Booming job prospects within the pharmaceutical industry and a burgeoning image of Griffith pharmacy graduates has led the university to increase its degree program offerings in pharmacy and pharmacology.

In 2016, Griffith will launch Australia’s first Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, as well as a graduate entry Master of Pharmacy which will be the only one of its kind in Queensland. These will complement the already established Bachelor of Pharmacy.

“At any time if you take a look at the jobs websites such as seek.com there are a multitude of jobs available across the whole breadth of the pharmaceutical industry,” says Professor Andrew Davey, from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland.

Shortages of pharmacists

“There are real shortages of pharmacists throughout regional Queensland, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical trials, government and research.

“This, along with the expanding role of the pharmacist in the overall healthcare of patients, means that there are fantastic opportunities for appropriately skilled graduates.

“From drug discovery to clinical use, from community pharmacy to pharma-covigilance, regulatory affairs and medication management, there are a whole host of career opportunities that graduates can undertake.

Government statistics also show that within four months of graduation, Griffith Pharmacy students are either in a job or have advanced to higher qualifications.

Griffith graduates have an excellent reputation in the workforce.

“Griffith Pharmacy graduates are well trained in all aspects of pharmacy and with a high level of clinical knowledge that is easily adapted to a community pharmacy setting; they excel above other graduates,” says Justin Armstrong, Pharmacist Manager at Amcal Chempro in Ashmore.

The new Bachelor of Pharmacology and Toxicology has been designed to fill a gap in demand areas such as chemicals, mining, agriculture and the environment. It is also offered as a double degree with either business or law enabling students to specialise in key areas.

Meanwhile the Master of Pharmacy is offered for people who already have a science degree and are seeking a professional pathway into the pharmaceutical industry.

Find out more about these Griffith study areas at a Griffith Open Day http://www.griffith.edu.au/open-day