Pharmacists are experts who know how to treat an amazing range of medical and health conditions. If you think you’d enjoy a career as a pharmacist, read on!
What exactly is a pharmacist?
Most people appreciate that pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals. On average, Australians visit a community pharmacy about 18 times a year (which is three times the average that we visit the doctor!) – and there’s often a highly valued relationship between a pharmacist and patients.
We often see pharmacists in retail ‘chemist’ outlets, as business owners, managers or professional staff, but their roles are more diverse than we may realise. While pharmacists are experts in medicines, their role extends far beyond dispensing. They work directly with patients and healthcare teams to optimise medication use, support disease prevention, deliver health services such as vaccinations, and help manage a range of acute and chronic health conditions. Pharmacists are also found in hospitals, aged care facilities, doctors surgeries, universities and government organisations – but they’re not chemists.
What’s the difference between a pharmacist and a chemist?
We can also add ‘pharmacologist’ into the mix. The confusion about these professions is understandable, as they have many similarities. Pharmacy and pharmacology derive from the Greek term pharmakon – which, interestingly, refers to both a remedy and a poison. So, there are similarities in their names and their knowledge. The differences are in the specialist expertise and careers of the three professions.
A chemist has a degree in chemistry. They work to understand the properties and behaviours of molecules and atoms within matter, and explore the potential uses of those properties. Often they work in specialised laboratories to develop products for industries such as pharmaceuticals. Pharmacologists have a degree in pharmacology and also work in laboratories, but their focus is on how chemicals and drugs affect organisms. A large area of pharmacology is the development of new chemical treatments to improve the health of humans, animals, plants or the environment.
Pharmacists, on the other hand, are registered health professionals. They have a degree in pharmacy, which may lead them to working in pharmaceutical research, but in general, pharmacists are client-facing in a healthcare setting. They may also create customised prescription medicines, sterile products like eye drops and injection and cancer therapies using specialist equipment (also known as ‘compounding’).
As part of their degree, a pharmacist will have studied chemistry, pharmacology and therapeutics – how to use medicines to treat illness. and pharmacy practice – how to apply this knowledge to help people make the most of their medicines). They are scientists, but they also like meeting and engaging with people, and using their scientific knowledge to help people manage their medicines.
If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, you’re probably a ‘people person’. You’ll be interested in health and medicine, fascinated by health research and innovation, and enjoy contributing to your local community.
What exactly do pharmacists do?
The advice that pharmacists provide is critical for the wellbeing of their clients and the patients of holistic healthcare teams, and the expanding scope of pharmacists reflects the growing need for their expertise within the health system.
In a dispensary environment, pharmacists explain the usage of medications and healthcare products as well as a diversity of other responsibilities – such as administering vaccines, providing wound management, and monitoring conditions like diabetes. But pharmacists are more than medicines experts; they are trusted healthcare professionals who play an increasingly important role in patient care.
As healthcare continues to evolve, pharmacists are taking on increasingly clinical roles. They work alongside doctors, nurses and other health professionals to improve patient outcomes, support medication management, provide preventative healthcare and contribute to multidisciplinary care. And, reflecting the health knowledge and expertise of pharmacists, they’ll soon be able to prescribe medicines to treat a range of short- and long-term health conditions.
How to become a pharmacist
To become a pharmacist, you need a university degree in pharmacy. Curtin University, in Western Australia, has been teaching pharmacy since the 1960s. Curtin’s longstanding Pharmacy degree has enjoyed an excellent professional reputation with accreditation by the Australian Pharmacy Council. But as the profession continues to evolve, so does the way pharmacists are educated. Curtin recently refreshed Pharmacy pathways to prepare students for the expanding scope of pharmacy practice.1
Curtin now offers two pathways to become a pharmacist. Your first option is to gain your bachelor degree – which involves studying for 3 years and 9 months (full-time) followed by a professional internship. Your second option is to complete your degree and continue on to gain your Doctor of Pharmacy, which is a 15-month extended master course that provides advanced clinical training and an internship. (And of course, the title ‘Doctor of Pharmacy’ does have that extra kudos!)11.Curtin now offers two pathways to become a pharmacist. Your first option is to gain your bachelor degree – which involves studying for 3 years and 9 months (full-time) followed by a professional internship. Your second option is to complete your degree and continue on to gain your Doctor of Pharmacy, which is a 15-month extended master course that provides advanced clinical training and an internship. (And of course, the title ‘Doctor of Pharmacy’ does have that extra kudos!)
Kaitlyn Campbell explains that she chose to study Pharmacy at Curtin on the recommendation of a tutor at school… and her local pharmacist!
“I wanted a career in healthcare, and when I was completing my Certificate IV in Health Science, as part of my high school program, my tutor suggested pharmacy. So I asked the staff at my local pharmacy about the profession, and they were really helpful,” Kaitlyn says.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the profession, and I can’t see myself doing anything else!”
Curtin also offers its Pharmacy degree course to international students. Phu Le travelled from his home country of Vietnam to study in Australia and at Curtin.
“I chose Curtin because the teaching methods were the most suitable for me – the experiential learning, practical training and hands-on projects provide a deeper understanding,” Phu says.
What do you learn in a pharmacy degree course?
One of the distinctive aspects of Curtin’s course is that you’ll begin learning about pharmacy practice from day one. That’s because the course is designed to support the expanding scope of pharmacy practice, and so it prepares graduates for increasingly patient-facing and clinically focused roles as soon as possible. In pharmacy courses at some other universities, you would complete a general health course first, well before focusing on the discipline of pharmacy.
At Curtin, throughout the course, you’ll study medicines, therapeutics and pharmaceutical sciences while developing the clinical, communication and patient-care skills needed to practise as a pharmacist. You’ll also learn how to work with patients and healthcare teams to support safe, effective and evidence-based use of medicines.
In addition to pharmacy practice, in your first year at Curtin you’ll learn about pharmaceutical science, the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and pathophysiology – which is the study of changes in the body that happen due to disease or injury. You’ll also learn about interprofessional and holistic healthcare, studying alongside Curtin students from other health disciplines.
You’ll then study a more specialised range of health sciences, including pharmaceutics, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry pharmacology, therapeutics and antimicrobial chemotherapy. And throughout your studies, you’ll continue to develop your pharmacy practice skills so you can apply all this knowledge to improving patients’ health.
Pharmacy teaching facilities
Decades of experience is just one reason why Curtin’s Pharmacy program is respected by the pharmacy industry and popular with students; another is Curtin’s excellent learning facilities – which include a simulated pharmacy and dispensary. So, in addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, you will gain plenty of hands-on experience applying that knowledge in specialist laboratories and facilities.
Phu explains why Curtin’s facilities were important for gaining a range of practical skills.
“The quality of Curtin’s facilities helps. I enjoy the workshops, not just for the academic learning, but also for the interpersonal skills such as communicating with patients effectively.”
“The course includes extensive hands-on experience in dealing with patients, ensuring that we develop the necessary interpersonal skills that are crucial for a successful career in pharmacy.”
Kaitlyn agrees with Phu about the hands-on learning.
“Our workshops simulate real-life pharmacy scenarios, which allows us to practise handling various situations. We practise counselling patients, dispensing medications and using dosing devices, and we complete vaccination training.”
What about real practical experience?
In Curtin’s Pharmacy course, you’ll gain plenty of real-world practical experience during your 10 weeks of clinical placements, including in a hospital pharmacy. You could even complete placements in a range of non-traditional settings, such as aged care, and interstate or overseas!
For Phu, the clinical experience helped him decide on his career path.
“My practical placement also helped me to learn about pharmacy practice and what I will do after I graduate,” he explains.
Kaitlyn says that during her Curtin course she’s been exposed to a range of pharmacy specialities, including community, hospital, aged care, compounding and general practice.
In her third year, she completed her placement in the Western Australian coastal town of Geraldton.
“The experience truly highlighted the importance of rural pharmacy. We’re often the first health professional someone sees when they’re unwell, so it’s imperative that we can support our client. The professional skills you learn in a rural placement are incredibly useful,” she says.
“I currently have two jobs, one in community and one in hospital pharmacy, but my long-term goal is to work as an Aged Care Onsite Pharmacist, where I can play a key role in optimising medication management and offer meaningful health education to the community.”
What school subjects should I study to become a pharmacist?
To study Pharmacy at Curtin University, you need a minimum ATAR of 80 – it’s a high ATAR that reflects the range and depth of scientific knowledge that a pharmacist possesses. You need to study the ATAR subjects Chemistry and Mathematics, with Biology and Human Biology being useful but not mandatory.
Can I become a pharmacist if I don’t have an ATAR?
Yes, Curtin University offers alternative pathways into the Pharmacy course, and Kaitlyn is one student who didn’t take the ATAR pathway.
“I applied for an alternative entry pathway into Curtin, through Curtin College. It allows you to study the first-year Pharmacy units and, provided you meet certain criteria at the end of the year, you’re guaranteed entry into the Curtin course.
“It’s a great pathway for students who don’t have an ATAR or the required ATAR,” she says.
And then everything came together for her!
“While I was waiting for my application response, my local pharmacy advertised for new staff. Within the same week, I was accepted into Pharmacy at Curtin and employed at the pharmacy that started it all!”
Another option for students who have an ATAR of 70–79 or are missing one of the prerequisites is to begin studying Curtin’s Health Sciences course and then, depending on grades achieved in first year, apply to switch to Pharmacy.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
Most honours degrees take four years to complete, but you can complete Curtin’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) in three years and 9 months. And Curtin gives you a choice of pathways that are designed to match your career goals. After completing your bachelor degree, your can either undertake an internship towards professional registration or you can apply to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy.
Curtin’s Doctor of Pharmacy is an extended, postgraduate degree that will prepare you for more advanced roles in patient care and medication management. After completing the four-trimester program (which takes about 15 months) you’ll graduate with the title ‘Doctor of Pharmacy’ and be able to apply for registration as a pharmacist.
How much do pharmacists earn?
If you’re interested in health, science and helping people, a career in pharmacy can offer a diverse range of opportunities across community, hospital, aged care, research and emerging healthcare settings.
Seek’s data show that the current average annual salary for pharmacist jobs advertised in Australia ranges from $95,000 to $115,000, for roles in health, medical, government and defence sectors across Australia at any one time – and many were offering salaries significantly above the average.2
What’s it like to study Pharmacy at Curtin?
Kaitlyn and Phu both had great advice for high school students who might be considering studying Pharmacy at Curtin.
“If you find yourself stuck at some point, don’t be afraid to ask the tutors or the unit coordinators for help. They are very friendly and approachable, always willing to assist you with any challenges,” Phu says.
Kaitlyn adds: “I always feel safe and supported at Curtin, and the Pharmacy staff really care for their students. They also conduct biannual meetings with the Western Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association, and use the feedback to guide decisions about teaching and student support.
“My advice for future students is to take as many opportunities as possible and get involved. Join a student association, attend social events and build your network.
“The people you’re at uni with are friends you’ll have for life!”
1. Being newly revised courses, Curtin’s latest Pharmacy courses are pending accreditation.
2. seek.com.au/career-advice/role/pharmacist/salary July 2026
