The Occupation of a Pharmacist: What You Need to Know
Pharmacists are highly respected professionals who are responsible for dispensing medications and providing expert advice to patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the right medication, in the right dose, and at the right time. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what pharmacists do, how they progress through the field, and what education and training are required to become a pharmacist.
What Do Pharmacists Do?
Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, research facilities, and even government agencies. Some of the tasks that pharmacists might perform include:
- Dispensing medication to patients
- Making medication recommendations to doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Ensuring that patients understand how to take their medication and any potential side effects
- Monitoring patients to ensure that their medication is working effectively
- Providing advice on over-the-counter medications and supplements
- Compounding medication
- Performing research on medications and their effectiveness
Examples of Pharmacist Jobs
The job of a pharmacist can vary depending on their place of employment. Here are some examples of the different types of pharmacist jobs that are available:
Retail Pharmacist
Retail pharmacists work in pharmacies that are located within drugstores or supermarkets. Their main responsibility is to dispense medications to patients, and they may also provide advice on over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Hospital Pharmacist
Hospital pharmacists work in hospitals and are responsible for filling prescriptions for patients who are being treated in the hospital. They may also work with doctors to ensure that patients are receiving the right medication and dosage.
Research Pharmacist
Research pharmacists work in research facilities and are responsible for conducting research on new medications and treatments. They may work on developing new medications or improving existing ones.
Long-Term Care Pharmacist
Long-term care pharmacists work in facilities that provide care to patients who require long-term care, such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the right medication and dosage over an extended period of time.
Education and Training to Become a Pharmacist
In order to become a pharmacist, you must first complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. This program typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmaceutical science
- Pharmacology
- Statistics
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
In addition to completing a Pharm.D. program, prospective pharmacists must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) in order to obtain a license to practice in their state.
How to Progress Through the Field
Pharmacists can progress through the field by gaining experience and additional education. Some pharmacists may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as geriatric care or oncology, and obtain additional training in that area. Others may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences in order to work in research or teaching.
Getting into the Field as a Newbie
If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, there are several steps that you can take to get started. Here are some tips for getting into the field:
- Research pharmacy schools and programs to find one that is right for you
- Gain experience by working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting
- Volunteer in a healthcare setting to gain more hands-on experience
- Network with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals
- Stay up-to-date on current healthcare news and trends
With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful pharmacist and make a difference in the lives of patients. Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare industry by providing essential medications and advice to patients. According to the salary data provided, the US National Average salary for Pharmacists ranges from $119,454.40 to $151,403.20 depending on the job level and union membership.
The highest-paid Pharmacists in the US are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with an average salary of $193,107.20 for union workers. On the other hand, the lowest-paid Pharmacists are located in Providence-Warwick, RI-MA, with a full-time average salary of $112,153.60.
The effects of union on this job are apparent as unionized Pharmacists earn significantly more than their non-union counterparts. Unionized Pharmacists have an average salary ranging from $146,348.80 to $170,102.40, while nonunionized Pharmacists have an average salary ranging from $123,219.20 to $127,379.20.
The data table below provides a detailed overview of the salary data for different job levels and types of Pharmacists.
Job Level | Union | Nonunion | Full-time | Part-time | Time-based pay
— | — | — | — | — | —
Level 09 | N/A | $110,489.60 | $119,017.60 | N/A | N/A
Level 10 | N/A | $132,641.60 | $138,923.20 | $148,262.40 | N/A
Level 11 | N/A | $129,168.00 | $135,948.80 | $130,915.20 | N/A
Not able to be leveled | N/A | $129,750.40 | $127,046.40 | $116,792.00 | N/A
All levels | $151,403.20 | $127,379.20 | $128,523.20 | $133,806.40 | $129,584.00
In conclusion, becoming a Pharmacist is a lucrative career choice with several opportunities for growth. However, union membership seems to have a positive impact on the salary ranges. Geographic location also plays a significant role in determining the earnings of a Pharmacist.
