With the current competitive and, in many places, quite unstable job market, a lot of people are looking into alternative career choices. One stable and attractive option lies in pharmacy work.
Pharmacists play an incredibly important yet often overlooked role in the national healthcare system, and becoming a pharmacist in the UK can provide you with a range of benefits. Let’s explore some of the top advantages of pursuing a career in pharmacies in the UK.
Job security
Pharmacists have always been in high demand in the UK, but with an ageing population and an increasing need for healthcare services, that demand is only expected to increase. This will make it much easier to gain employment, ensuring job security for those pursuing a career in pharmacies.
Good salary
If you’re looking for a stable, well-paid career, it’s definitely one to look into. Pharmacists in the UK earn a competitive salary, with starting salaries for newly qualified pharmacists ranging from around £32,000 to £39,000 per year. In addition to the base salary, a lot of pharmacy employers offer a range of other benefits, including healthcare, pension schemes, and paid time off.
Career advancement
If you’re worried about stagnating in your work life, then working in a pharmacy offers a clear career progression path, with opportunities for advancement into management, research, and teaching positions. Pharmacists can also specialise in specific areas, including critical care, oncology, or paediatrics.
Flexibility
Pharmacists enjoy a great deal of flexibility in their careers. Pharmacists can work in a range of different locations, often in retail settings, including community pharmacies, while others work in hospitals or research facilities. Additionally, many pharmacists work part-time or on a flexible schedule doing locum work with companies like Pharma Seekers, allowing for a good work-life balance.
Job satisfaction
As a pharmacist, you’ll have a direct impact on the wellbeing of patients, making a real difference in the lives of the people in your community. This often results in a high level of job satisfaction – it’s amazing to feel like your job makes an actual difference to the world, especially when you’re being paid well to do so.
Ongoing opportunities for learning
Pharmacy is a field that’s always evolving, and pharmacists are required to remain up-to-date with the latest developments in medication. This means that you’ll need to commit to ongoing learning, something that’s often both challenging and highly rewarding.
Transferable skills
Finally, pharmacists develop a range of transferable skills throughout their careers, including the communication of complex issues in simple terms, problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Should you one day decide that you want a change, these skills can be applied to a range of different careers, making pharmacy a very good foundation for future professional opportunities.
Becoming a pharmacist in the UK offers a wide range of benefits, from job security and a competitive salary to career advancement opportunities and job satisfaction. For those looking for a career that truly makes a difference, pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, contributing to public health and having a genuine impact on the lives of their patients.