Early career pharmacists
Hospital pharmacy – your pathway to possibilities
Pharmacists play a key role in providing evidence-based health care and promoting health awareness. Hospital pharmacy allows you to make the strongest impact on patient care through expanding and emerging clinical roles, while leading practice change.
Hospital Pharmacists are increasingly embedded in supportive clinical teams, enabling you to collaborate with other health professionals in general medicine or across specialties such as surgery, oncology or clinical trials.
Find out how Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) - formerly known as SHPA - can help you with your pathway to possibilities:
Start your hospital pharmacy career
AdPha defines an 'early career pharmacist' as someone who has 10 or less years' experience as a practising pharmacist.
You can become a hospital pharmacist at any time, without the need to a complete a hospital internship or additional qualifications. Hospital pharmacy is competitive, but early experience in the hospital environment can give you an edge.
- start your journey by completing an approved Bachelor or Master of Pharmacy degree with an Australia and New Zealand pharmacy school
- undertake a hospital pharmacy student placement (see the AdPha facilitated Victorian Summer Student Placements)
- apply for Provisional Registration once you complete your studies
- complete a hospital pharmacy internship (see the AdPha-facilitated Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Intern Program, or guidance on finding an intern position across Australia)
- pass a Pharmacy Board of Australia and Australian Pharmacy Council exam and transition to General Registration.
Visit the Pharmacy Board of Australia for information about becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia or to apply for Provisional or General Registration.
Be supported and stand out from the crowd
Being an AdPha member during your foundation years gives you the strongest base for your start in hospital pharmacy, providing you with the support, resources and programs you need to drive your career every step of the way:
- Complimentary access to ANZCAP to seamlessly record your growth, gain recognition for your expertise and plan where you’re going next. ANZCAP formally recognises your experience and impact each year, across all stages of your pharmacy career.
- Find your next career opportunity with AdPha’s Jobs Board, designed to make looking for your new position easy
- Take your career to the next level with a two-year Resident Training Program, then challenge yourself with a Registrar Training Program
- Network with industry leaders and expand your knowledge across 30 pharmacy disciplines by joining Specialty Practice
- Upskill with high-quality clinical professional development and education, available online and at regular events, webinars and seminars
- Free, exclusive access to AdPha's CPD Planning + Recording tool
- Enjoy free online access to AdPha’s flagship Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research (JPPR) and member publication Pharmacy GRIT
- Expand your knowledge with free access to EBSCOhost and DynaMed
ANZCAP for early career pharmacists
Be recognised.
Designed to elevate professional visibility, the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy (ANZCAP) can help you clearly communicate your capabilities to employers, peers, and the broader healthcare community—strengthening your standing and unlocking career potential.
Whether you're just starting out or an experienced practitioner, there's a pathway for you.