A Career As A Pharmacist

Most pharmacists work within the community, for example

, at a retail drugstore, or in a health care facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or mental health institute. These pharmacists not only dispense medications, but also counsel members of the public and advise physicians as to suitable courses of medication for their patients.

However, more and more of those who become pharmacists these days are pursuing what is considered to be non-traditional pharmacy work. Some conduct research for pharmaceutical manufacturers, developing new drugs and testing their effects. Others take up positions in sales or marketing, advising clients on the effectiveness, and possible side effects of drugs.

Programs available at colleges of pharmacy will teach you how to become a pharmacist, and about all aspects of drug therapy. In addition, you be taught how to communicate with patients, and health care providers, about drug and therapy information. Lectures and seminars on concepts of public health, medication distribution systems, and professional ethics will be included too.

To be accepted on a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, you are required to have completed at least 2 years of post-secondary study, however, the majority applicants have completed 3 or more years. Additional requirements typically include courses in natural sciences (such as biology and chemistry), and mathematics. As well as academic requirements, you should also have a desire to help others and good interpersonal skills.

A license is also required to become a practicing pharmacist. To obtain this license, you must graduate from a college of pharmacy which has been accredited by the ACPE, and pass a series of written and practical examinations. All States within the U.S require pharmacists to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam, which evaluates your knowledge and expertise of pharmacy skills, and the majority of U.S States also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) be be passed, which tests pharmacy law.

Those who graduate from overseas pharmacy colleges may also qualify for licensure in the U.S. If they wish to work in the U.S they must apply for certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) and then must pass all of the exams required by the licensing jurisdiction, such as the NAPLEX and MJPE.

On completion of the Pharm.D course, and having acquired a license, job prospects are excellent. The average starting salary is approximately $80,000 per year, based on a 40 hour week, and this will rise as you gain more experience.

by: Mark Walters

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