The Profession of Pharmacy
A degree in pharmacy is a prerequisite for practice in any of the branches of the profession. Most graduates enter community pharmacy practice; many others, however, find careers in hospitals or in the pharmaceutical industry. Positions are also available in government organisations and in research in universities, hospitals and other institutions.

Pharmacy Practice
The day-to-day work performed by pharmacists covers a wide spectrum of activities. The common feature of these activities is the use of the pharmacist's expertise in drugs to optimise health outcomes. Pharmacists in community and hospital practice deal directly with patients who are using drug therapy to improve their quality of life. In addition to academic learning, a pharmacist requires sensitivity and a commitment to develop caring, collaborative relationships with patients and with other health care providers. Good communication skills are fundamental to this process of pharmaceutical care.

The modern world has come to rely on a vast range of therapeutic drugs as essential tools in the maintenance of, and improvement in, the quality of life. Many of these drugs are extremely potent and the difference between the desired effect and an untoward response depends on using the most appropriate drug and at the optimal dose and dosage schedule for individual patients. The rational use of drugs is based on an understanding of body systems and how they work in health and in disease, and the effects which individual drugs and classes of drugs have on these systems and processes. In addition, it is necessary to appreciate the importance of factors which can modify therapeutic activity, such as the preparation of drugs into dosage forms; interactions between drugs and containers, foodstuffs and other drugs; and patient understanding of and compliance with drug therapy.

Careers in Pharmacy
The combination of biomedical science and clinical expertise on drug use in a pharmacy degree prepares pharmacy graduates for work in a variety of fields. The historical role of the community and hospital pharmacis has been to supply prescription and other medicine to those who need it. In the past this often involved the compounding of a number of ingredients and the preparation of the dosage form. In the last two or three decades, however, the amount of time spent, in both community and hospital practice, on the compounding of extemporaneous items has declined and the pharmacist now devotes an increasing amount of time to providing advice on the use of prescription and other medication. Pharmacists now generally see their role as ensuring that patients get the best possible result from the use of their medications and they are also involved in providing information associated with the attainment and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Many work in the pharmaceutical industry, being involved in clinical trials used to evaluate new drug products and in preparing the documentation on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs which is required for marketing approval. Others are employed in government health departments, where they may be involved in regulation and approval of new pharmaceutical products. Some pharmacy graduates specialise in providing drug information to other health professionals, finding positions in the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals and government departments. Other pharmacy graduates undertake postgraduate training for careers in research, or more specialised fields such as toxicology.

Professional Recognition
Approximately five years of study and practical experience are required to become a registered pharmacist. At present in Tasmania this comprises four years for the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and a period of up to one year's work as a trainee. After this time graduates are eligible to sit the Pharmacy Board of Tasmania examinations for registration as a pharmacist. A pharmacist registered in Tasmania has reciprocity throughout Australia and in New Zealand and Great Britain.

Code of Professional Conduct for Pharmacists