Completing your registration is a huge milestone. You’ve made it through pharmacy school, placements, and exams. But what if the idea of jumping straight into a long-term job feels too soon?
Many newly registered Pharmacists feel this way.
The locum gap year is a flexible alternative that allows you to explore your career options, gain real-world experience, and discover different work environments without committing to a single employer right away.
What Is a Locum Gap Year?
A locum gap year is a self-structured period where Pharmacists take on short-term roles, known as locum placements, across various pharmacies in different locations.
It’s an opportunity to develop your professional skills, build confidence, and see more of the country while earning an income.
Why Should You Consider a Locum Gap Year?
A locum gap year provides numerous benefits for newly registered Pharmacists:
- Experience different pharmacy settings and systems
- Travel throughout regional and metropolitan Australia
- Build your CV and network of professional contacts
- Gain confidence through hands-on learning
- Set your own schedule and take breaks as needed
The Value of Gaining Practical Experience
Many professionals in various fields describe gaining hands-on experience as one of the most rewarding phases of their early careers.
It provides invaluable skills, builds confidence, and opens doors to full-time opportunities, often leading to permanent roles after exposure to diverse environments and challenges.
Who Can Apply for Locum Roles?
To work as a locum, you’ll need to:
- Hold current registration with AHPRA
- Update your indemnity insurance to cover locum work
- Have an ABN number
- Create a CV that shows your skills and experiences.
Locum work often requires adaptability and the ability to jump into new systems quickly, so a flexible mindset is important.
Travel While You Work
The locum gap year gives you the chance to explore the diversity of your region, working in small towns, rural communities, coastal areas, or inner-city suburbs.
Whether you’re looking for career adventure or a change of scenery, locum roles offer the flexibility to move around and gain exposure to different communities and healthcare needs.
What Pharmacy Settings Will You Work In?
During your locum gap year, you might work in:
- Community Pharmacies
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Regional Health Clinics
Each setting presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, helping you grow professionally while contributing to a range of healthcare teams.
How to Get Started: Finding Locum Work
The best way to access locum opportunities is through LocumCo.
The Process:
- Reach out to LocumCo with your details, availability, and location preferences
- A team member will contact you via phone or email
- You’ll be matched with available locum opportunities
- Approve the role and prepare for your placement
LocumCo handles the sourcing, paperwork, and communication, making it easy to focus on the work itself.
Earning Potential During a Locum Gap Year
Locum Pharmacists often earn competitive hourly rates. In some areas, particularly regional locations, pay may exceed traditional full-time salaries. Depending on the assignment, some roles may also include accommodation or travel support.
Pay rates typically range from $60 to $80 per hour, depending on the urgency, location, and responsibilities involved.
What Skills Will You Develop?
By working across various locations, you’ll quickly enhance core pharmacy skills, including:
- Time management
- Clinical judgement
- Patient communication
- Adaptability to new pharmacy systems
- Fast-paced decision making
These are highly valued skills that will make you stand out in future job applications.
Tips for Travelling Pharmacists
- Keep your AHPRA details, insurance, and ID documents accessible
- Save your resume in a mobile-friendly format
- Pack only the essentials, uniform, travel-size toiletries, and work documents
- Always confirm accommodation arrangements ahead of time
- Maintain communication with LocumCo through email or the app
Staying Notified and Ready for Work
To stay ahead of new roles and urgent shifts:
- Use the LocumCo mobile app
- Enable notifications for job alerts
- Keep your availability updated
Required Documentation for Locum Roles
Before taking on locum work, ensure you have:
- AHPRA registration and practising certificate
- Current professional indemnity insurance
- National police check (some placements require this)
- ABN, Banking and super details for payment setup
- References from past supervisors or colleagues
Wrapping Up: What’s Next for Your Career?
To sum up, a locum gap year isn’t a pause, it’s a launch pad. It offers freedom, skill-building, and the chance to see pharmacy in a whole new way.
Instead of locking into one job, you’re opening up a world of opportunities that can shape your long-term success.
If you’re a Pharmacist ready to experience the industry on your own terms, a locum gap year could be the most valuable decision you make.
Start your journey today: View current locum positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a locum Pharmacist?
If you’re an employer, register your vacancy here. LocumCo will contact you, source candidates, and send resumes for your approval.
Is a Locum Gap Year suitable for new Pharmacists?
Yes. Many newly registered Pharmacists choose locum work to build confidence, learn quickly, and explore varied settings before deciding on a long-term position.
What do I need to start locum work?
You must be registered with AHPRA, have professional indemnity insurance, and feel comfortable working in new environments.
Why choose LocumCo for locum placements?
LocumCo has extensive experience, a dedicated team, and a long-standing reputation for helping Pharmacists find rewarding locum roles with full support.
Share