Occupation

263431 Community Pharmacist

Latest release
OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
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Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

263431 Community Pharmacist

Dispenses prescribed pharmaceuticals to the public, educates customers on health promotion, disease prevention and the proper use of medicines, and sells non-prescription medicines and related goods in a community pharmacy.

Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative title

  • Retail Pharmacist

Specialisation

  • Compounding Pharmacist

Skill level: 1

Main tasks

  • Reviews prescriptions and patients' medicine histories to ensure optimal dosage, methods of administration and drug compatibility before dispensing
  • Prepares or supervises the preparation and labelling of liquid medicines, topical medicines and other medications to fill prescriptions
  • Provides guidance to patients on medications, drug incompatibility, contraindications and lifestyle measures to prevent and assist with management of medication and medical conditions
  • Supplies non-prescription medicines, and diagnostic and therapeutic aids
  • Maintains records of the supply of prescription medicines, controlled drugs and other restricted substances
  • Advises prescribers on therapeutic suitability, drug incompatibility and contraindications of medicines
  • Stores and preserves vaccines, serums and other drugs subject to deterioration
  • Prescribes and administers medications and treatments within the scope of pharmacy practice compounds, and manufactures medicines when preparations are not available
  • Supervises and coordinates the work of pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns and pharmacy sales assistants