Filling the gap - Doctor of Pharmacy 

Already in the health field and interested in expanding your skills and expertise? Charles Darwin University's Doctor of Pharmacy degree is for you.  

Designed for those already working in the health sector, this degree offers the opportunity for a career change and progression in a dynamic industry.  

This graduate entry Doctor of Pharmacy is an intensive two-year study program that prepares students for the full scope of pharmacy practice.  

The pharmacy profession is rapidly evolving to ensure pharmacists are involved everywhere medications are used across Australia. This creates diverse opportunities for you to pursue your passion and find your niche.

You might become a specialist pharmacist working in general practice, aged care or Aboriginal health settings. Alternatively, you could choose prescribing roles in community or hospital pharmacies, or focus on the critical areas of logistics, supply chains and patient information systems. Many pharmacists are drawn to vaccinating roles, while others specialise in complex medication areas like oncology, paediatrics, mental health or diabetes care.

The expanding scope of pharmacy practice means there's likely a pathway that aligns perfectly with your interests and career goals.

Our graduates have a strong foundation in pharmacology and pharmacy practice to prepare them for the profession both now and in the future. Our students undertake placement in a range of pharmacy settings throughout their course to introduce them to different areas of the profession and allow them to apply theory to real-world settings.  

 The program provides a flexible experience for the students with both online and face-to-face study options. Students value the set days of attendance with the days for placement and study remaining the same for the entire course allowing them to manage study, work and family commitments.  

Filling the gap  

Statistics reflect the increasingly urgent need for more pharmacists. A 2023 snapshot of the industry shows that Australia-wide, there are currently only about 130 pharmacists per 100,000 people. The Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List has found a need for more pharmacists in almost all states and territories across hospital and retail categories. Australia's migration system also recognises pharmacists as skilled professionals, with healthcare workers receiving priority processing.  

CDU’s Doctor of Pharmacy aims to contribute to improving workforce numbers throughout Australia, particularly in rural and regional areas where staff shortages are highest.  

“Employment prospects for pharmacists are excellent, with Jobs and Skills Australia identifying shortages across all states and territories in both hospital and retail pharmacy roles, and they’ll receive well-above-average pay because they’re in high demand,” says Associate Professor Heather Volk, Discipline Lead Pharmacy.  

“We see our course as particularly advantageous for rural, remote, and regional students, as they won’t need to relocate for study. All students will have the opportunity to visit our campus during a two-week intensive study block in their first year. For the remainder of their studies, they remain in their home location.”  

Hands-on experience  

Throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy, CDU will organise for students to undertake 400 hours of work-integrated learning placements. You will work as close to home as possible and gain on-the-job training that allows you to graduate better suited and more equipped for the workforce.  

“Traditionally, pharmacy has undertaken block placements, but our course integrates one day a week of work-integrated learning into the program,” says Assoc. Prof. Volk. “This will allow students to apply the theory learnt each week into the practical setting of the workplace.”  

The work placements are spread over the two years, and students undertake them in community or hospital pharmacies, as well as in supervised non-traditional sites. Students also undertake an extra three-week placement block in a research unit as the last unit of the program.  

“All placements are organised in collaboration with the student and the practitioner to ensure the best experience for both parties,” says Assoc. Prof. Volk.  

A healthy outlook  

The Australian Government is committed to growing the pharmacy profession with a $3 billion funding boost to pharmacists in the current community pharmacy agreement.  

“Our graduates will be entering a profession where there’s virtually zero unemployment and an exciting future,” says Assoc. Prof. Volk. “The pharmacy workforce is a dynamic environment for graduates to find their place.”  

Learn more about CDU's Doctor of Pharmacy and apply now.