Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Home :: More Career Profiles
Pharmacist |
Career OverviewThe pharmaceutical industry has made major advances in patient care in recent decades. A variety of new drugs have been developed to enhance, extend, and save lives; developed, tested and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The principle role of the pharmacist is the distribution of viable prescription drugs in accordance with instructions given to pharmacists via patients, by qualified physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, physical therapists, and other licensed medical personnel.
Although the role of the pharmacist has changed dramatically, they have new and complex responsibilities to uphold in their practice. They are in unique position to serve communities of people and to establish strong personal relationships with many different people.
Pharmacists review and interpret written prescriptions. They have specialized knowledge of dosages for medication and how frequently specific medications should be taken. They are also aware of drug interactions and are qualified to discuss any concerns about proper drug usage with both doctors and patients, as required.
The largest consumer groups for prescription medications are the elderly and the young; groups that often need special guidance on who to use medications. Often the guidance needed is more sophisticated than the basic written instructions given by those who prescribe medications in the first place, so pharmacists have an important role to play as counselors and educators.
Using computers which store patient records, pharmacists may be responsible for overseeing the medication that patients are being prescribed and taking measures to monitor the combinations they may be receiving from multiple sources.
In addition to their role in monitoring intake of prescribed medication, pharmacists have significant roles to play in educating patients on self-medication. They are able to respond to basic questions about how often over-the-counter medications, such as basic pain killers or flu relief tablets, should be taken per day and for how long before medical advice is sought. They are also in a position to counsel against misuse of over-the-counter medication.
Recommendations from pharmacists about over-the-counter drugs also amount to treatment for common ailments, including headaches, colds, sore throats, basic strains of the flu virus, and muscle aches.
Whilst more than two-thirds of pharmacists work in community pharmacies and a further 25% work at their own pharmacies, some also have working arrangement with nursing homes, hospitals, and specialist clinics that periodically require their services.
|
Career RequirementsPharmacists must graduate fro an accredited training program and be licensed to practice. The most basic prerequisite to enter into an accredited training program is a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Pharmacy programs award the qualification, Doctor of Pharmacy, abbreviated as Pharm.D. To receive this qualification, individuals must train for at least six years after high school.
At least two years of college study is required for admittance into many pharmacy programs and candidates are required to have some advanced knowledge of physiology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, anatomy, physics, and mathematics. An additional phase of study takes place at a college of pharmacy, where students are taught to work with natural drugs and synthetic drugs, and to understand the effects of drug dosage.
At colleges of pharmacy, students are also introduced to aspects of the practice of pharmacy, including social, psychological, administrative, and professional aspects.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe demand for pharmacists is expected to increase over the next decade. The job outlook is positive because the elderly population of the United States, one of the fastest-growing population segments, is also one of the largest consumers of pharmaceuticals.
Pharmacists with advanced training, including Master's of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are eligible for advancement as administrators, laboratory researchers, as educators in the field. Opportunities at these levels are also expected to be very good for the next decade at least.
|
Career TrackPharmacists have a variety of environments in which they can work. They can work for community pharmacies, they can run their own pharmacy as a business, or they can find employment with institutions and agencies, including hospitals, the military, schools, V.A. hospitals, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the Indian health programs.
In community and hospital pharmacies, advancement to managerial positions is generally possible. With advanced degrees, through most other organizations, it is possible to advance to teaching, administrative, and research positions, depending on individual interests.
|
CompensationAlthough compensation for pharmacists varies across the field, most earn between $60,000 and $90,000 per year. Earning are high in most cases, because pharmacists are sometimes required to work long hours during the week, and be flexible to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Department store pharmacists earn on average $87,000 per year. Grocery store, and health and personal care store pharmacists earn approximately $85,000 a year. General medical and surgical hospitals, and general merchandise stores pay pharmacists approximately $84,500 per year on average.
|
|