Specialist Oncology Pharmacist

Clinical Cancer Nurse Specialist

Patient Pathway Coordinator

Clinical Cancer Nurse Specialist

Patient Pathway Coordinator

Pharmacy includes the preparation, dispensing, review and monitoring of medicines to ensure they are used in a safe and effective way.

A specialist oncologist pharmacist has a varied role making sure patients with cancer get the best treatment for them. They work directly with patients to ensure the prescribed medicines are the best fit for them, taking into account other medicines and their lifestyle. They also have an important role behind the scenes, screening prescriptions and checking that everything is correct and safe for the patient both before and during treatment.

Safety guidance for medicines can change and new treatments will be introduced so pharmacists need to keep on top of any changes that may affect their patients.

As a specialist oncology pharmacist you are most likely to:

Work in a hospital setting;
Prescribe medicines to patients;
Spend time with patients understanding their individual needs;
Check prescriptions for safety;
Review blood tests and other patient information;
Keep up to date with any changes in the medicines you prescribe;

Entry Requirements

Most universities ask for three A-levels or equivalent typically in Chemistry, a second science and maths.

Entry requirements do vary and those offering a foundation year may have lower grade requirements so always check with you preferred university.

Training Routes

To become a pharmacist you would need to complete a four year university degree to achieve a Masters degree in pharmacy. You would then undertake a paid 12 month work placement called your foundation training year. Upon passing your exam at the end of this year you can register with the General Pharmaceutical Council and practice as a Pharmacist.

Key Skills

You will:

Be a great communicator, able to listen to and empathise with your patients;
Have excellent clinical knowledge and understanding of how different medicines work and interact with each other and what side effects they can cause;
Be a keen scientist able to keep up to date with any changes in medicines;
Have strong attention to detail ensuring all prescribed medicines are correct and safe

Pay and benefits

Pharmacists are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As a newly qualified pharmacist you would typically start on a Band 6, progressing to a Band 9 as a Chief Pharmacist.

Career Development

Once employed within a hospital Trust pharmacists undertake ‘rotations’ where they work in different areas gaining experience and finding their area of interest which could be in oncology (cancer care).

It is expected that all pharmacists will continue to learn and to undertake regular training to maintain their professional registration

Within cancer care pharmacists can progress into more senior roles working in research, clinically or in management of the entire pharmacy team.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Pharmacist | Health Careers

General Pharmaceutical Council (pharmacyregulation.org)