Pharmacist Career Guide

A pharmacist specializes in the science of medications, which is called pharmacology. While doctors prescribe medications, pharmacists are the ones who prepare and dispense them. Doctors often consult pharmacists on which medications are the best choice for their patients.

Pharmacists are experts in knowing the side effects, drug-to-drug interactions, and other important information necessary to ensure that millions of Americans are both safely prescribed and safely taking their medications.

Pharmacists are specialized healthcare providers who are experts in everything related to prescriptions and medications. They have advanced training and education and are an invaluable resource to physicians, other healthcare providers, and the people and communities they serve.

Did you know that pharmacists are in demand and needed all over the United States? Plus, their career growth is only expected to increase. Over 13,000 more pharmacists will be needed each year to keep up with demand.

Does this specialized and important career interest you? Keep reading - we’ll go over what you need to get started, what degree you need to be a pharmacist, how to get a pharmacist license, and everything else you need to know!

What is the Difference Between a Pharmacist and a Pharmacy Tech?

Pharmacists work closely with pharmacy technicians, but there are many critical differences between them. First, let’s review the differences in these two careers.

• Pharmacists must have a doctoral degree in pharmacy. They have advanced training in pharmacology, chemistry, and biology, and have greater responsibility over pharmacy operations.
• Pharmacy technicians work under the close supervision and direction of a pharmacist. They can often be trained on the job, or begin working after completing a pharmacy tech training program.
• Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a great step toward becoming a pharmacist. Some pharmacists start as techs and later go on to achieve their doctoral degrees in pharmacy.

As a pharmacist, you will be an expert in an extensive range of pharmacy skills and duties. The general pharmacist job description includes the following:

‍Verify medications. After a doctor prescribes a medication, it must be verified and dispensed by a pharmacist. Sometimes, a pharmacist will note a side effect or interaction that makes a specific medication not the best choice for someone. In this case, the pharmacist will consult with the ordering physician.

‍Prepare medications. You will fill medications accurately and safely. A pharmacy tech can often help with this process, but you will be responsible for verifying that the medications and dosages are correct.

‍Provide education to patients. Your patients must know when and how to take their medications safely, what side effects to watch for, and when to contact their physician.

‍Be a resource to healthcare providers. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers recognize you as the expert in everything medication-related. They will contact you with questions and for consultations and advice.

‍Pharmacy organization and inventory. You will keep the thousands of medications commonly dispensed organized and in stock.

‍Oversee the work of pharmacy technicians. And much more! Modern pharmacies are constantly adapting to better meet their customers' needs. Pharmacists provide health screenings, vaccinations, and health education and outreach.

To become a pharmacist, your first step is to achieve a high school diploma. Once you have completed your high school education, here are your next steps:

‍Complete a Bachelor’s Degree or Pre-Pharmacy Program

‍Either a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year pre-pharmacy program is necessary before you can begin your doctor of pharmacy degree. During these programs, you will take classes in math, pharmacology, biology, chemistry, toxicology, and anatomy and physiology.

‍Complete a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

‍Next, you will need to get into and complete a doctoral degree in pharmacy. Take care not to confuse this doctoral degree with medical school. Doctors go to medical school, while pharmacists complete doctoral degrees in pharmacy. Competition to get into doctoral pharmacy programs can be high! Be sure to take care and study hard in your undergraduate classes.

A doctor of pharmacy degree will take you four years to complete. In this program, you will learn about the science of medications and how they interact with the human body in much greater detail. In addition to coursework, you will receive clinical training under the supervision of an experienced pharmacist.

‍Obtain Licensure as a Pharmacist

‍Pharmacists must pass a national licensure exam before working independently as pharmacists in the United States.

• Passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) is required by all 50 US States before becoming a licensed pharmacist.
• Passing the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) is required by most, but not all US states.

Complete a Pharmacy Fellowship Program

‍Pursuing additional pharmacy training isn’t always required but is recommended. Fellowships are often one to two years long, and help you gain more experience in the individual type of pharmacy career you wish to pursue. Fellowships prepare you to work in community, clinical, hospital, or other pharmacy specialties.

‍How Long Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?

‍Undergraduate and doctoral training programs, plus a fellowship, means that it can take anywhere from eight to ten years to become a licensed pharmacist who can work independently.