A Guide to Careers in Pharmacy
There are two main career paths a person interested in pharmacy can take, either a pharmacy technician or a pharmacist. A career as a pharmacist offers the more diverse career choice; however, it also requires the most education. Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists. Pharmacists can find work as drug developers, clinical researchers, members of health care teams, community pharmacists or professors.
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Pharmacy Technician
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Pharmacy technicians work under a licensed pharmacist. They are responsible for assisting in the preparation of medications, and provide customer assistance. In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will have to have a high school diploma. A pharmacy technician certificate is available, although it is not necessary to become a pharmacy tech.
Pharmacist
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To become a pharmacist, you must earn a doctor of pharmacy, Pharm.D., degree. This program takes at least six years to complete. Students can enter a prepharmacy program directly after high school. During these two years, they take many courses including math, anatomy and chemistry. After the two-year program, they can then enter the four-year Pharm.D. program. It is important to note, however, that many students first earn a bachelor's degree before applying to the four-year Pharm.D. Pharm.D. programs are competitive, and many of the top schools require a four-year degree prior to admittance. After completing their education, before they can officially practice pharmacy, candidates must pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examinations), which tests the knowledge acquired in pharmacy school.
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Pharmacist Careers
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Pharmacists are experts on the selection and effects of medications. They provide advice on prescribing medications and proper dosages to both patients and health care practitioners. Most pharmacists work in a community setting or in a health care facility. Some pharmacists work in research and development.
Community Pharmacy
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The community setting involves retail pharmacies. These pharmacies include large chains, such as Walgreens and CVS, grocery store pharmacies and small independently owned pharmacies. Pharmacists can also own their own pharmacy. In the community setting, pharmacists dispense medications and counsel patients on the use of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Health Care Setting
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Pharmacists are experts on medications, including their dosages and side effects. When working in a health care setting, they work with other health care professionals to advise on the selections and effects of medications. They dispense medications and make IV solutions. They are an integral component of a hospital's health care team, planning, monitoring and evaluating drug regimens.
Alternatives
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Although the majority of pharmacists work in the community setting, some pharmacists work in the field of research and development. These pharmacists develop new drugs and test their efficacy and safety through clinical trials. These pharmacists may work for a drug manufacturer or a university. If employed by a university, they may also teach pharmacy courses.
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