2251 — Pharmacists
Higher Skilled
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Match the actual duties before choosing a code.
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What this occupation covers
Pharmacists dispense drugs and medicaments in hospitals and pharmacies and advise on and participate in the development and testing of new drugs, compounds and therapies. They counsel on the proper use and adverse effects of drugs and medicines.
Typical duties
prepares or directs the preparation of prescribed medicaments in liquid, powder, tablet, ointment or other form following prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health professionals
advises health professionals on the selection and appropriate use of medicines
highlights a drug’s potential side effects, identifies harmful interactions with other drugs and assesses the suitability of treatments for patients with particular health conditions
checks that recommended doses are not being exceeded and that instructions are understood by patients
maintains prescription files and records issue of narcotics, poisons and other habit-forming drugs
liaises with other professionals regarding the development, manufacturing and testing of drugs
tests and analyses drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength
ensures that drugs and medicaments are in good supply and are stored properly
Entry routes and qualifications
Entrants possess a degree in pharmacy. To register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), entrants must have completed a one year period of pre-registration training and passed a registration exam. Further training is available to permit pharmacists to prescribe medicines independently.
Sponsorship information
Higher Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.
DBS assessment
No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.
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