Are You Interested In Becoming a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare industry. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, here are a few different pieces of information that may help guide your decision.

What does the every day life look like for a pharmacist?
The work day includes filling prescriptions and ensuring the prescription matches the physician’s instructions, verifying medicines prescribed won’t interfere with the medications the patient is currently taking, educating patients about the medicine and side effects, administer vaccines (in most states), managing a staff of pharmacy technicians and aides, have the ability to provide general health advice on various topics (diet, exercise, treating health problems, etc.), working with insurance companies to provide patients with the medications needed, filling out paperwork for insurance companies, various administrative tasks.

Where do pharmacists work?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that 43% work in pharmacies and drug stores, 8% work in food and beverage stores, 6% work in general merchandising, 26% of people work in general merchandising stores.

Are pharmacists in need?
The need for pharmacists will increase in coming years in hospitals and other healthcare settings. However, it is a very competitive field currently.

What is the average salary for a pharmacist?
Salaries will vary depending on the setting and region they are working in. According to the BLS, in 2020, the average pay of pharmacists was $128,710. Ambulatory healthcare services averaged $137,820. Hospitals; local, state, and private pharmacists saw a median salary of $131,290, while food and beverage store pharmacists average $131,200. Pharmacies and drug stores paid their pharmacists a median salary of $125,740.

What does the path look like to become a pharmacist?
To become a pharmacist, it is required to acquire a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.). Classes usually required to take in school include healthcare courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Most pharmacy programs require a minimum of two years of undergrad study, and some require a bachelor’s degree. Applicants are normally required to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test. Pharm.D. programs usually take 4 years to complete. All states license pharmacists. To acquire the license, pharmacists must take two exams. The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam is the first exam, this exam covers pharmacy skills and knowledge. The second test is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam; some states substitute the MPJE with a state specific exam which both cover pharmacy law. States require a number of hours as an intern, as well. While working, there are various certifications that pharmacists can acquire to expand their knowledge on specific topics. This can lead to better pay. Pharmacists need to be certified to administer vaccines and immunizations.

Training
Following graduation, pharmacists will normally be in a 1-2 year residency program.