Written by: Ahmed El Folly
Edited by: Chantelle and Angela
Job Description
Pharmacists are medical professionals that prescribe medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescription medicine There are many different kinds of pharmacists, including community pharmacists, who work in retail stores; clinical pharmacists, work in hospitals and/or clinics; consultant pharmacists, who focus on improving pharmacy services; and pharmaceutical industry pharmacists, who may work in sales and marketing or develop new drugs and conduct research. The average annual wage for pharmacists in the USA is $1228, 090 USD.
Requirements
Like physicians, pharmacists must attend and complete pharmacy school, which is a 3-4 year postgraduate degree. Admission requirements include chemistry, biology, and physics. Most programs require at least 2 years of undergraduate study, although some require a bachelor's degree. Most programs also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). Afterward, similar to physicians, pharmacists that choose to pursue clinical or research pharmacy may need to spend 1-2 years in residency. To become a practicing pharmacist in the USA, pharmacists must pass two exams to achieve their license: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and a state-specific exam. Aside from the academic requirements, pharmacists must be detail-oriented, analytical, have strong communication skills, have computer skills, and have management skills, especially for those running retail pharmacies.
Pharmacists’ Responsibilities
Professional responsibilities include prescribing and dispensing medication, communicating with prescribers, ensuring patient safety, counseling patients, working with patients on general health, dealing with insurance companies, managing staff, performing administrative tasks, and educating health provider colleagues on new medications and drug therapy protocols.
References
“CollegeGrad.” Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information, collegegrad.com/careers/pharmacists.
Lamb, Edward. “Here Is a Rundown of the Top Responsibilities of a Pharmacist.” The Balance Careers, www.thebalancecareers.com/top-9-pharmacist-responsibilities-2663854.