Pharmacist

Pharmacists are people who practice in the field of heath sciences, referred to as pharmacy. They focus on effective and safe medication use, as they dispense prescription medications to patients and advise them on proper usage and any potential risks. The role of the pharmacist has shifted from just being a dispensary role however, to someone who is an integrated member of the healthcare team. Community pharmacists or hospital pharmacists are the two most common pharmacist positions.

Education

You need to earn your high school diploma while paying special attention to science courses like chemistry, biology and physiology. You then need to get a Bachelor of Science degree from a four year institution. You should try to attend a school that offers a pre-pharmacy program to complete the required pre-pharmacy coursework. Most graduate programs require at least two years of coursework. After you successfully complete your undergraduate program, you need to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test. This exam evaluates both your scientific knowledge and overall academic ability. You may want to take a PCAT preparatory class to help prepare. You then need to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited pharmacy school. These programs typically take four years to complete, although some schools, including Albany College of Pharmacy (https://www.acphs.edu/) and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (https://www.mcphs.edu), offer accelerated programs designed for students to earn their degree in only 3 years. Once you achieve your Doctor of Pharmacy degree, you need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination to become licensed.

Job Description

As a pharmacist, your primary job will be to dispense medication to patients while informing them of the proper usage and any potential side effects. Some pharmacists may specialize in specific drug therapy however, in areas such as nuclear pharmacotherapy or oncology. They may also assess the purity, identity, and strength of medications while reviewing prescriptions to assure accuracy. Pharmacists may teach pharmacy students serving as interns or manage other pharmacy operations, including performing administrative duties and hiring and supervising staff. They provide advice and information regarding drug interactions, dosage and proper medication storage and any potential side effects. They also order pharmaceutical supplies while maintaining stock and storing each medication properly. They may maintain records, such as pharmacy files and inventories, and refer patients to other health professionals when necessary. Thus, while a pharmacist does dispense medication, they also have many other duties they may perform on any given day.

Pros & Cons

There is significant flexibility in the pharmacy job environment. Certified pharmacists can work in various environments, including drug stores, schools, nursing homes, colleges, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. They also usually have the option of working full time or part time. Pharmacists have high job security and stability. The demand for pharmacists will continue to exist and grow, and thus there are many job opportunities available. The work contents of pharmacists are lighter than that of a doctor or nurse, and yet they are still very well compensated. Pharmacists can make an annual salary ranging from $77 000 to $131 000 and even higher. There are many education and training requirements however, which can be a burden on aspiring pharmacists who do not have the funds necessary to fund their education. The work conditions can be dull, especially when working at a drug store. Most of your day will consist of retrieving prescriptions for customers. You also may have to work weekends and evenings.