Pharmacists can provide innovative approaches to medication management, including recommended therapies, and the identification and resolution of problems with the aid of state-of-the-art technology.
Pharmacists are educated to recognize signs and symptoms of diseases that may be used in a biological attack. The accessibility of pharmacies could be one of the keys to a successful mass immunization or drug distribution program in an emergency. In an epidemic or bioterror situation, pharmacists are prepared to play a major role in preventing the spread of disease and overseeing the distribution of appropriate and safe medications.
Pharmacists are visible leaders in our community who are entrusted with the health of our families. Main navigation About About About. Professional Supporter Program. Resources Resources. Research Research. Events Events. Annual Meetings Upcoming Archive. Upcoming Archive. Upcoming Past Webinars. Membership Membership.
Search Search. I Want to Help People Get Well Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as quickly as possible. I Like to Work Directly with Patients Pharmacists are accessible in all healthcare settings: inpatient, ambulatory and community settings.
I Enjoy a Wide Variety of Career Opportunities Pharmacy is a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, scientific research and innovation. The demand is fueled by the following factors: Increased demand for patient services. The transition to the doctor of pharmacy Pharm. Pharmacists are able to work in a wider array of practice settings and positions than ever before.
Increase in number of prescriptions filled each year. According to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the number of prescriptions filled increased from 1. Our society will continue to need more pharmacists to manage the growing number of prescriptions as more medicines become available and the population ages.
If a pharmacist is prescribing an OTC medication, then they could be the first point of contact that the patient has. Along with dispensing medicine and providing advice to patients, pharmacists can also be responsible for the following job duties:.
A pharmacy assistant may just need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. With less education than their counterparts in the pharmacy, their duties are more administrative with less responsibilities of technicians and pharmacists. Their role includes: recording medications that have been given, stocking shelves, and working behind the cash register. A pharmacy technician undergoes specialized training to help pharmacists. As you can see, a pharmacy technician is responsible for so many vital aspects of working in a pharmacy.
Their roles continue to expand to take on more and more duties that pharmacists otherwise held. As mentioned, becoming a pharmacist requires a doctorate degree.
Put simply, it requires two years of your undergraduate degree to be dedicated to pharmacy-specific education, followed by four academic years or three calendar years of professional study in pharmacy school. Students on this career path should choose a pre-med track, or a degree like physics, chemistry, math, biology, or anatomy.
This will provide students with the foundational educational knowledge that will be applicable on the job. Pursuing a specialized certificate program in health science can prove to be highly beneficial.
After earning an undergraduate degree, students may have to take a college admissions test like the GRE to apply to pharmacy school. They will also have to fill out an application and be admitted. Once the program is completed, students earn their Doctor of Pharmacy PharmD degree.
The coursework is filled with the science of drugs, including: how drugs work in the body, absorption rates of drugs, biopharmaceuticals, toxicology, laws about prescription management, and more. At the same time of earning their degree, students may undergo practical training alongside licensed pharmacists.
During graduate school, students may opt to complete training through an internship or residency program. After fulfilling the aforementioned educational requirements, students must have a state license to practice. Like many graduate programs, there are accelerated program options. Three-year PharmD degree programs are available for students who have fulfilled all undergraduate requirements. When you start working as a pharmacist, your salary will be dependent on several factors, including where you work, your experience level, the location of your employer, etc.
Pharmacists are in demand in a variety of work environments. These are some of the most common employers of pharmacists, pharmacist assistants, and pharmacist technicians:. Pharmacists in hospitals work to prepare medications for patients. In this setting, a pharmacist will consult with doctors and nurses, ensure the accuracy of prescription dosages, and even prepare injections and IV bags.
In most cases, pharmacists in this setting work closely with pharmacy technicians. All three job titles are employed by retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, to name a few. Other types of retail pharmacies include those available in grocery stores, independent pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies.
This group is the largest employer of pharmacists. Research labs exist to test the effectiveness of drugs and also to develop new treatments. For pharmacists looking to work in this high research environment, additional certifications may be required. The military has pharmacists on-site in its facilities to conduct wellness programs and help to educate the population about health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Pharmacists also work in veterans care centers to manage medication. Clinics may hire pharmacists to perform patient education, perform immunizations, test their cholesterol, and more. With the growing aging population, this employer may grow its need for pharmacists in the future.
Pharmacists may also be hired by private practices or as consultants to healthcare providers. Additionally, pharmacists may serve as teachers to educate pharmacy technicians. With the wide range of employers for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and assistants, the field offers a great deal of opportunity for those who fulfill the necessary educational and certificate programs. Like any profession, what works for one person may not be the right fit for another.
However, if you find yourself interested in becoming a pharmacist, there are some skills that bode well for a career. These skills include:. Pharmacists work closely with patients, doctors, healthcare professionals and their colleagues to make sure that patients are receiving exactly what they need. So, if a doctor makes a mistake and a pharmacist has to be the person to question a doctor, they need to know how to communicate the issue in a proactive solution-oriented way.
Additionally, pharmacists often consult with sick patients, so they must be able to demonstrate empathy, understanding, and strong listening skills.
Pharmacists have to know how to manage a lot of moving pieces at once. In any setting, they may be answering phones while entering information into a database and communicating with a patient. The ability to switch between tasks efficiently and remain focused must be possible for you to handle.
Some of your key responsibilities might include: Reviewing prescriptions and patient histories for drug contraindications and incompatibilities. Packaging pharmaceuticals for distribution to patients. Checking dosage levels to ensure proper therapeutic levels. Monitoring the distribution of non-prescription medication that must remain behind the pharmacy counter. Counseling patients on the proper use of medications.
Labeling pharmaceuticals with recommendations and warnings for the patient. Consulting with physicians about unclear instructions. Advising patients and customers about the proper over-the-counter medications for specific symptoms or issues. Submitting insurance claims for reimbursement. Managing and educating pharmacy employees. Maintaining pristine records on each patient while ensuring those records' confidentiality.
Answering questions from patients about side effects, missed dosages, and other issues as they arise. Administering state-approved vaccines. Learning about new drugs and devices as they come on the market and educating fellow health care professionals about them. Work Environment Most pharmacists work in pharmacies, which means they maintain the facility's inventory and work with patients as they arrive. Schedule Pharmacists typically work full-time jobs, though some split their time between multiple pursuits.
What qualifications are required to be a pharmacist? Education If you want to pursue a career as a pharmacist, you'll need a Doctor of Pharmacy Pharm. Experience If you have your pharmacist license, you can begin practicing immediately. Skills Pharmacists with the following skills will find it easier to gain employment and to move up in their careers. EHR electronic health record knowledge : An increasing number of pharmacies are adopting EHRs and keeping all of their records electronically.
For instance, more than 8, Walgreens locations use them. Pill-counting machine operation: Most pharmacists use pill-counting machines to ensure that each prescription is filled accurately. Communication skills: You must know how to communicate clearly and precisely so patients understand their medications.
Memorization skills: You'll have to memorize hundreds of medications both their brand names and their generic names as well as data about each. Supervisory skills : Many pharmacists manage large departments and must delegate tasks, educate their staff, and manage schedules. Language skills: Multilingual pharmacists might have more job opportunities because they can communicate with a wider range of patients.
Research skills: The ability to research drug interactions, new pharmaceuticals, and other facets of the industry will prove particularly useful. Listening skills: When patients ask questions or express confusion, pharmacists must accurately identify the problem and help find a solution. Stress-management skills: Pharmacies can be fast-paced and stressful environments, so pharmacists have to know how to manage their stress levels and work effectively under pressure.
This is especially true in a clinical setting. Salary expectations If you're thinking about a career in this field, you're probably asking, "How much do pharmacists make? Job outlook for pharmacists Projected growth According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS , the job outlook for pharmacists is projected at a three-percent rate of decline. Career trajectory Many pharmacists find new opportunities for growth once they gain experience in clinical, academic, or research settings.
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