Duties and Responsibilities
Pharmacists dispense prescription drugs to individuals. One of the Pharmacist duties
is to provide information to doctors, health practitioners and patients about the
use and dosage of drugs to ensure effectiveness, suitability and safety. To do this
they review prescriptions, assure the accuracy of the ingredients of the drugs.
They manage pharmacy operations and serve as medical team consultants or specialist
on drug therapy areas such as nuclear pharmacotherapy or oncology. They teach pharmacy
graduating students and reviewers for licensure. They monitor and analyze prescribing
practice of doctors and compliance of patients to determine effects or improper
and use of medication. Another one of the Pharmacist duties is to determine and
purchase of pharmaceutical supplies, medical supplies and drugs, and manage stocks.
They also advise customers on the selection of brands, medical equipment and other
supplies. They update themselves of the trends in the drug and health-care supplies
production, formulation, effectively and availability. Pharmacists plan and implement
the procedures on proper disposal of drugs or medical wastes according to law.
Work Environment
Pharmacists normally work in a sanitized, well ventilated area with appropriate
temperature necessary for the storage of drugs and other medical supply. They are
located in drugstores or a medical supply area of the hospitals, nursing homes,
health centers or neighborhood infirmary.
Employment Opportunities
Pharmacists own or work for a retail drugstore or hospital. Some work for pharmaceutical
companies, while others find Pharmacist opportunities on research teams. They could
also teach in medical schools or work in mental institutions. Most Pharmacists have
no trouble at all finding Pharmacist opportunities as there are a variety of locations
for them to choose from.
How much does a Pharmacist make - Pharmacist Salary and Wages
Pharmacists in retail settings earn $92,291 while in institutions like in hospitals
or health centers, they can earn as much as $97,545 every year. The beginner Pharmacist
salary range could be between $69,922 - $99,839. Those who are in their fifth to
ninth year in the practice receive 5.6% to 14.6% higher, while those in their twentieth
or more years are higher in the Pharmacist salary range by 20% to 33.4%. Hourly
rate for beginners is between $19.73 - $54.18 and increases as years of experience
goes up. The pharmacist who is in his or her twentieth or more years in the business
could get $48.24 -$58.17.
Bonuses are quiet generous, as the beginner could have as much as $2,543 while a
seasoned pharmacist of ten years receive $3,538. Commissions for expertise rendered
during the first year is $43.50. However, those who are in their first four years
in the business get an average of $555. The longer they are in the profession, the
higher their pay is.
How to become a Pharmacist
Educational and Training
A Pharm D. Degree, which replaces the course Bachelor of Pharmacy, from an accredited
college or schools is required to become a pharmacist. To qualify for the Pharm.D.
Program the applicant must first complete at least two years of post-secondary study.
Then a person will pursue a Pharmacist degree by taking four years of Pharmacist
courses, including pharmaceutical sciences, medical chemistry, physiology, statistics,
biochemistry, pharmacology, non-prescription drugs, therapeutic patient monitoring,
human anatomy, and pharmacy administration.
Other Qualifications and Skills
Good communication Pharmacist skills are required in order to effectively convey
reports and results of examinations to patients and other health care providers.
Other Pharmacist qualifications include being able to maintain and uphold professional
ethics and knowledge in public health and medication distribution systems management.
Advancement
Master of Science and doctorate degrees are also offered to pharmacists who wish
to upgrade their academic and professional competencies. Areas of studies offered
for advancement include pharmacology, pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry
and pharmacy administration. A Ph.D. degree could strengthen the research ability
of the Pharmacist, allowing him or her to work in drug companies and in schools.
You can find information concerning online Pharmacist degrees and jump start your
Pharmacist career by checking out the online colleges and degrees below.
Pharmacist Resources
American Pharmacists Association - American Pharmacists Association