You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
This page covers the types of things you should be aware of as a generally registered Australian pharmacist.
On this page:
In Australia, holding general registration as a pharmacist means you have met the professional and academic requirements set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia (the Pharmacy Board) and are qualified to practise as a pharmacist unsupervised. General registration allows you to work in a range of pharmacy settings.
General registration is valid for 12 months, and all pharmacists in Australia must renew their registration annually.
Visit the Pharmacy Boards website for information on how to register and renew your registration.
All pharmacists must comply with the Pharmacists’ Code of Conduct, competency standards, and relevant guidelines and policies, and maintain professional boundaries, patient confidentiality, and ethical conduct:
It is a requirement of the Pharmacy Board for pharmacists and interns to have Professional Indemnity Insurance when practicing. This insurance provides you with cover against potential legal claims resulting from a breach of your professional duty in the provision of your professional services.
Download the Pharmacy Boards Registration Standard: Professional Indemnity Insurance Arrangements (PDF 5 pages)
In order to maintain your status as a registered pharmacists in Australia, you must demonstrate that you meet ongoing standards and participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities to maintain relevant skills and knowledge.
CPD activities ensure that pharmacists stay up to date with the latest advancements in pharmacy practice, clinical guidelines, and regulatory changes. This is critical for maintaining high-quality patient care and ensuring that pharmacists are able to adapt to the evolving healthcare environment.
All pharmacists are required to complete a minimum of 40 CPD credits annually. CPD activities are divided into 3 Groups, including:
You are encouraged to look at the most current information relating to CPD such as:
What organisations provide CPD activities?
There are a range of organisations that offer CPD activities across a range of subjects and study areas. Many organisations offer specific activities that relate to the area of pharmacy you are working or wish to work in.
Some of the providers of CPD activities are:
For more information about CPD accrediting organisations.
|
|
Description |
Provider |
|
Training Plan: Deadly pharmacists foundation training course |
Training for pharmacists working within Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services. |
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) |
|
Cultural training to support safe, responsive work with Indigenous Australians. |
Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) |
|
|
A resource hub to assist educators embedding Indigenous knowledges and expertise into western style pharmacy education. |
Leaders in Indigenous Pharmacy Profession Education (LIPPE) |
As a registered pharmacist in Australia there are a number of resources available for you that provide current information about your rights, employment standards and support services.
The Fair Work Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal and provides resources on employment standards, pay rates, leave entitlements, and workplace conditions. Pharmacists should regularly refer to the fair work website for detailed guidance on employment-related matters.
Learn more about the Fair Work Commission - Australia's national workplace relations tribunal
Australian pharmacists can also join a union. Unions advocate on behalf of employees for fair pay, better working conditions, and job security.
Some unions include:
Pharmacist Support Services (PSS) offers support to pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and students. They offer confidential advice and support services for a range of services including (but not limited to):
Learn more about Pharmacist Support Services.
Get involved with the profession. Depending on your area of work, you can join a peak member body to get access to a range of resources, networks and continuing professional development, and receive advocacy for appropriate recognition and remuneration. This includes:
Learn more about peak member bodies.