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As a pharmacist, you'll use your extensive knowledge of how each of hundreds of medications works to fill prescriptions and advise patients on how various drugs ought to be taken. Pharmacist Job Description As a pharmacist, your typical duties will likely include the following: - Dispensing drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners
- Educating and informing consumers and patients about the use and possible effects of medication
- Advising physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications
- Maintaining confidential records of patients' medications to ensure their safety and monitor their progress
- Providing specialized disease management services for patients with conditions such as diabetes or asthma
- Preparing drug therapies in areas such as oncology and intravenous nutrition support
In addition you might own or manage a pharmacy, adding hiring and supervising personnel to your responsibilities.  Pharmacist Salary According to Salary.com, the median salary for pharmacists is $106,764 per year, but the top 25 percent earn more than $112,000. Pharmacist Work Environment As a pharmacist, you might work in any of the following settings: - Hospitals
- Drug stores, grocery stores, or department stores
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Health insurance companies
- Government agencies
- Public health care agencies
- Colleges and universities (in teaching and research positions, or in on-campus pharmacies)
Most full-time pharmacists work 40 hours per week. You should plan on being available to work some evenings and weekends, as many pharmacies are open during these hours. Pharmacist Education and Training To become a pharmacist, you need to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist and pass a state examination (NAPLEX)—after which you can obtain a license to practice. Applying to Pharmacy School In order to apply to pharmacy school, you'll need to complete the following steps: - Complete pre-pharmacy courses
- Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), if required by the school
- Complete the application form and gather supplementary materials, which may include an essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores
- Sit for an interview, if required, by the school
Pharmacy School Prerequisites Pharmacy schools require at least two years of specific pre-pharmacy college coursework in order to enter a PharmD program. However, the majority of students have three years of college experience or a bachelor's degree upon entering pharmacy school. Pharmacy Degree Options Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) This 4-year professional degree trains students to practice pharmacy after licensure. Acceptance to a program requires completion of two years of undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework thus equaling a minimum of six years post-secondary education. The PharmD degree can also lead to graduate studies in the areas of pharmaceutical care, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical health policy and management. Non-Traditional PharmD (PharmD) This degree is designed for practicing pharmacists with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from an accredited pharmacy school who are interested in practicing at an advanced level. Most often these programs are offered with a very flexible schedule and through online learning, to accommodate the needs of working pharmacists. They also take less time to complete compared to a traditional PharmD. Pharmacy School Accreditation Accreditation is a system of evaluating and ensuring the quality of educational institutions and professional programs according to standards set by a national accrediting association. For pharmacy schools, that organization is the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. Pharmacist Licensing A license to practice pharmacy is required in all 50 states. To obtain a license, you must successfully complete an accredited PharmD program and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Related Article: |
Did You Know?- According to Forbes.com, Americans spent $291 billion on prescription drugs last year.
- Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering pill, is currently the world's top-selling drug, with sales of nearly $13 billion.
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