Are you looking for the salary of Pharmacists in South Africa?
In this article, you will find out about how much Pharmacist earn in South Africa and also how to become a Pharmacist in South Africa.
Before looking at the subject “Pharmacist Salary in South Africa,” let us see how who a pharmacist is and how to become a pharmacist in South Africa.
Who is a Pharmacist in South Africa?
A pharmacist is a certified individual that is concerned with the clinical application of the principles learned from pharmacology. A pharmacist dispenses prescription medications and advises patients on how to use the prescribed medications.
Pharmacists work in stores where they sell medications, however, pharmacists work as a consultant or in the clinical settings to assist doctors who work directly with patients.
Pharmacists are one of the most respected healthcare professionals in South Africa. Their place in the medical world remain untouchable. In collaboration with other medical professionals, they are involve in the health promotion, recovery and health maintenance of the client.
How to become a Pharmacist in South Africa?
To become a pharmacist in South Africa, you must have a degree in Pharmacy (BPharm). Once you have completed this degree, you need to gain practical experience for 1-2 years and register with the South African Pharmacy Council.
How long does it take to study Pharmacy in South Africa?
It takes 4 years to study pharmacy in South African universities afterwards, you will do one year of internship then a one-year community service will follow the internship program (which makes it 2 years of practical experience).
What are the required school subjects to study Pharmacy in South Africa?
The following are the required school subjects to study pharmacy in South Africa:
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
- Life Sciences (Recommended subjects)
Where to study Pharmacy in South Africa and requirements?
Whether you are a South African student or an international student that want to study pharmacy in South Africa, each institution in South Africa has a unique set of requirements that applicants are required to meet. In terms of the recommended institutions, here are the minimum entrance requirements:
- Rhodes University Faculty of Pharmacy
- Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT)
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Limpopo
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Western Cape
- North-West University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Rhodes University Faculty of Pharmacy Admission Requirements
Below are Rhodes university faculty of Pharmacy admission requirements:
- To gain admission, a candidate must obtain the National Senior Certificate with Bachelor status, or obtained a matric exemption certificate from the Board. Must have at least a rating of 6 for Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
- If a candidate has 45 points and above they may receive a firm offer, if between 35 and 44 points then admission will be at the Dean’s Discretion. Normally candidates who have 34 points or less are likely to be rejected.
- Candidates who have obtained a matric exemption of the Joint Matriculation Board must normally have obtained at least a D symbol in Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology on the Higher Grade. You can visit this link for more info.
Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Admission Requirements
This is for potential students who have a three-year qualification in health or related sciences and would like to pursue a career in Pharmaceutical Sciences, including Clinical Research or Drug Registration. These would include medical representatives, CRAs, analysts, pharmaceutical technologists, nurses, dental technologists, registration assistants. For more info visit this link.
Nelson Mandela University Admission Requirements
- Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met.
- An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 410.
- NSC achievement rating of at least 65% for Mathematics.
- NSC achievement rating of at least 65% for Physical Sciences.
For more info, visit this link.
University of Limpopo Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, applicants must have obtained a matric bachelor certificate with minimum of 27 APS score. The minimum required points per compulsory subject are as follows: Life Sciences 5, Mathematics 5, Physical Sciences 5, English 4, Additional subject(1) 4 and Additional subject (2) 4, excluding life orientation. A few previous matriculants transferring from another programme and those having obtained a previous degree are also accommodated as first entering applicants in the programme. Visit this link for more info.
University of KwaZulu-Natal Admission Requirements
The minimum requirement is NSC Degree with English, Life Sciences, and Life Orientation, and Maths and Physical Sciences 4 (Choices 1 and 2 only). Point score of 48 to 33. Feel free to visit their website to get the full details about their admission requirements.
University of the Western Cape Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements include National Senior Certificate (NSC), with Bachelor’s Level 4 (50-59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), Level 3 (40-49%) in another Language, Level 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. For more info, visit their website.
North-West University Admission Requirements
The minimum requirement is NSC score in Maths Level 5 (60-69%), Physical Science level 5 (60-69%); an APS score of 32, 50 – 59% pass in the home language or first additional language level. Visit this link to get more info.
University of the Witwatersrand Admission Requirements
The Basic NSC requirements are English Home OR First Additional Language Level 5, Level 5 for Mathematics, Life Sciences AND/OR Physical Science Level 5. National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores are part of the component. The NSC and NBT each weighs 50%. Applicants must write NBT except those who are using the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) only, final year student or graduate of Bachelor’s degree. Visit this link for more details.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Admission Requirements
Sefako Makgatho health sciences university admission requirements for pharmacy can be found in details on their website.
Now let us find out the salary of pharmacists in Nigeria.
What is the Salary of Pharmacists in South Africa?
The salary of pharmacists in South Africa is between R239,000 to R671,000 per year, depending on the year of experience. As a pharmacist, you can specialise in one of the following areas:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Research
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Drug registration agency
- Retail pharmacies, etc.
Conclusion on Salary of Pharmacists in South Africa
To become a pharmacist in South Africa is no easy, it requires a lot of skills and hardwork. Some of the skills required are:
- Good communication and listening skills
- Scientific aptitude
- Compassion towards people
- Attention to detail and responsibility
- Professionalism
- Endurance and hard work
- Critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills
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