Pharmacist Job Description
Pharmacist job description: Pharmacists distribute drugs
prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information
to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other
health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects
of medications. Pharmacists also monitor the health and progress of patients in
response to drug therapy to ensure the safe and effective use of medication.
Pharmacists must understand the use, clinical effects, and composition of drugs,
including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Compounding—the
actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and
solutions—is a small part of a pharmacist’s practice, because most medicines are
produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and drug delivery
form. Most pharmacists work in a community setting, such as a retail drugstore,
or in a health care facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, mental health
institution, or neighborhood health clinic. Working Conditions Pharmacists work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Many pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet. When working with sterile or dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and work with other special protective equipment. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Consultant pharmacists may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients’ drug therapy. Many pharmacists work more than 40 hours per week. Training and Qualifications - what you have to do to be a Pharmacist Pharmacists must earn a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy. The Pharm.D. degree has replaced the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, which is no longer being awarded. To be admitted to a Pharm.D. program, an applicant must have completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study, although most applicants have completed 3 or more years. Other entry requirements usually include courses in mathematics and natural sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences. In 2007, 92 colleges and schools of pharmacy were accredited to confer degrees by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). About 70 percent of Pharm.D. programs require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).Licensing and Credentialing In all 50 states and the U.S. Territories Pharmacists are regulated. The usual method to be a credentialed and licensed Pharmacist is:1) Possess a doctorial degree in pharmacy from an accredited college. 2) Pass national exams for pharmacy practice and law. In some states you may have to take an additional exam. 3) Apply for licensure in the state you wish to practice in. Pharmacist Job Description Significant Points Very good employment opportunities are
expected for pharmacists. Advancement - chances for promotion In community pharmacies, pharmacists usually begin at the staff level. In independent pharmacies, after they gain experience and secure the necessary capital, some become owners or part owners of pharmacies. Pharmacists in chain drugstores may be promoted to pharmacy supervisor or manager at the store level, then to manager at the district or regional level, and later to an executive position within the chain’s headquarters. Hospital pharmacists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry may advance in marketing, sales, research, quality control, production, packaging, or other areas. See the complete list of healthcare job descriptions See the complete list of healthcare salary data pages
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