Becoming a pharmacist in South Africa can be one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. As a pharmacist, you will make a difference in people’s lives, but it’s not an easy process. There are many things to consider before entering this career path and this article aims to give you all the information you need about how to become a pharmacist in South Africa.
Pharmacist salary in South Africa
As a pharmacist, your annual salary can range from R 1.5 million to R 2.5 million (approximately US$119,000 to US$199,000) depending on the location and experience of the pharmacist. The average pharmacist’s salary in South Africa is approximately R 2 million (US$143,000). Pharmacists in Johannesburg earn about R 2 million (US$143,000), while those based in Cape Town earn an average salary of about R 1.9 million (US$130,500). Pharmacists working in Durban can expect to earn an average salary of about R 1.7 million (US$116,500) per year; those based in Pretoria can make about R 1.6 million (US$109K).
Pharmacy courses in South Africa
You can study pharmacy at a university or college.
University programmes take five years to complete, while college programmes take two years to complete. The highest qualification that you can receive in South Africa is a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Universities award this after the successful completion of undergraduate studies and examinations. After completing your degree, you’ll need to work for 24 months as an intern before being registered as a pharmacist in South Africa.
Pharmacy degree programmes
You can study a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) at a university in South Africa or you can enrol in an accredited pharmacy school. Most institutions offer BPharm degrees with various specializations, including:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Medicinal products manufacturing
The course takes four years to complete and many graduates find employment as pharmacists, researchers or educators after graduation.
What it takes to become a pharmacist in South Africa.
You find that there are various pharmacy courses in South Africa. The most common is the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree programme. Some schools also offer postgraduate programmes and diplomas, while others offer short courses as well.
There are various ways to become a pharmacist in South Africa: you can study at home and then apply for work experience with an employer; you can get an internship; or you can do a pharmacy degree abroad, such as in Australia or New Zealand.
Although it takes years of hard work and dedication before you’ll be able to stand behind the counter at your local pharmacy dispensing prescriptions and giving advice about medications, it’s definitely worth it!
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful for you to learn about the profession of pharmacy and how to become a pharmacist in South Africa. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us by emailing info@pharmaceuticalschools.net
