How To Become Pharmacist | SkillsAndTech

Pharmacists are in high demand. They play a vital role in our healthcare system, and their expertise is needed now more than ever.

If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career, becoming a pharmacist may be the right choice for you. In this post, we’ll explore what it takes to become a pharmacist, from education and training requirements to job outlook and salary expectations.

Table of Contents

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medication and provides advice on its proper use. They also offer guidance on other health-related matters, such as diet and exercise. Pharmacists typically work in pharmacies, but they may also be employed in hospitals or other healthcare settings.

The main responsibility of a pharmacist is to dispense prescription medications to patients. In most cases, the pharmacist will receive a written prescription from a doctor or other healthcare provider.

They will then fill the prescription and provide it to the patient. The pharmacist may also offer advice on how to take the medication and what side effects to expect.

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In addition to dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists also provide other services such as immunizations, health screenings, and counseling on healthy lifestyle choices. Some pharmacists also conduct research on new medications or participate in clinical trials.

Education and Certification Requirements

In order to become a pharmacist, you will need to complete a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program at an accredited school of pharmacy. After completing the program and passing the required examinations, you will be eligible for state licensure. Some states may require additional examinations or coursework for licensure.

Once you are licensed, you may also choose to pursue voluntary certification in a specific area of practice, such as nuclear pharmacy or ambulatory care. Certification can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and may give you an advantage in the job market.

The Career Path of a Pharmacist

A pharmacist is someone who dispenses medication and offers advice on the use of drugs. They may also conduct research on new medications and their effects. Becoming a pharmacist requires completing an accredited pharmacy program and passing a state licensing exam.

Most pharmacy programs take four years to complete and include coursework in chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

During their final year of study, students complete a clinical rotation in which they gain experience working in a hospital or community pharmacy. After graduation, pharmacists must pass a state licensing exam before they can practice.

Pharmacists typically work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies or government agencies. Some pharmacists choose to specialize in areas such as nuclear pharmacy or managed care pharmacy. Pharmacists can also pursue careers in education or research.

Job Outlook and Salary Information

The job outlook for pharmacists is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of pharmacists will grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

In terms of salary, the median annual wage for pharmacists was $128,090 in May 2019. The highest 10% earned more than $163,850, while the lowest 10% earned less than $87,790.

Conclusion

Becoming a pharmacist is a process that takes many years of hard work and dedication. However, it can be a very rewarding career for those who are passionate about helping others. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, we hope that this article has provided you with some helpful tips and information on what you need to do to make your dream a reality.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Pharmacist do ?

As a pharmacist, you will be responsible for dispensing medications to patients and providing them with information about the medications they are taking.

In addition, you will be responsible for monitoring the medications patients are taking to ensure they are safe and effective. You will also work with other health care professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

How much do Pharmacist make ?

The median annual wage for pharmacists was $126,120 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $87,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $159,410.

In 2019, the median annual wages for pharmacists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private: $130,460
Pharmacies and drug stores: $128,090
Outpatient care centers: $122,610
Management of companies and enterprises: $116,950
Elementary and secondary schools: $114,700

As of May 2019, the average hourly wage for pharmacists was $60.79.

How much does it cost to be a Pharmacist?

The cost of becoming a pharmacist varies depending on the route you take. If you choose to attend an accredited pharmacy school, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000 per year in tuition and fees.

Alternatively, if you decide to complete an apprenticeship with a licensed pharmacist, the cost will be much lower since you will not have to pay for tuition. However, it is important to note that both routes require passing a rigorous examination in order to become licensed.

How long does it take to become a Pharmacist?

In order to become a licensed pharmacist, you must first complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), the average length of time it takes to complete a Pharm.D. program is four years.

After completing a Pharm.D. program, pharmacists must then pass two exams in order to be licensed. The first exam is the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).

The NAPLEX tests pharmacists’ knowledge of the practice of pharmacy and assesses their ability to apply this knowledge in a variety of ways. The second exam is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). This exam tests pharmacists’ knowledge of pharmacy law and assesses their ability to apply this knowledge in a variety of ways.

According to the AACP, the average time it takes to complete both exams is six months. However, this can vary depending on the state in which you are seeking licensure. Once you have passed both exams, you will be a licensed pharmacist!

How many hours of Pharmacist Work ?

There are many different types of pharmacies and pharmacists, so the answer to this question can vary greatly. Generally speaking, most pharmacists work full time, though some may work part time or even night shifts.

The number of hours worked will also depend on the specific type of pharmacy in which the pharmacist works. For example, a hospital pharmacist may work longer hours than a retail pharmacist.