to clear those concerns and give you a clear answer on how much a pharmacist takes home as the pay after a long whole month. So, stick around and let us indulge you.

Let us find out if it is actually a wise judgment to look into pharmacy schools in South Africa or just face another profitable direction.

Overview of Pharmacist salary in South Africa

According to findings, the truth of the matter is that there are levels to these things. For instance, the average salary of an experienced pharmacist who has been in the business for years will never be the same for a freshly out-of-school pharmacist.

Likewise, the average salary of a freshly graduated pharmacist will never be the same of a pharmacist intern.

Another thing to factor in before you make a final decision about a pharmacist salary in South Africa is the place of work.

A pharmacist working in a privately owned hospital and a pharmacist working in a government-owned hospital will never be the same.

The same goes for a private pharmaceutical company and a government-owned pharmaceutical company.

Meanwhile, let us break it down and call out the actual figures that these pharmacists take home in South Africa every month.

Now, a pharmacist with less than two years of experience earns 25,100 ZAR in a month.

While another pharmacist with at least a minimum of five to ten years of experience under his belt receives at least 44,500 ZAR in a month.

Then, another pharmacist that has bagged ten to fifteen years of experience under his belt takes home at least 55,100 ZAR.

Yet, another pharmacist with at least twenty years and above experience goes home monthly with the sum of 63,000 ZAR every month.

So, you decide if you love the profession alongside its payment or you prefer to admire it from a distance.

To be frank, pharmacist salary in South Africa shows to be largely dependent on years of experience. Well, you can still say that in all other professions too. In essence, you have to walk before you can run.

So this means that you should not allow the salary payments to be the only determining factor. That is if you want to choose pharmacy as a course for study. Or, you want to dust up your long-forgotten certificate to work as a pharmacist.

Pharmacist salary in Johannesburg

Now, it is important to know that all provinces are not the same or equal. Although they might be in the same country they still have their unique policies guiding them. This cuts across both jobs and every other aspect that make them a people.

For example, Eastern Cape and Limpopo are different provinces but they are under one country called South Africa.

Yet, they have different laws governing them and their way of life.

The same applies to jobs in each state. But remember, we are only speaking on the province level. So, this is not to forget that they all still have to surrender under the laws and authority of the South African Presidency at the federal level.

So, the pharmacist salary in Johannesburg will certainly not be the same in another province.

Arguably, they might be slightly similar but never the same because the work policies in each province differ from the other. For more clarification, let us go into the actual amount a pharmacist in Johannesburg goes home with at the end of every month.

Again, we are going to break it down according to their experience and how long a pharmacist has stayed on the job in Johannesburg.

Average pharmacist salary in South Africa based on work experience

To start with, the average monthly salary of a pharmacist with two years of experience and below is 27,400 ZAR.

  • Two years to five years of experience gets you 34,600 ZAR.
  • Five to ten years in the pharmacy joy will pay you 45,600 ZAR monthly.
  • Ten to fifteen years of pharmaceutical experience collects 53,700 ZAR.
  • Fifteen to twenty years on the pharmaceutical job gives you 59,400 ZAR.
  • Twenty years and above as a pharmacist will pay you 63,200 ZAR monthly.

According to the degree level, a pharmacist salary in Johannesburg with a Bachelor’s degree is 35,400 ZAR per month while a pharmacist in the same Johannesburg with a Master’s degree earns 54,100 ZAR per month.

However, we can not overlook work organizations or places of work.

A pharmacist salary in Johannesburg in the private sector is 30,200 ZAR while another pharmacist in the same Johannesburg working in the public sector earns 32,300 ZAR monthly.

Truly, humans with the same qualifications, capable of doing the same work should be paid an equal amount of salary but sadly, it is not so. A male pharmacist earns on an average 8% more than a female colleague.

So, when it comes down to provinces, the determining factors are years of experience, level of degree, and generally gender.

Pharmacy schools in South Africa

South Africa has become one of the countries that are putting the African continent on the world map. In the education sector in Africa, the South African universities have rubbed shoulders with some high and mighty schools around the world.

In the same way, some top pharmacy schools in South Africa can comfortably compete with other schools on the international level.

South Africa has graduated students that are well-grounded in the field and confident enough to take up any pharmaceutical role anywhere in the world.

More so, South Africa has labs that are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for proper learning.

Besides, we have other schools in Africa with quality education systems. But South Africa has groomed itself to a level where they can not be hushed again when you speak of good schools.

Moreover, pharmacy schools in South Africa did not go to sleep. They keep searching for ways to help themselves and become better at what they do.

They have achieved this great feat by going the extra mile to equip their laboratories, employ great hands, and fund their schools to the height they want them.

Moving forward, we have compiled a list of good pharmacy schools in South Africa just in case you want to enroll in one, you can begin your selection from here.

The University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg:

The university is located at York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. Witwatersrand is a leading school in pharmaceutical education, dedicated to providing high-quality teaching to her students.

It has become the home to a dynamic and innovative community of academic and support staff, postgraduates, undergraduates, and postdoctoral people.

Rhodes University School of Pharmaceuticals:

The Rhodes University is quite a small University but great in learning. It has built a good reputation for itself in academic excellence.

Rhodes University was established in 1904 but it has graduated the best pharmacy students in the country since then.

This school contributes to the country’s economic and social development goals.

For a small school of barely eight thousand students, Rhodes University School of Pharmaceuticals is doing excellently well for itself.

University of Pretoria College of Pharmacy:

The University of Pretoria College of Pharmacy is known for its research methods. It is located in Prinshof Campus that is South of the University of Pretoria.

This school strives so well to research the complex interplay between biological systems and the chemical entities that affect them.

University of Durban – Westville:

The University of Durban is a top-performing school where great research is been carried out. The University of Durban has produced well-off pharmaceutical professionals over the years.

This school equally provides the know-how you need for the preparation of pharmacoeconomists, clinical pharmacists, and drug utilization pharmacists.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University:

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is in North Pretoria, Gauteng province, South Africa. Founded in January 2015.

Formerly, it was known and called the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA). But later, it was named after South African ANC leader Sefako Makgatho.

This school is among the schools that offer online pharmaceutical degrees in South Africa. A perfect school for those that love the online learning facilities and also bridge the learning gap caused by COVID-19.

Health Science Academy:

Health Science Academy is an accredited provider of health training in South Africa. It has vast knowledge in the education sector. Mostly, their main focus is in the adult education and healthcare sector.

Other Pharmacy schools in South Africa:

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education:

The University was founded in 1869. currently, it is among the best pharmacy schools you can find in South Africa.

Also, they provide excellent pharmaceutical services in the country. The University boasts of professionalism in training their students and they also help promote healthcare in the country.

University of West Cape School of Pharmacy:

University of West Cape School of Pharmacy is located at Bellville. The University shows its strength in academic excellence and high performance in academic research.

University of Port Elizabeth school of Pharmacy:

Also known as Nelson Mandela University. Interestingly, the University offers an online pharmacy program for students that can not afford the travel expenses at the moment.

Mostly, they belong to the category of schools that graduate very high thoroughly bred graduates.

Stellenbosch University:

Stellenbosch University is an internationally recognized school. Certainly, it is among South Africa’s finest.

This University is home to thousands of foreign students across the world. They have the best staff that has been trained to teach excellently.

Requirements to study Pharmacy in South Africa

  • Have an admission points score of 38
  • Meet a minimum NSC requirement for degree entry
  • Home language (English, Afrikaans, or isiXhosa)
  • NSC achievement rating of at least 5(60-69%) for mathematics
  • NSC achievement rating of t least 5 (60-69%) for physical sciences
  • Applicants with an admission point score between 35 and 37 might have to write the Access Assessment Battery. That is before they can be considered for admission into the pharmacy.

Well, since we have all checked out the pharmacist salary in South Africa alongside the pharmacy schools in South Africa, you can go ahead to make your plans or give your advice to whoever needs the information.

Certainly, we can not underscore the fact that South Africa has one of the best Universities in the African continent.

Their willingness to get it right in terms of academics is so refreshing. Not just that, the way they give in everything to make ground-breaking research should be emulated by other African countries.

Also, you can count on their pharmacy schools to deliver the type of quality education that will set you apart from others. South Africa is a beautiful country with an amazing educational sector that should be celebrated.

Speaking of our recent salary findings. Firstly, studying pharmacy as a course in South Africa speaks volumes of how intellectually bright you are already.

This is not to talk of the prestige you get to enjoy as a pharmacy student. It will be wise to do your thing if actually, you love pharmacy. Don’t ever be discouraged by the salary level or the gender pay gap in the industry.

Also, if you do not build your years of experience, how on earth would you want to earn as high as the gurus in the industry?

A saying goes thus “never forget the days of little beginnings” we all have those days but remember that the little beginnings will not last forever.

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How to become a pharmacist in Nigeria

chibueze uchegbu | January 17th, 2022


Are you interested in knowing how to become a pharmacist in Nigeria? Don’t worry, you are fortunate to have come across this article.

The job of a pharmacist makes the treatment of medics a reality. Pharmacists give medications to ensure that they get the best of treatments through the drugs administered by them; they formulate the drugs and give the right dosage and even guide patients on the right way to use the drugs.

Overview of how to become a pharmacist in Nigeria

That’s why Pharmacists are sacrosanct in the field of health and medicine, especially in a place like Nigeria where the health sector is still developing and yet to reach the standard peak of practice.

It means one has to be an excellent pharmacist in order to make the resources available to go around the population of over two hundred million.

Pharmacists in Nigeria are highly revered as they offer their services to patients with more ease than expected; sometimes, they even play the role of a doctor by helping to and just go ahead to administer treatment to patients who have inadequate funds to meet a doctor; this is depending on the nature of the sickness though.

Choosing to become a pharmacist is a great deal because you intend to join the team of heroes on the health line saving lives every day and helping to recover people from ill-health.

Now, working towards achieving it in Nigeria is another procedure that needs your zeal, passion, and determination to make your dream come true.

Like any other profession, trade, or handwork, one needs to learn so that one can formulae drugs correctly, administer drugs correctly, and even prevent the harmful usage of the drug.

  Taking the Steps to Become A Pharmacist

Hard work and observation are two key ingredients that a becoming pharmacist should possess, this is so because you need to study hard and observes to acquire the needed knowledge.

While learning, ensure to learn smartly for lifelong purposes. Below are guidelines for Education before you become a pharmacist:

  • Attend a Secondary School:

In Nigeria, you start tilting towards your career by offering specific subjects from high or secondary school that relates to your course of study in the university; this is to give the background general knowledge of what is to come in your course of study.

For becoming a pharmacist, while in senior secondary school, it is advised to be in science class, where you can offer subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and other science-related subjects.

To proceed into the University in Nigeria, you need to write a Joint Administrative Matriculation Board Examination [JAMB] where you will sit for four subjects; they are chemistry, physics, biology, and English which is a core subject.

  • Get a Degree:

Going into the University takes you a step further into becoming a pharmacist. In Nigeria, the course of study is for five years, whether you choose to attend a public or private University; ensure to attend an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria; they regulate the institutions to ensure that standards are meted out to the public. You can choose to study to acquire a bachelor’s or Doctor of Pharmacy.

It takes five years to earn a bachelor’s degree for administration students who got admitted through Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination [UTME], while for Direct Entry Students, it takes Four Years.

While to earn a doctor’s degree in Pharmacy, it takes six years for UTME students and five years for Direct Entry students; where clinical practice is paramount for students to become skilled in handling patients and their prescriptions.

  • Induction and Internship are the Next:

After earning your degree, the next process is to get your induction, where you get to become a part of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

To further your becoming a professional pharmacist is to go for an internship where hands-on experience is acquired and you get to learn from other professionals.

While interning, all the fields of pharmacy have to be visited, hence, if, in an organization where the fields are not complete, you have to revolve around the various fields.

The fields include hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, academia, pharmacy store regulatory bodies, and others.

In Nigeria, it takes a year to intern to get all the prerequisite knowledge that is needed to add up capacity to become a professional pharmacist.

  • Write Pre-Registration Examination for Pharmacists:

Immediately after the internship, the next step is to get the pre-registration exam done. This is done according to the statute of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

The examination is carried out twice a year n Nigeria; one in the month of March, and another in October. The examination is to test the students if they have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and standard attitude in the various fields of pharmacy where they have interned and to ensure their practice does not jeopardize the health of the public they are about serving.

Furthermore, the pass mark of the examination is fifty percent; if the cut off mark isn’t met by a student, there is the opportunity to re-write four times, if after the fourth time, and the student still didn’t pass, the student is required to attend a refresher program as laid down by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and then can only take a sitting of examination to pass this stage.

The examination is not meant to ridicule the students or make the process difficult; it is to ensure that the product of pharmacists given to society is excellent and will not harm the public; rather they will dispense their duties for the good of the public.

Students are tested in various aspects; they include pharmaceutical care, supply of medicines, organization and management, public health information, drug production, quality assurance, and others. Knowledge in these fields makes for what qualifies one as a professional pharmacist in Nigeria.

  • Proceed to Serve the Nation:

There is a scheme in Nigeria that entails all Nigerian youths who have acquired a degree to go through, it is to serve the nation.

This was introduced by the then military governor, General Yakubu Gowon in 1973 as a means to rebuild and reconcile the nation after it experienced its civil war.

After pharmacists must have gone through the above processes, they register with The National Youth Service Corps to serve the nation; their primary place of duty is determined by the scheme, not the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, although, most times, they consider the field of study of corps members.

The service is usually between the duration of one year. After service, get a job, and if buoyant enough, start a pharmaceutical retail store business.

Places Where Pharmacists Can Work in Nigeria

The services of professional pharmacists are needed in society, while medical doctors and nurses are doing the job of treating patients, pharmacists are in the act and art of seeing to the production of drugs, giving out quality, prescribing the drugs, and ensuring that dosage given to the patients are used correctly.

There are various fields or places where they can function effectively for the good of the public. Find them below;

  • Pharmacists can Work in a Retail Store: The retail store so far in continuous occurrence has been the largest employer of pharmacists in Nigeria.

The retail Store to get drugs is a fast-selling business and service and people need to get their drugs, most times outside the hospitals because few hospitals have their pharmacy store within; doctors simply prescribe to patients.

In these pharmacy stores, the job of the pharmacist is to interpret the prescription of the doctor and give the patient the right drug.

Well-trained and professional Pharmacists are highly needed in these stores to prevent quackery and wrong drug administration.

One can say the pharmacy stores outnumber hospitals, so pharmacists are needed in these retail stores.

  • Pharmacists can Work in Hospitals: There are some hospitals in Nigeria that situate their pharmacy stores within.

This is common in general hospitals, teaching hospitals, and government hospitals. Here, pharmacists work for hand in glove with the doctors and nurses to give the right dosage to ensure that treatment is effective on the patient.

They are also in charge of the organization and management of the drug store; sometimes, they are in charge of the inventory of the drug store.

  • Pharmacists could work in Research Lab: some pharmacists also work in the research laboratory to make findings on the effectiveness of a drug and to see how better ones can be produced.

Although, pharmacists who choose to work here, need to acquire a certification or more knowledge about the medical laboratories.

This is common in pharmaceutical companies who seek to improve the quality of their products and their effect on patients who use them.

A typical example is the upgrade of chloroquine to cure malaria, in checking the effect, it was improved, now, malaria drugs in Nigeria have more efficient ingredients.

So, if you have an interest in research and have studied to become a pharmacist, you can delve into this field to explore drugs, how they can be improved, and do the good of making society better through your research.

  • A Pharmacist can Work in Military or Government Health Facilities: Some health facilities are owned or controlled by the government, either state or federal, while some are owned by the military.

In these hospitals, pharmacists are also needed for the administration of drugs to their patients. You could apply in one of the two, as the case may be. They most times have their pharmacy stores within the hospital building and operate under an umbrella.

This means that pharmacists will have to work in tandem with the doctors and nurses in the administration of treatment to their patients.

If you find yourself under the employee’s list of the government, then you should be sure to get a pension after thirty-five years of service or after clocking sixty years of age.

  • A Pharmacist can Work in the Academia: To continue to work on building the legacy of Pharmacy and to build more pharmacists, the educational sector has a huge role to play in it, hence, pharmacists are needed to teach becoming pharmacists, if you like to teach and want to become a pharmacist, you still have the opportunity as you can pass the knowledge of pharmacy that you have acquired to other incoming pharmacists.

Pharmacists can work as lecturers in the universities to degree students or in the polytechnics to diploma students of pharmacy.

Either way, you have the opportunity to not just practice, but also to teach aspiring pharmacists to become professionals.

  • A Pharmacist can Work Independently: in Nigeria, it is only a professional pharmacist who is registered with the pharmacy council of Nigeria that can establish a pharmacy store whether retail or wholesale outlet.

This is the business side of pharmacy, whereby individuals or partners who are financially capable of establishing a drug store can start selling drugs to the public.

This must be established according to the standards of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for the sake of good public health; drugs must be supplied to the public within the confines of the law.

Here, other pharmacists who are familiar with the terrain of business in pharmacy can help with a consultation to make for a standard pharmacy store.

 Final Words on how to become a pharmacist in Nigeria

Becoming a pharmacist in Nigeria is not as difficult as it seems, it can only be much of a puzzle to those aspiring if they lack interest in the profession and have failed to build one, or they are unable to put in the necessary academic work of studying to know and pass the various test of each level.

Therefore, it is necessary that aspiring pharmacists have an interest in dealing with drugs, and the health of people, if they don’t, they can decide to build interest in it.

Thereafter is to undergo the right processes of offering the right subjects in the secondary school; physics, biology, Chemistry are compulsory science subjects that must be offered.

Apply to institutions that offer pharmacy and are registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Intern properly and be faithful to your duties so that you can learn properly and become deft with handling drugs and patients.

In addition, rub minds with other professionals in the field and learn, do the necessary examinations and registrations, then get a job and practice!

Best of luck in your endeavors of becoming a pharmacist, it is a long ride, but it is definitely worth it!

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Best Business Ideas for Pharmacists

chibueze uchegbu | January 9th, 2022


In today’s writeup, the top Business Ideas for Pharmacists are unveiled and the essential things you must know are made comprehensible

So you’ve completed your degree in pharmacy but aren’t sure of what next you want to venture into as a graduate?

Overview on business ideas for pharmacists

As a recent graduate of pharmacy, there are a ton of business ideas you may want to consider aside from the 9-5 jobs.

The important thing is to ensure you focus on what you want to do and stick to it with every commitment you can possibly muster.

Conceiving the idea of setting up a business for fellow graduates to patronize is one of the best decisions you can ever make.

This also shows you’re broad-minded and you’re not ready to waste your time looking for office jobs around before you can start making things happen.

In the light of the above, this article will walk you through some business ideas for a pharmacist, and as a smart graduate; you sure don’t want to waste this carefully mined-out gold. Anyways, below are some of them:

Pharmacy Store 

And guess what? The first on the list is the popular but untapped pharmacy store.

Forget the popular opinion that running a pharmacy store is such a very tedious venture, too dull for any socially active person. But trust me, that’s not right!

Pharmacy stores are one of the most frequent places, and such a place can never be as boring as touted.

Once you complete your pharmacy degree, you can open a pharmacy store and start with this. This business is profitable and quite interesting as well.

You can always try out other ideas as time passes, but as a recent pharma graduate, setting and running a store will win several hearts, and also, the business makes you move from one point to another, more like a bridge kind-of-a-job.

Franchise Clinic 

You can also start a franchise company as there are many healthcare service companies, including Lifecare Clinic and Apollo Clinic.

This means you don’t have to start from the top, embrace the bottom-up approach, which is always the best for any rookie in a business.

When you do this, you tend to gain a lot of money to set yourself up in life as a new pharma graduate. But before starting off the franchise clinic, never forget to check and verify all info about each company beforehand.

Here are some of the items you need: A store, furniture and a small amount of investment.

Natural Home Remedy 

Many people are undergoing minor sicknesses and infections at home and as a graduate of pharmacy, starting a natural home remedy that takes care of these people is a great option you may want to consider.

Also, you can be creating awareness among the people in your vicinity about the availability of natural home remedy that helps in arresting minor sicknesses such as headache, jaundice, and the likes.

You also may want to consider writing a book on some of the home remedies and before you realize this, many people are already reaching out for the book.

You also can list your written books on sites like Amazon, where you get paid anytime people purchase the book. The good thing is that the book is available to everyone on the internet, improving your reach.

Online pharmacy store 

All thanks to the advent of the internet. Many people do prefer to shop online as this can be done in the comfort of the room. What this means is another opportunity for any business-oriented pharmacist to tap into.

As interesting as these sounds, you also still need to comprehend the nitty-gritty of the offline pharmacy store if truly you want to make the most of this opportunity. Invest the time and resources to understand how an offline pharmacy store is run, and you can take a strong cue from that.

Here are some of the things you need to put into consideration:

  • You need to contract the services of a logistics team for effective supply of the ordered products.
  • You may have to hire a pharmacist team for proper prescription and billing. However, you can do handle this as well, if you’ve got the time.
  • You’ll also need an accountant
  • You’ll need a team of software and web handling team who will take care of your website.
  • You may need to also hire a social media and search engine marketing team to help handle your marketing campaigns.

Production of Medicines 

Though not a cakewalk, but manufacturing of medicine is another brilliant idea for any pharmacist who wants to go into business.

Yes, the investment here is huge, and many young pharmacists may not be able to hop on this shortly after completion of their degree, but whoever is able to should take this up.

Nonetheless, you can opt for a small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, as this is capitally less intensive.

But it’s crucial you ask yourself some serious questions before you start off the journey. Questions such as, what exactly do you want to do? Is it the production or the marketing aspect? Or do you want to start marketing and production together?

Answering these questions well will set you on a path to success as these are critical elements on which the structure of the business will be built.

Here are some of the things you need to put in place to kick-start this project:

  • You will need some drug production licensures to be able to manufacture drugs.
  • You’ll also need to invest in a couple of equipment to get it up and running.
  • You’ve got to prepare for the employee salary as well
  • You’ll contract the services of some skilled production management team
  • Don’t forget the marketing aspect of the business as well. It’s crucial.

Manufacturing of Cotton wool

Another business idea for every young pharmacist is the production of absorbent cotton wool. This is one of the most demanded items in any pharmacy store, and producing this means you get to reel several bucks for yourself.

Aside from the medical stores, there are a ton of places where absorbent cotton wool is still needed.

This item is used in the production of pads, balls, cotton rolls, baby diapers, and whatnot. You sure want to take this opportunity up as a young pharmacist who’s ready to take the industry by surprise.

The cottonwool industry is huge, and the most interesting thing about this is that it’s still a growing one, which means there’ll be a lot of opportunities down the funnel as time goes on.

But, as with everything in life, you sure want to have a concrete knowledge of the industry before you jump into it.

Do the due diligence by learning from those in the business already, research, and take some strict decisions because a manufacturing industry means big investment and some real hard work. Below are some of the things you need to get the business on and moving:

  • You’ll need a couple of licensures before you’re able to practice.
  • Seek the service of a technical consultant to advise you on how to run the business sustainably and successfully.
  • You’ll also make some investment with regards to the machine needed in the production of absorbent cotton wool.
  • If available, try to get Government loans to help you cushion the effects of incurring some capital assets to kick start the business.

Production of Saline Water 

Another exciting business idea you can venture into is the manufacturing of saline water. As a recent graduate of pharmacy, this is something you can hop on to start making some money for yourself. But it’s pretty important you get to know what and what the business entails before you get on it.

First things first, you need to do thorough research on the production and marketing of this product.

Are there challenges in the process? What are these drawbacks? You’ll need to get to the bottom of this before you even start assembling your production team and the likes.

Here are some of the things you need to set up before starting out:

You’ll need to get some licensures before you can start producing saline water for companies

You’ll make some real investment with the machines you need for the production of this water

You should contract the services of a technical consultant who can give you some solid advice on how to go about things.

You also need to be ready to spend a bit of time with those who are already in the field to get a full grasp of what and what not to do when you finally make that leap into the business.

Final thoughts 

A pharmacist isn’t just someone who’s only responsible for dispensing drugs of all kinds to people. No, pharmacists can take advantage of a ton of business ideas. They need to do the necessary research before taking this big step in their career.

The job of a pharmacist is more such a very big one, without which other medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and the likes aren’t complete.

The business ideas highlighted above further emphasize this importance as there are responsible for producing a ton of things needed in the medical industry for the proper treatment of patients.

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Easy Requirements to open a pharmacy

chibueze uchegbu | December 21st, 2021


Requirements to open a pharmacy vary from country to country and from province to province.

Like other businesses, relating to health the requirements to open a pharmacy store must be met for the effective running of your pharmacy. 

Requirements to open a pharmacy 

Often time, people are faced with different challenges on the prerequisites to open a pharmacy outlet. there are many things that must be considered before executing such a plan of owning a pharmacy.

The knowledge of the requirements to open a pharmacy will equip you more with the clever approaches to be taken in other to have a seamless establishment process.

In this context, few countries are considered the requirements to open a pharmacy. Is important to consider the following contents below before you venture into a pharmacy or drug store outlet.

  • Consult a mentor

Mentorship is very essential in starting up any establishment consider reaching out to some people that have been in the business before asking questions and tapping from their wisdom that have been guiding the pharmacy.

  • Pharmacy Business planning

Is no doubt that when you fail to plan you plan to fail, research the nature of the pharmacy store you intend to open, and seek to know the requirements to open a pharmacy as such you learn the don’ts and dos of the pharmacy operation.

In the same vein through pharmacy business planning, you know the nature of the establishment you intend to have. In addition, research on profit aspect and what can make you stand out from others that have been there before you.

Consider your market target, location, or positioning those are essential factors in business planning. In nutshell have an effective business plan, which consists of:

  1. Business description
  2. Competitive analysis
  3. Market strategies
  4. Operation and management plans
  5. Financial Projections
  • Your financial capability

This is where most entrepreneurs get it wrong, they plan regardless of their financial status they start up a pharmacy today and want to see it boom like someone that started twenty years ago.

Let your finances determine the level of your store then create room for growth never forget that nothing is too big or too small to start with.

Consider your operational requirements to open a pharmacy

Considering the type of business structure you desire for your pharmacy, lies on the amount of legal liability you desire and how much you are willing to put on ongoing costs of formation and administration, according to Entrepreneur.

  • Licenses

This is a very crucial part since most people desire to have a pharmacy store without being a pharmacist.

So, endeavor to have your licenses available or go in partnership with someone that has in other to keep your pharmacy business fast on track.

Below are some of the licenses that may be required of you before embarking on pharmacy business depending on your country of residence:

  1. Pharmacy council of Nigeria accreditation
  2. State Board of Pharmacy Permit
  3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Number
  4. National Provider Identifier (NPI) Number
  5. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Number
  6. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Requirements to Open a Pharmacy for different countries

Different countries, have different rules and laid down principles and qualifications to open a pharmacy business. Let’s see some of the countries what they have in common

Requirements To Open A Pharmacy in Nigeria

Below are the pharmacy registration procedures in Nigeria and steps for approval from the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria ( PCN )

INCORPORATE A COMPANY NAME

Requirements To Open A Pharmacy
Requirements To Open A Pharmacy

Submit them at the nearest c.a.c office

A wholesale outlet must have a pharmacist as a shareholder. A copy of the license of the pharmacist shareholder to incorporate a pharmacy name company

  • CONSIDER A CONDUCIVE LOCATION

Find a location that

  1. must be at least 30sqm for retail, 50 sqm for wholesale and an office plus a warehouse
  2. site must be 200 meters from any nearby registered pharmacy
  3. write to PCN on your letter headed paper for location approval after paying the location approval fee of n10k for retail and n20k for wholesale
  4. site must not be in a market or a motor park
  5. a plaza can have two to three premises
  • AFTER LOCATION APPROVAL

For A Pharmacist Owned Business

SUBMIT:

  1. Application letter for premises registration
  2. C.A.C certificate of incorporation
  3. The forms co2 and co7 from CAC
  4. Superintendent pharmacist license
  5. Resignation letter and acceptance of resignation letter from the place of the last appointment as a Supt pharmacist (or NYSC discharge certificate for a post nysc pharmacist)
  6. A letter stating that you have only one full-time pharmacist job
  7. Pay inspection and registration fee into PCN account
  8. Fill and submit forms b and j from PCN

Then Wait for approval which will take months depending on their workload

For A Non-Pharmacist Owned Business

The above-mentioned requirements are compulsory inclusion of below:

  1. Appointment And Acceptance Of Appointment Letters
  2. A Letter Promising To Give The  Superintendent Pharmacist A Free Hand
  3. A Legal Agreement Between The Superintendent  Pharmacist And Th Managing Director
  4. Letter Informing Pcn Of Appointment Of A Supt. Pharmacist

Inspector’s requirements

  • Medical Reference Books
  • A Pharmacist Office
  • An Air conditioner
  • Poison Book And Box
  • Refrigerator

After this stressful race and the approval comes to rejoice and start selling

If premises was not approved, write an appeal letter stating your case to the PCN registrar

You will also like to read how much does it cost to open a pharmacy

Requirements To Open A Pharmacy in Canada

The pharmaceutical sector is one of the largest industries in Canada, meeting the requirements to open a pharmacy in Canada is worthwhile.

If you intend to start a pharmacy or other types of drug stores in Canada, you are bound to comply with the Drug Good Manufacturing Practices and Establishment Licensing Enforcement Directive. Also, pharmacists must pass the exam organized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).

Below is the step by step approach to open a pharmacy store in Canada:

Step 1:

Submit an Application for Certificate of Accreditation as a Pharmacy

This must be done at least 45 days prior to the proposed opening date of the new pharmacy and includes:

  1. The application for Certificate of Accreditation as a Pharmacy
  2. Application fee:
  • $1766.19 (incl. HST) if your opening date falls between May 10th and November 9th
  • $1236.22 (incl. HST) if your opening date falls between Nov 10th and May 9th
  • an additional fee is required if the pharmacy will also operate a Remote Dispensing Location (RDL)
  1. The Director of a Corporation Declaration of Good Character for every pharmacist director of the operating corporation
  2. A copy of the articles of incorporation for the operating corporation (only required if the corporation has never operated a pharmacy in Canada)
  3. Copy of the share certificates issued for the operating corporation (only required if the corporation has never operated a pharmacy in Ontario)
  4. A signed copy of the Data License Agreement (“DLA”)
  5. A pharmacy floor plan for OCP approval labeled with the following details:

Total square footage of the area to be accredited – if the pharmacy is part of a larger area, clearly delineate the pharmacy portion and identify how the accredited area is kept secure/physically separate from the non-accredited area

  • Total square footage of dispensary (area behind the counter)
  • Location of required two sinks in the dispensary
  • The location of an acoustically private consultation area
  • Location of the compounding area

The Application processing time varies and your proposed date of opening is subject to change depending on the board’s decision.

Step 2: Scheduling an Assessment

After the approval of your application, a Community Operations Advisor will contact the Designated Manager of the pharmacy to schedule an assessment prior to the proposed opening date.

The Assessment is done by the appointed advisor who visits your location and checks for all relevancies once a satisfactory assessment of the pharmacy is reached, you hope for the Issuance of a Certificate of Accreditation, which enables a seamless running of your pharmacy.

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How To Start A Pharmacy Store In India

There are many requirements to open a pharmacy, the same applies to India. It is easier to own a pharmacy store in India if you are a pharmacist, in the same vein a non-pharmacist can own one if he is willing to give it a chance.

Like other countries, you must go through a legal process in order to obtain the accreditation to run your pharmacy business effectively. In this article, we summarize how to start a pharmacy store in India.

Firstly, you need to find a location to site your store, which will be 10-20 square meters in size.

To be eligible to own a pharmacy store one should have for non-pharmacist or be

  • A registered pharmacist approved by the pharmacy department of India
  • Have one year in dealing with drugs
  • A person who has passed secondary school leaving certificate (S.L.C) with 4 years of experience in dealing in drugs, specially approved by the department of drug control for the purpose.

Is essential to note that the requirements to open a pharmacy store in India, vary from state to state.

However, below is a suggestive list of some of the requirements to open a pharmacy store in India

Pharmacy License application form in the prescribed format

  • Covering Letter with the intent of the application signed with the name and designation of the applicant
  • Challan of fee deposited for obtaining drug licenses
  • Declaration form in the format prescribed
  • Key plan(Blueprint) for the premises
  • Site plan (Blueprint) for the premises
  • The basis of possession of the premises
  • Identity proof and photos of owner/partners of a medical store
  • Proof of ownership of the premises, if rented
  • A Proof of constitution of the company(Incorporation Certificate / MOA/ AOA / Partnership Deed)
  • Affidavit of non-conviction of proprietor/partners/directors under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
  • Affidavit of a registered pharmacist or competent person working full time
  • Appointment letter of registered pharmacist/competent person, if the employed person.

You will also be required to have the following items listed below before inspection.

  • Medical Reference Books
  • A Pharmacist Office
  • An Air conditioner
  • Poison Book And Box
  • Refrigerator

These documents ascertain your eligibility for a pharmacy store license. After completing all requirements, the inspector has to visit your office and equally go through the approval of your pharmacy store.

Requirements to open a pharmacy (conclusion)

The different requirements to open a pharmacy vary from country to country and in most cases, any with good financial standing can open a pharmacy store but must have a pharmacist who will be readily available for dispensing, consultation, and other professional duties.

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Best Reasons to Become a Pharmacist

chibueze uchegbu | December 19th, 2021


We will look at the top Reasons to Become a Pharmacist. If you wish to pursue a career in pharmacy, know that you are among the fortunate ones to come across this write-up.

Medical practice is one field that has a wide array of specialties and fields. Among all the specialties and fields in medical sciences and studies, Pharmacy has remained one of the top-rated fields in the study.

Aside from the monetary incentives, becoming a Pharmacist is one of the most fulfilling professions out there. In our update today, we shall list for our readers and visitors reasons to become a pharmacist, the roles of a pharmacist as well as how to become a pharmacist.

You will find our update today helpful if you want to become a pharmacist or have reasons to become a pharmacist.

Who is a Pharmacist?

Before we talk about the Reasons to Become a Pharmacist, it is essential you know who a pharmacist is.

A Pharmacist is a lot of things in the medical world. A pharmacist can be a medical consultant for drugs, a teacher, and can also act as a doctor.

However, on a general level and in a less complex manner, a pharmacist also known as a chemist is one medically certified to prescribe drugs to patients.

They also provide medical advice, recommend drugs, and overall healthcare of the patient as it concerns drug intake. Pharmacists also conduct medical research and provide analysis which assists concerned authorities in making regulations concerning drugs and their intake.

Reasons to Become a Pharmacist

Due to how vast pharmaceutical studies are, the reasons to become one tend to extend to many other fields. Nonetheless, we have taken note of the core reasons and have listed them out.

  • Career Flexibility:

The reason, why a good number of people are choosing healthcare professions, is because of how flexible it has become.

Unlike other jobs that fixate you at one place for a very long period of time, Pharmacists can easily change the course of their profession and delve into other pharmacology fields.

You can experiment with your talent in other roles like managerial, mentorship, and research specialists among many other roles available in the same field of pharmacy. There is also flexibility in combining the role of a pharmacy with other jobs.

The nature of pharmacology allows one enough time to think and decide the area that fits him or her while also exploring a variety of other options in medical healthcare.

  • Patient Care and Patient Outcome:

Helping patients achieve positive health outcomes, comes with a kind of fulfillment that only pharmacology offers. As a pharmacist, you will always be part of the drive to ensure the well-being of a patient and society at large.

Additionally, being closer to patients exposes the pharmacist to tons of data that can be used in making policies for improvement in healthcare.

  • Community Development: 

Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. This is because they have always been an integral part of community development schemes.

Where they go about teaching, discussing, and educating people about healthcare. From drug abuse, drug information, patient rights among many other things.

Therefore, if you have a passion for community development programs, a pharmacology profession is a good place to start.

  • Room for Professional Growth:

Pharmacology is a field that is constantly changing adopting new innovations and dumping obsolete methods. This is the same for the pharmacist because as the methods change so does the pharmacist’s knowledge with it.

Unlike when it is believed that pharmacists are locked over the drug counter providing just prescriptions, these days pharmacists are now pivotal parts of key decisions made in the healthcare profession.

A good number of the research and drug engineering are carried out by pharmacists or under the supervision of one. Gone are the days when they are stagnated to only one place.

  • Job Security:

With the increase in demand for pharmacists, it is hard not to picture a stable future for those in the profession.

No matter the economy of the nation, people are bound to get sick hence will always have the need for prescriptions from pharmacists.

The need to constantly develop drugs that will fight emerging sicknesses and disease is enough to tell you that pharmacists are going to be here for a very long time if not for eternity.

Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are always on the lookout for talents to boost their workforce to meet up demand and competition.

  • Independence: 

Pharmacists are among the few healthcare professionals who enjoy autonomy in their professions. This is actually one of the top reasons to become a pharmacist.

A good number of pharmacists, especially those in private practice set their own working hours and consultancy fees as well as lecturing and teaching hours for those who mentor and teach young interns.

  • Knowledge of New Technology: 

If you are tech-savvy, and always looking to identify new inventions and technology then the field of pharmacy might just be for you.

The healthcare field is always changing, adopting new methods, and dumping obsolete ones. The pharmacists here are constantly introduced to new technology, its usage, and its importance.

This goes a long way in helping in their research works and breakthroughs. There is more accuracy in diagnosis and theories because of new technology introduced every now and then.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: 

For every research breakthrough and positive patient outcome, there have been tons of collaboration and teamwork attached to it.

The healthcare industry is rapidly changing and is becoming far more collaborative than ever before.

As a pharmacist, there will always be a need to consult with fellow colleagues and other healthcare professionals before you arrive at a conclusion. It is a reason to become a pharmacist if you enjoy collaborative work.

  • Respect: 

No society can function optimally without a healthcare system. Pharmacists play a vital role in the health and drug regulation of a country and it doesn’t go unnoticed. That is why there is so much societal respect attached to it.

The time, length of work, and resources that go into becoming a certified pharmacist also add to the respect attached to the profession. In the community, people will know you for the many drugs you prescribed and the advice that helped their lives.

  • Mentorship: 

Another reason to become a pharmacist is that it gives one the opportunity of mentoring and impacting the same knowledge to pharmacology students or interns.

If what drives you is the desire to give back and assist others in their chosen career field. You can combine such while also working as a pharmacist.

Like we said earlier the field of pharmacology now allows for pharmacists to also explore other areas of endeavors in the field like tutoring, mentoring, managerial roles, etc.

Hence, if you desire to teach others the new techniques, tips, ethics, etc of the profession, you can do that while also retaining the full role of a pharmacist.

How to Become a Pharmacist

Becoming a pharmacist comes with distinctive steps which can’t be skipped as they are interlinked to each other.

A graduate degree is not usually enough to get a good-paying pharmaceutical job. Employers prefer doctorate degree holders.

This stage is where you undergo core intensive research, theoretical and practical studies in all the related sub-disciplines in Pharmacology.

After obtaining your Pharm.D (Doctorate in Pharmacology) You can then proceed for internship and residency training. Before you can take your final licensing exam to become a certified pharmacist.

Conclusion on Reasons to Become a Pharmacist

You don’t need to be told the many opportunities that lie in pharmaceutical studies before you can start. From high-paying salaries to job security as well as the flexibility to switch roles. It is obvious the field is worth the length of time and resources spent in acquiring it.

Nonetheless, Pharmacology is a highly professional course. Ensure the institution of choice is accredited to offer the course in addition to the facilities and technology needed to thrive in the field.

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Top 7 pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

Dr. Chuwkuebuka | October 12th, 2021


The pharmaceutical companies in Belarus are worthwhile considering their effectiveness in distributing, manufacturing, dispensing, and researching pharmaceutical products for the good of Belarusians.

Pharmaceutical companies in Belarus adopt modern technologies in their operations they are commercial businesses licensed to research, develop, market, or distribute pharmaceutical products.

These companies are also subject to a variety of laws and regulations regarding but not limited to the testing and marketing of drugs.

Overview of the pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

From the start of the 19th century, the pharmaceutical company is now one of the most lucrative and influential in existence, attracting commendations and different discussions of opposing opinions.

In the past, most drugs have been discovered either by identifying the active ingredients from traditional treatment or by beneficial discovery.

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In Belarus, a recent approach has been made to understand how disease and infection are inhibited or restrained at the molecular and physiological level and to mark distinctive bodies based on this awareness.

List of pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

Below is the list of the top pharmaceutical companies in Belarus you ought to know;

  1. BelinvestPharma
  2. BelAseptika
  3. Lamyra
  4. LEKPhARM
  5. Simurg
  6. Rubicon
  7. Reb-Pharma

BelinvestPharma

This is among the pharmaceutical companies in Belarus and has been in existence for about 15 years.

Pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

The company’s activities are in some of these sectors below;

  • Distribution of cosmetic products
  • Wholesale of pharmaceutical products
  • Retail sale of medicines, medical supplies, and cosmetic products.

The company’s wholesale division sells products of more than 100 world-famous, leading factories and manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

Their partners are located in more than 30 countries around the world.

The company closely cooperates with existing network pharmacies of state and private ownership, healthcare institutions, and local manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

An important area of the company’s activity is the distribution of cosmetic products.

The company is the exclusive distributor on the territory of the Republic of Belarus of the best.

BelAseptika 

The company is the largest manufacturer of professional antiseptic disinfecting detergents and cleaning agents in the Republic of Belarus for all branches of the food industry, public catering, trade, agriculture, healthcare, social and municipal organizations.

Their products provide proper sanitary and hygienic regimes in organizations of all types of business, prevention of the development of micro-flora resistant to disinfectants and antiseptics, optimal product quality at an optimal price, and the possibility of using technological methods of disinfection.

Website: visit here

Their product catalog includes;

  • Antiseptics
  • Disinfectants for dentistry
  • Detergents and cleaners
  • Medical products
  • Disposal of medical waste
  • Medicines
  • Pharmaceutical substances
  • Phytoproducts
  • Cosmetical tools
  • Veterinary drugs
  • Culture media
  • Dispensers and dispensing systems
  • Cleaning tools and equipment
  • Raw materials
  • Household chemical services.

Taking into account the industry specifics and by the current standards or sanitary and epidemiological requirements, their specialist has prepared complex solutions in the field of cleanliness for the following types of enterprises:

  • Food industry
  • Healthcare
  • Other industries
  • Agriculture
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Power structures and emergencies
  • Transport
  • Education

Lamyra

This is also among the pharmaceutical companies in Belarus and has been operating since 2011.

Pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

It has an international team with an ambitious vision and global market Orientation.

The main goal is to provide the population with high-tech and affordable drugs that provide opportunities for maintaining health, treating and preventing diseases, increasing life expectancy and professional longevity based on the unique achievements of science.

Their portfolio includes therapeutic machines, vitamins, nutritional care, and cosmetics.

Website: visit here

LEKPHARM 

is an Intensively developing enterprise in the field of development, production, and sale of medicines, the hallmark of which is modern production, multi-stage quality control, and highly qualified personnel.

The enterprise is equipped with advanced certified equipment that meets the requirements of the international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)standard.

The company is Intensively developing by expanding the range of products, and dosage forms, and introducing new production facilities. In 2020, 9 new drugs were registered in the Republic of Belarus, of which 7 were mastered in industrial production and released into circulation.

In terms of development and registration for 22 drugs, including drugs that were not previously produced at Belarusian pharmaceutical enterprises are planned for development.

The enterprise has created and operates a quality management system that ensures the production of products of guaranteed quality. The main technological operations are controlled by software.

Website: visit

Simurg

This company specializes in the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and urology.

The use of new approaches to therapy using innovative products created by the company in alliance with the leading scientific centers of Belarus, allows doctors to improve the quality of diagnosis of diseases and the effectiveness of prevention, and to patients to return to a high-quality life.

For more than a quarter of a century, ZAO Medical Enterprise Simurg has been consistently providing a differentiated approach to the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Today, the company has 12 items of medical products and more than 200 modifications of products for obstetrics and gynecology.

This means that doctors have a choice, the opportunity to use an individual approach to the patient, who in turn receives convenience, security, and relief during the diagnostic and preventive process, including treatment during frequent treatment.

Website: click here

Its basic principles are defined:

  • Strengthening positions in traditional markets
  • Entering the markets of the countries of the European Union
  • Maintaining high ethical standards
  • Expansion of the product range
  • Improvement of the enterprise structure
  • Respect for corporate history.

Rubicon

Rubicon is among the top pharmaceutical companies in Belarus and began production activities in 2010.

Top pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

The mission of the enterprise is the improvement and production of modern medicines that meet all the requirements of efficacy and safety. The enterprise has a contemporary production base, a research laboratory, a trained and organized team of specialists.

Production is carried out in a full cycle from the control of the product.

The production is certified and carried out following GMP norms and standards and is equipped with technological equipment from leading world companies ( Hurtlin, Cosmec, Fette, Dibir, Bonapace) production facilities include two workshops for the production of sterile dosage forms ( solutions in vials) nonsterile dosage forms( tablets, suppositories, nasals, and ear solutions).

At the lower level of the production building, a warehouse is equipped that provides storage of raw materials and materials for a shorter production period, as well as provides quarantine storage of finished products at the quality control stage and before transfer to a Pharmacy, wholesale warehouse.

Website: click here

Reb-Pharma

This is a recent company of a new generation of Belarusian manufacturers, building their business under the advanced development trends of the pharmaceutical market and meeting recent quality and management standards.

The pharmaceutical company was created on December 8, 2014, when the company concluded an investment agreement with the Republic of Belarus.

Currently, the Reb-Pharma company employs over 130 people.

Their most important activity is the production and sale of medicines. The diverse portfolio of the Reb-Pharma company is approved by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus and includes drugs in the main, therapeutic areas.

The company intends to produce a vast scope of pharmaceuticals that meet foreign quality standards and focus on an import replacement policy.

Website: click here

Their catalog includes;

  • Antiallergic
  • Antibacterial
  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
  • Gastroenterology
  • Systemic corticosteroids
  • Antiviral
  • Pulmonology
  • Antianeamic
  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
  • Opthalmology and otolaryngology
  • Anti-infective

Advantages of pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

Below are the following advantages of the pharmaceutical companies in Belarus.

  • These companies help people lead a healthy lifestyle.
  • Through these pharmaceutical companies in Belarus, medications are extremely obtainable to the patients and the general public.
  • Vaccinations and immunizations are facilitated by these pharmaceutical companies
  • Many jobs have been created by these companies
  • The economy of Belarus is uplifted by these pharmaceutical companies

Challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

  • The cost of innovation and fast evolution: The demand for innovation increased deeply in 2020, thereby creating a massive impact on the whole company in Belarus financially. The financial strain of innovation was directly felt by organizations including health care providers.
  • Increased customer expectations: The more progress emerges in the pharmaceutical companies, the more issues arise. Hence, customers request better medications at low costs. The pharmaceutical company in Belarus is facing competition from advert conflict because their customers are becoming more observant and pitiless.
  • Inventing a new cure: for some incurable diseases like epilepsy, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, the minds of researchers and scientists have been beaten, hence the daily struggle in an attempt to fight the diseases.
  • Dangers of self-medication: As the days roll by, more people tend to believe they are more wiser and knowledgeable than medical practitioners. Research has proven that self-medication is at an all-time high leading to the uprise of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OFC) drugs.

Requirements to start a pharmaceutical company in Belarus

For every aspiring pharmaceutical professional, setting up a pharmaceutical company is a dream come true.

Due to a lack of knowledge and courage, most of them haven’t begun their own pharmaceutical company. But with the following steps, you are on your way to starting your pharmaceutical company.

  • Gain knowledge directly related to the company and its environment. Acquire the necessary experience as well. Also, learn how the company operates, including sales, try reaching out and getting acquainted with the network and customers.
  • Carry out your research, especially on the drug you want to be producing. Make sure that your product meets the appropriate standards and is well-tested. Ensure that the environment for the testing is fit for the purpose.
  • Ensure that you are properly registered and do well to follow the rules and regulations of the pharmaceutical council so as not to have a dent in your name. Having the support of the lawyer and corporate affairs commission would validate your company and your customers would not have a double mind about you.
  • It takes a lot of people to run a company, but having the right team in order is an added advantage in the process of starting your own pharmaceutical company.
  • Your pharmaceutical company wouldn’t be complete without certain amenities such as electricity, constant water supply, air conditioner, and other office accessories. Ensure that the premises are well furnished with a cemented floor, strong roofings, and concert walls would do.
  • Endeavor to position yourself in a strategic location so you can be readily accessible to the public. Avoid setting it up near an already existing Pharmacy as this would pose as a competition for your business, rather pitch it in an area with a hospital.
  • Every big company today once had a small beginning hence, don’t just rush to plunge into it at a go. Take time to nurture your business so that it can have healthy growth. Keep adding value and you would be amazed at how far you would go.
  • Most people don’t know this but its benefits are rewarding. Don’t be hesitant to partner with other pharmaceutical companies. Learn from their expertise, and support one another as this can help boost your company and inspire others. No man is an island and it paves the way for a better environment and a thriving business.

Best pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

  • Belinvestpharma
  • BelAseptika
  • Lamyra
  • LEKPHARM
  • Simurg
  • Rubicon
  • Reb-Pharma

Pharmaceutical companies’ jobs in Belarus

  • Research and Development
  • Production
  • Drug Regulation Affairs
  • Quality Assurance
  • Formulation and Development
  • Quality control
  • Teaching
  • Medical writing

Conclusion on the pharmaceutical companies in Belarus

A pharmaceutical company is very important in our general lives as its presence enables us to be able to cure most of our health-related issues.

Pharmaceutical products are essential for a better living.

For some people who are afraid of going to a hospital due to the regular stress, they undergo before consulting a doctor, some of these pharmaceutical companies offer you a less stressful consultation and also get good drugs at a budget-friendly rate.

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How to Become a Pharmacist in Canada

chibueze uchegbu | August 19th, 2021


Knowing how to become a Pharmacist in Canada is worthwhile. Pharmacy is one of the lucrative professions in the world today as such very competitive.

We deem it fit to drop this comprehensive guide on how to become a pharmacist in Canada since Canada is the first choice of destination for international students.

Having a strong science background is a prerequisite for most pharmacy schools in Canada. Science students may also enroll in a First-Year Seminar wherein qualified faculty members in a class of not up to thirty students.

Overview of how to become a pharmacist in Canada

There is a specialized seminar for science students entitled Seminar in Science that introduces students to advancements in the field and current research questions.

It takes five years of university training to become a pharmacist. One or two years of an undergraduate program, followed by a four-year professional degree pharmacy program in Canada.

The four-year degree program focuses on developing therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills. It includes rigorous education in microbiology, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical biochemistry, toxicology, pharmaceutical care, and pharmacology.

how to become a pharmacist in Canada
how to become a pharmacist in Canada

How to become a pharmacist in Canada (requirements)

  • A bachelor of pharmacy in Canada from one of the accredited  Canadian universities
  • National board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)(except for Québec)
  • Practical experience through an apprenticeship/internship program in Canada
  • Fluency in English or French language

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). Many pharmacists undertake additional post-graduate training.

This may take the form of:

  • One-year residency program in a hospital or community practice setting
  • A one-year residency program in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Postgraduate courses leading to a Masters in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees
  • Certification for disease states such as diabetes or asthma
  • Continuing education in an area of specialization.

Once you graduate from a university program, you must meet the licensing requirements of the Ontario College of Pharmacists to become a practicing pharmacist. These include a structured practical training component and successful completion of a national examination by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

Admission and application requirements for pharmacy school vary from one institution to another. As such, it is important to contact the respective pharmacy school admission offices to determine specific admission requirements.

Pharmacist in Canada salary

After having the knowledge on how to become a pharmacist in Canada, is essential you read through the pharmacist in Canada salary below.

The average Pharmacist in Canada salary is $94,799 per year or $48.62 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $50,608 per year while most experienced workers make up to $120,000 per year.

Below is a breakdown of pharmacists in Canada salaries per the different regions in Canada although some regions are excluded because of lack of data.

This is the average yearly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Pharmacist salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

pharmacist in canada salary

Additionally, Pharmacist(s) whose expertise span anywhere between ten and fifteen years get a salary equivalent to 239,000 CAD per year, 23% more than someone with five to ten years of experience.

If the experience level is between fifteen and twenty years, then the expected wage is 254,000 CAD per year, 6% more than someone with ten to fifteen years of experience.

Lastly, employees with more than twenty years of professional experience get a salary of 279,000 CAD per year, 10% more than people with fifteen to twenty years of experience.

Pharmacy schools in Canada requirements

Is important you know the pharmacy schools in Canada requirements before you proceed with your application as a prospective student of pharmacy in any of the renowned institutions.

The 10 pharmacy schools in Canada in which one can enroll to obtain their pharmacy degree are open for admission once you meet the requirements.

Most pharmacy schools require at least 2 years of undergraduate education in order to complete pre-requisite requirements.

The admission process for each school varies and the requirements are not the same for all schools. Below is the list of 10 pharmacy schools in Canada with their requirements.

University of Alberta 

Admission requirements on ow to become a pharmacist in Canada

Admission to the program is based on academics and ability to perform well in full-time study coursework (based on your transcript) as well as career goals, knowledge of the profession, and overall interpersonal and communication skills (based on the other requirements including the pharmacist consultation form, letter of intent and an online interview)

how to become a pharmacist in Canada

For students who have done their pre-requisite courses in Alberta, having a GPA of 3.5 or greater is considered competitive.

However, students with a slightly lower GPA average have been considered depending on other admission considerations. For out-of-province students, they must present a higher GPA average of 3.7 or higher to be considered competitive. Both in-province and out-of-province are considered within the same pool of students.

There are about 130 spots each year

University of British Columbia

Admission requirements on how to pharmacist in Canada:

PCAT is not required for admission.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have completed 60 credits of post-secondary coursework with a minimum average of 65% (or 2.50 GPA on a 4 point scale). However, having a high 70 to low 80 admission average is considered competitive to score an interview. The average GPA for the Class of 2020 was 80% (or 3.67 on a 4 point scale).

Interviews are conducted following the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format where applicants rotate through several interview stations and respond to situational and behavioral-based questions.

There are 224 seats in the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program per year.

University of Saskatchewan

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

There are three constituent factors in the admission process to the PharmD program at the University of Saskatchewan. These factors are as follows: academic performance (weighted 60%), a Test of Critical Skills (30%), and a personal video interview (10%).

how to become a pharmacist in Canada

Prerequisites to the application include the completion of 60 U of S credit units of pre-pharmacy courses (or equivalent course credits at other universities)and a minimum overall average of 70%. The deadline for application is February 15 of the year of admission.

Generally 76 seats in the province, 14 seats out of province for 90 total seats.

One seat is available for self-declared aboriginal applicants. You can also apply for the one seat under special consideration for compassionate reasons

University of Manitoba 

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

preference is given to Manitoba residents

PCAT is a requirement

University of Waterloo

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

PCAT is not a requirement

Must complete Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) Test

During the interview process, a fundamental skills assessment will be completed

Preferable to have pharmacy experience beforehand as a need reference letter from a pharmacist

University of Toronto

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

Requires PCAT and minimum 70% average

If minimum requirements are met will be offered multiple mini interviews (MMI) interviews

Now requires undergraduate physiology course to be completed before applying

Université de Montreal

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

80% academic record

20% CAS per Test score (an applicant can be invited for an interview if judged necessary)

PCAT is not a requirement

Pass the French Admission Test (obtain a score of at least 850/990 on the International French Test)

200 new students per year (typically half from the college network and a half from the university network)

French-speaking candidates from Ontario and Maritime provinces have priority over the French-speaking candidates of other provinces

Université Laval

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

Applicants for the PharmD are evaluated according to the excellence of their academic record, their CASPer situational judgment test results, and the results of an autobiographical questionnaire.

Students from other provinces are welcome to apply, however, if they are English-speaking, the student must complete an International French test and obtain a score of at least 860/990

French-speaking candidates from Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have priority over the French-speaking candidates of other provinces

192 new students a year

Half of the students accepted come from the college network and the other half of the students comes from a university network

The autobiographical questionnaire is only for candidates coming from the university network!

Dalhousie University 

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

For September 2020 admission, will require at least two full-time academic years of prerequisite courses.

Preferences are given to maritime residents

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Admission requirements on how to become a pharmacist in Canada:

check here

No PCAT required

Minimum 70% average required to be eligible for an interview

Only 96 interviews are offered per year

Interviews must be completed in person

There are both written and oral sections

The seat reservation is 35 for NL residents, one of which is for an Aboriginal student. 5 are open to anybody from Canada or internationally.

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Locum pharmacist meaning

chibueze uchegbu | August 7th, 2021


The locum pharmacist meaning is the same for everyone, however, different words can be used to propel the same meaning.

Every health establishment that requires drug evaluation and dispensation needs the presence of a seating pharmacist.

But there is usually no available pharmacist to take a seat for such a long time of operation of the health establishment owing to the fact that most operate 24/7 hence the essence of a locum pharmacist.

A superintendent pharmacist usually stays more in the pharmacy store or other health establishment, however; they may not be staying as long as the pharmacy functions.

Introduction on locum Pharmacy meaning

The word locum is not unique to the pharmacy professional alone but can be used on a general note to qualify a person that covers for another person of the same profession. Therefore the locum pharmacist meaning is easy to comprehend.

A pharmacist that stands in temporarily for another pharmacist is said to be a locum pharmacist. This pharmacist can work in different pharmacy stores or health establishments at different time intervals.

Starting your journey as a locum pharmacist is not a bad idea for fresh graduates however, this profession comes with a lot of commitments and stress.

As a fresher, being a locum pharmacist creates an opportunity to learn more things about the profession and gain more knowledge and experience.

What does a locum pharmacist do?

Knowing a locum pharmacist meaning without knowing what they do wouldn’t be complete. Therefore, we are going to look at what the locum pharmacists do.

A locum pharmacist does what a regular retail pharmacist does.

Locum pharmacist meaning

The locum pharmacist’s work is not limited to working in a community pharmacy or in a hospital pharmacy dispensing drugs and also counseling patients on drug use.

This is an extremely important role when it comes to public healthcare. A pharmacy technician is the first port of call for anyone with questions regarding the best over-the-counter medicine for them.

The locum isn’t tied to one particular pharmacy but can move around different pharmacies and have time for work shifts.

The nature of their work varies with contract and the number of places they work. One good thing about being a locum pharmacist is that you can have other side works because you are not tied to a place.

Locum pharmacist work description

In this article on locum pharmacists meaning, all you need about locum pharmacists will be explained in its simplest form.

Kindly read below for the description of the work of locum pharmacist which is not limited to the ones listed below;

  • Accurate endorsement of prescription and drug dispensing
  • Stock management, reconciliations, and posting of drugs on the Hospital Information System
  • Relate with Health Maintenance Organizations to obtain approvals for medications
  • Documentation in the pharmacy daily worksheet for drug prescription orders
  • Provision of drug information and advice to patients and other healthcare professionals within and outside the establishment
  • Supervising the activities of the pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants
  • Collation of the monthly report of drug consumption
  • Identification and rectification of drug therapy problems
  • Monitored and Reported drug interaction
  • Counseled patients on safe and effective use of medicine

Advantages of being a locum pharmacist

There are different reasons why pharmacists intend to work as locum pharmacists. It is dependent on individual preference.

Locum pharmacist meaning

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of working as a locum pharmacist.

  • You are paid as you work
  • Flexibility in time
  • You are not tied down to one work
  • Different work experiences
  • The payment is regular

You are paid as you work

Being a locum pharmacist comes with great pay because you have a specific time to render your services and such time is proportional to your pay.

As such many, you can choose some locum shifts in the evenings or at weekends to earn some extra cash. In general, the favorable levels of pay are dependent on your different shift positions.

Flexibility in time

Locum pharmacist meaning wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the flexibility in time. You work as your own boss because you choose a time favorable for you.

If you are chanced in weekends, you can choose only weekends for your locum shifts so that nothing would interfere with the other engagements you might be having.

You are not tied down to one work

This is true and flexibility also comes into play here, you have an unlimited opportunity to choose from the numerous available shifts and works which will also bring a smile to your pocket. As a locum pharmacist, no good opportunity is left behind.

Different work experiences

The more you work, the more experiences you gather and being a locum pharmacist will create room for such experiences

The payment is regular

In the locum pharmacist meaning, a contract is also an essential term because your work as a locum pharmacist is usually based on contract.

This implies that that will be clarification of terms and conditions before commencing with work and a thorough negotiation would be reached and payment mode discussed so that each party knows their distinct duties each time.

This will facilitate regularity in payment

 Disadvantages of being a locum pharmacist

  • Increased stress level
  • Less time to build your own pharmacy
  • Hectic in being your own admin

Increased stress level

Being a locum pharmacist comes with a lot of stress both mental and physical stress. Going from one place to another for work at alternating times is energy-sapping.

Less time to build your own pharmacy

If you are not good at time management, you might likely miss out on the big target in pursuit of locum pay.

Being a locum pharmacist requires your time at every point of the contract therefore when your time management skill is poor, you will end up working for others without building your own empire.

Hectic in being your own admin

In every organization you work, you become your own admin. This should be viewed as an extra layer to the day job, with no time to do this during pharmacy opening hours.

What do I need to become a locum pharmacist?

One of the benefits of this article on locum pharmacist meaning is to give clarifications on some of the questions lie this one above.

Locum pharmacist meaning

You don’t need an extra certification to be a locum pharmacist. Once you are a pharmacist with the essential licenses recommended by your state, province, or country, you can apply anywhere as a locum pharmacist.

Locum pharmacist jobs can be seen online, in newspapers, adverts even without a job advert you can work in a health facility and request if there is a locum space for you.

Meanwhile, you have to stress yourself there are people and organizations that are specialized in finding jobs for you.

You only need to tell them where you intend to work and they will do the needful.

Determinants of locum pharmacist pay

At the beginning of the locum pharmacist meaning, we promise to give you everything you need to know about being a good locum pharmacist.

Locum pharmacist meaning

Below are some of the factors that determine your pay as a locum pharmacist;

  • Working hour
  • The work location and facility
  • Locum pharmacist qualification
  • The bargaining power of the locum pharmacist

Working hour

The nature of the locum is usually earning as you work. Some the time duration will have a lot to say about the payment.

If you need more pay from a particular organization or establishment, consider increasing your working hour.

The work location and facility

An increase in pay is dependent on the location or the nature of the facility you are working in. If the location is the type that has good pay for its pharmacists, you are likely to enjoy it. Location with increased population will have an increased stress load therefore, that will impact the level of pay the worker will get.

Also when you work for a bigger organization you stand to gain bigger pay and vice versa.

Locum pharmacist qualification

Your qualification, which is usually rated based on your level of academic acquisition and work experience has a lot to do with your pay as a locum pharmacist.

The bargaining power of the locum pharmacist

Working for someone as a locum pharmacist comes with a lot of negotiations. The better you negotiate with your employer on payment terms, the better you stand to gain.

You are to source for information to stand better in negotiating for payment. Ask people that have worked there and make your evaluations.

Conclusion on the locum pharmacist meaning

Being a locum pharmacist is lucrative because it gives you variable time and pays, however, you should be skilled in time management to make the best out of it.

If you still have any questions or modifications concerning locum pharmacist meaning, do not hesitate to drop your comment.

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How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pharmacy

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pharmacy?

chibueze uchegbu | July 22nd, 2020


How much does it cost to open a pharmacy? We have been getting this question so decided to give you the best information you deserve.

Anyone who wishes to open a pharmacy store will also consider the cost of running the baby business until it stands to fend for itself.

Is ideal to know that pharmacist wears many hats and act as more of a business owner than just a pharmacist.

One characteristic that all new owners must possess is the ability to overcome the anxiety of the first year of ownership, according to Mark of Independent Rx Consulting.

Introduction on How much does it cost to open a pharmacy

“some persons can handle running a pharmacy,” he notices. “But the difficult time of opening a pharmacy store is getting through that first year. The business may be slow, and daily, you watch money leave your bank account.

keep enough money to sustain your expenses for at least the first 2 years of establishment. The pharmacy business in Nigeria is a profitable one but requires diligence and discipline to start reaping from the benefits.

How much does it cost to open a pharmacy

How much does it cost to open a pharmacy?

Is not easy to ascertain the cost to open a pharmacy without  first considering some of the factors like:

  • County
  • State
  • Region
  • Living cost
  • Location of store
  • Type of store
  • Qualification and other essential factors

According to pioneerrx, Costs can range from as little as $250,000 to as much as $1,800,000. On average, start-up costs range from  $400,000 – $600,000 is to be expected in the united states of America.

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How much does it cost to open a pharmacy in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, the cost of opening a pharmacy is dependent on your location either urban or rural

For a fresher with little capital, it will cost much to start up a community pharmacy in an urban area, because of some factors like:

  • High cost Of Living
  • Cost of Rents
  • High cost of store furnishing to meet your competitors standard
  • Competitors
  • Cost of Services
  • Electrical appliances like air conditioners, fridges generators and others will incur to the costs

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pharmacy
How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pharmacy

Below is a breakdown of how much it costs to open a pharmacy in Nigeria

Shop Rent

This depends on the location, for a location sited in a metropolitan city, it will cost an average of 1,000,000 Naira annually, whereas the cost cheaper in a rural area will be around 50,000-100,000  naira annually.

Furniture

This is on a personal basis because many things are considered as the size of the store the person constructing them for you the quality of furniture you need and type. So an average of 200,000-4,000,000 can be set aside for this.

Drugs

Remember proper attention is to be paid to the drugs you stock, original drugs are expensive to the inferiors one and as a pharmacy store with vision go for the best quality and never forget, the amount you put on drugs will determine the level of your pharmacy store

computer set and other Electronic Gadgets Receipts Printer And Software

Budget at least 600,000. Although as a starter you might need to have everything once you have a limited capital, you go for the most essential things and the ones you can afford.

Staff Training

You need to train your staff on how to grow sales. Good start-off training will cost you between #50000 to 200000 depending on the scope and duration.

Others

You need to set aside about 900,000 Naira for other stuff that may come up or that you may think will add value to your pharmacy including your PCN fees and other unforeseen circumstances.

Below is a raw estimate of How much does it cost to open a pharmacy in Nigeria

It might cost you more or less depending on your budget meanwhile never allow the estimates to intimidate you if you are not having sufficient finance.

Don’t forget anything is too small there is always room for growth and may our year of little beginning always flourish.

Start with what you have you can start as a little drug store owner to a large pharmacy store owner

  • POS retail system – N180,000
  • 2 Fridges – N250,000
  • Pharmacy Shelves – N600,000
  • Inventory – N1,800,000
  • Rent – N600,000
  • Contingency – N300,000
  • Cash at hand – N750,000
  • Other expenses – N900,000

Start with what you have, you can start as a little drug store owner to a large pharmacy store owner

How much does it cost to open a pharmacy (conclusion)

As earlier mentioned, the cost of opening a pharmacy is not fixed considering the different factors listed above. The size of the pharmacy one intends to open would also determine the amount that would be involved.

Put every factor into consideration while making your business plan as such you will be able to avoid any setbacks.

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