PHARMACIST registrations are continuing on an upward trajectory, despite the Pharmacy Board of Australia's data showing a decline in the number of pharmacists under 30 years of age.
Data covering the registration numbers to 31 Dec 2018, revealed a year on year increase of 652 pharmacists to 31,565, however, there were 283 fewer pharmacists aged less than 30.
The gender divide within the profession has also continued to grow, with women accounting for 62.5% of registered pharmacists in Australia, up 0.5% on Dec 2017.
The ACT had the lowest proportion of male pharmacists, with men accounting for 33.3%, while Tasmania had the highest ratio of males at 39.6%.
NSW continued to have the highest number of registered pharmacists, accounting for just over 30% of the national population, followed by Vic (25.5%), while 2% did not provide a principal place of practice.
The Dec 2018 figures revealed a moderate decline in the number of pharmacists holding non-practising registration, 1150, down from 1193 in Dec 2017.
While the number of younger registered pharmacists has declined, the number of pharmacists aged 80 or older increased over the 12 months to the end of 2018, to 160, with 55 holding non-practising registration.
The number of pharmacists holding limited registration almost doubled in 2018 - jumping to 16 from nine. Female pharmacists were again more likely to hold limited registration, than their male peers, accounting for three-in-four limited registrants.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Mar 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 26 Mar 19
