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Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is looking for a Pharmacist Intern for its The Avenues store in Pietermaritzburg, in the Hilton area. This contract internship gives a newly qualified pharmacy graduate the chance to learn the full scope of dispensary practice under supervision, while providing pharmaceutical care to patients. Applications close on 29 November 2026.
About the company and the work
Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited is one of South Africa’s leading pharmacy and healthcare retailers. The purpose of this internship is to equip learners to understand the underlying principles of all the major areas of the pharmaceutical environment, and to promote the idea of quality, lifelong learning. The intern takes responsibility for patients’ medicine-related needs and is accountable for meeting those needs, while providing excellent customer service at the dispensary, the self-medication counter and the front shop.
Role details and duties
Within the scope of practice for a pharmacist intern, the role covers the sale of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 medicines or scheduled substances; assisting with the compounding, manipulation or preparation of a non-sterile or sterile medicine or scheduled substance; assisting with the manufacturing of a non-sterile or sterile medicine or scheduled substance according to an instruction; the re-packaging of medicine; the distribution and control of stock of Schedule 1 to Schedule 6 medicines or scheduled substances; the ordering of medicine and scheduled substances up to and including Schedule 6 according to an instruction; the reading and preparation of a prescription, the selection, manipulation or compounding of the medicine, and the provision of instructions on the correct use of the medicine supplied; and the provision of information to individuals in order to promote health.
Day to day, the intern accurately interprets scripts and acts in a professional and responsible manner within the legal requirements; captures script details accurately and verifies patient details on the system; ensures accurate picking, packing and labelling of medication and stays aware of common dosages; gives patients accurate instructions on the correct use of their medicine; keeps up with changes in medical aid procedures and requirements for claims and dispensing; and ensures every prescription entered is checked for accuracy by a pharmacist and signed by a pharmacist.
The intern also advises and assists patients at the dispensary, self-medication counter and front shop; follows up with patients on script tracking reports as requested by the dispensary manager; explains medical aid costs to patients, including the difference between medical aid and cash or shelf prices; processes all paperwork needed for accurate submission of claims to medical aids; corrects errors on scripts rejected by medical aid; ensures authorisation of chronic, HIV and AIDS and oncology medication; and maintains customer profiles on the system, noting any messages on a profile and taking suitable action.
Stock and store duties include reporting low or out-of-stock levels and stock errors to the dispensary manager, assisting with scheduled stock takes, exercising stock and asset control, and keeping housekeeping to Dis-Chem standards. The intern adheres to Dis-Chem policies, procedures and standard operating procedures, to health and safety rules and regulations, and to the Dis-Chem uniform and personal appearance policy.
Requirements
Only the requirements stated in the original advert are listed here:
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- BPharm, a four-year degree.
- Computer literate, including MS Office.
- English and a second language, with the ability to read, write and speak both.
- Application of knowledge gained from the university BPharm curriculum.
- Good communication and listening skills, with a customer service focus.
- Conflict management, strong attention to detail, sound numerical skills and problem-solving ability.
- Team player, trustworthy and honest, with time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and deal with pressure.
- Willing and able to work retail hours.
- Physically fit and able to stand for long periods.
- Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport.
- Registered with the Pharmacy Council of South Africa, or holding a valid work permit.
- Clear credit and criminal records.
- Work during the degree, such as holiday work, is listed as advantageous.
- Knowledge of Unisolve and E-Scripting is listed as advantageous.
- Knowledge of retail or FMCG operations, a third additional language, and drug and family planning and complementary medicine are listed as advantageous.
The advert also lists remuneration and benefits as a market-related salary, monthly and annual performance pay, medical aid, provident fund and a staff account.
Where to find and apply safely
This opportunity is listed on Careers24, and the Apply button on this page links to the original listing. Use that link to read the full advert and submit your application through the official channel. The reference number for this vacancy is 209916.
Practical tips
- Make sure your Pharmacy Council registration status is clear in your application, since it is a stated requirement.
- Highlight any holiday work or vacation work you completed during your degree, as the advert lists this as advantageous.
- Mention any experience with Unisolve or E-Scripting systems if you have it.
- Show that you understand the accuracy and checking steps in dispensing, since every prescription must be checked and signed by a pharmacist.
- Be ready to discuss retail hours and the physical demands of standing for long periods in a busy dispensary.
How the process works
Use the Apply button to reach the original Careers24 listing, then follow its instructions to submit your application. The advert states that only successful applicants will be contacted, and that if you have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Important information
This page is informational only. It summarises a third-party job advert and does not guarantee employment. Always confirm the closing date, requirements and application steps on the original advert before applying. Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer, and its approved Employment Equity Plan and targets apply. Applications for this role close on 29 November 2026.
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