Why should I pursue a preregistration placement in community pharmacy?

There are approximately 12,500 community pharmacies across the UK. Locations vary from urban high street positions to rural village settings. The community pharmacist is a well respected part of the local healthcare community in which they serve. If you are looking to pursue a career in an expanding and dynamic profession the community pharmacy sector is a choice for you.

You may be aware that cholesterol testing, minor ailments clinics, blood pressure testing and smoking cessation clinics are offered in many pharmacies across the UK. But this is just the tip of the iceberg — other innovative services that community pharmacy can offer also include anticoagulant clinics, COPD clinics and chlamydia screening.

What will I gain from a preregistration placement in community pharmacy?

• You will be able to put the knowledge gained during your undergraduate years into practice.
• You will use all your clinical knowledge and skills in dispensing and advising patients on their prescription medicines.
• In addition you will play an important role in advising customers on over the counter medications.

Healthy lifestyle advice also forms an important part of the role of the community pharmacist. During your preregistration year you will have opportunities to practice health promotion advice in a real life setting.

Within the primary healthcare team a community pharmacist is an important member. You will be given ample opportunity to liaise with other healthcare professionals such as district nurses, GPs, dentists and opticians.