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| Pharmacist | Chemist | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. starting salary | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Degree requirement | Usually required | Usually required |
| Typical route | A levels, Degree | A levels, Degree, Apprenticeship, Postgraduate degree |
| Work environment | Healthcare, Mixed | Laboratory |
| People interaction | Yes | Less so |
| Hands-on work | Less so | Yes |
| Research | Less so | Yes |
| Career progression | Pharmacists can train as independent prescribers, specialise (for example in oncology or paediatrics), manage pharmacies or move into industry, research or academia. | Chemists move into senior research, analytical or quality roles, project leadership, regulatory affairs or management. |
Salary figures are approximate guidance only.
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