NPA and CCA promote community pharmacy careers in Scottish schools

A new support pack aimed at school children has been created in a bid to boost community pharmacy as a career choice in Scotland.

Produced by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Company Chemists’ Association (CCA), Community Pharmacy – A career choice in Scotland includes a PowerPoint presentation, activity sheets, and further information on how to become part of the community pharmacy team in Scotland.

All community pharmacy team members in Scotland can use the support pack, developed in consultation with school teachers, to provide support to schools directly by attending career events, or by signposting local schools to the resource.

It describes the role of a community pharmacist, why it is a valuable career choice and how to find out more about becoming a community pharmacist. In addition to pharmacists, the resource highlights other community pharmacy roles including pharmacy technicians, pharmacy dispensers and healthcare assistants.

Janice Oman, the NPA’s Country Manager in Scotland said: “We have created this resource because community pharmacy needs to continually attract the next generation into the workforce.  Despite all of the pressures of working in such a responsible job, a career in pharmacy gives you a chance to work with passionate, dedicated colleagues to help many people in a very direct way. The focus on patient welfare means pharmacy is a profession in which a variety of people skills are developed, extending far beyond a knowledge of medicines.”

Caroline Wells, the CCA’s Policy & Planning Manager (Scotland), said: “This pack outlines the career opportunities within community pharmacy and the behaviours and qualifications needed for each role. It was a privilege to involve school teachers in the development of the pack to ensure this meets the needs of pupils. A career in community pharmacy can be so rewarding, no matter the role in the team.”

To download the materials go to www.npa.co.uk/news-and-events/news-item/npa-cca-community-pharmacy-school-resource/