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Hospital Pharmacist Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-226201
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications2

Occupation overview

Prepares and dispenses pharmaceuticals, drugs and medicines in a hospital pharmacy.

What does a Hospital Pharmacist do?

A Hospital Pharmacist prepares and dispenses pharmaceuticals, drugs and medicines for use in a hospital pharmacy. The work can be associated with clinical pharmacy, health-service pharmacy and hospital chemistry settings, requiring careful handling of medicines within a hospital environment.

Specialisations

Clinical PharmacistHealth Service PharmacistHospital Chemist

How to become a Hospital Pharmacist in South Africa

  1. Learn about hospital pharmacy work and the responsibilities involved in preparing and dispensing medicines.
  2. Consider the Certificate: Basic Level Pharmacists' Assistants: Hospital Pharmacy (SAQA ID 19825, NQF Level 3, 120 credits) as a relevant hospital-pharmacy training pathway.
  3. Consider the Certificate: Post Basic Pharmacists' Assistants: Hospital Pharmacy (SAQA ID 19829, NQF Level 4, 120 credits) as a further relevant pathway.
  4. Confirm with SAQA, an accredited provider and the relevant employer or official health authority how these pharmacists' assistant certificates relate to the Hospital Pharmacist role and what current requirements apply.
  5. Check current programme availability, admission conditions, assessment arrangements and any workplace expectations before enrolling.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

The listed training pathways are specifically for pharmacists' assistants in hospital pharmacy, so they should not automatically be treated as proof of a complete qualification pathway for becoming a Hospital Pharmacist. Confirm the progression route for your intended role with SAQA, an accredited provider and the relevant official or employing body. Preparation should focus on accurate medicine-related work, hospital pharmacy practice and clear communication, while recognising that current role requirements may vary.

Useful school subjects

  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Computer Applications Technology

Skills that may help

  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Organisation and record-keeping
  • Clear communication
  • Responsible handling of medicines
  • Ability to work in a hospital environment

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.