List of the Pros of Becoming a Pharmacist
- You’re going to be compensated well in this career. Once you have graduated with your PharmD degree, there is an excellent chance that you’ll be earning six figures in ...
- There are a wide variety of job opportunities available to pharmacists. ...
- You’re not required to hold a license for all pharmacy positions. ...
- You might have the option to work from home. As online healthcare options continue growing, there are more opportunities available for pharmacists to consult from home. ...
- Work is available everywhere as a pharmacist. Once you earn your PharmD degree, you have the option to live and work almost anywhere you want. ...
- Self-employment is an option within this career. As a licensed pharmacist, you have the option to work for someone else or work for yourself. ...
- You have a choice of available shifts when working as a pharmacist. ...
- The occupational outlook for pharmacists is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of pharmacists in the United States is expected to grow at a rate ...
- Pharmacists are being given even more authority to care for patients. In 2013, California legislation SB493 was signed into law. It went into effect in January 2014. ...
- It doesn’t take much time to start your own pharmacy. According to McKesson, you could start a new independently-owned pharmacy in just six months. ...
- Job stability is impressively high within this profession.
What are some typical job duties of being a pharmacist?
- Important Facts About This Occupation
- Academic and Licensing Requirements. ...
- Dispensing and Monitoring Medication. ...
- Counseling Patients. ...
- Research and Other Pharmacy Specializations. ...
- Employment and Salary Outlook Information. ...
Why Pharmacy is not a good career?
Yes, I believe pharmacy is a good career because it comes with a sizeable salary and flexible working hours. Moreover, pharmacists are among the most highly respected medical professionals, and they don’t have to see blood while working. Pharmacy also comes with multiple options for where one wants to practice. x.
What are the advantages of being a pharmacist?
Some of your key responsibilities might include:
- Reviewing prescriptions and patient histories for drug contraindications and incompatibilities.
- Packaging pharmaceuticals for distribution to patients.
- Checking dosage levels to ensure proper therapeutic levels.
- Monitoring the distribution of non-prescription medication that must remain behind the pharmacy counter.
Should you become a pharmacist?
Pharmacists play an active role in their patients' health care plans, advising and counseling them through illnesses and injuries. Though you'll need significant education to become a pharmacist, you'll enjoy the rewards of a lucrative career that allows you to make a positive difference in other people's lives.
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What benefits do pharmacists get?
Benefit packages generally include medical, dental, life, and vision insurance; vacation; sick leave; and retirement plans. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses. Self-employed Pharmacists must provide their own benefits and retirement.
What are the pros and cons of pharmacist?
Pros and cons of being a pharmacistCompetitive salary.Creative career options. Health care is a universal need, so likewise, there's always a need for health care employees, including pharmacists. ... Remote working opportunities. ... Independent practice. ... Clean workspace. ... Nonphysical work. ... Flexible schedule. ... Travel opportunities.More items...•
What is rewarding about being a pharmacist?
Excellent earning potential and job security Pharmacy is one of the most financially rewarding careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a pharmacist in 2020 was *$128,710.
Is it worth it being a pharmacist?
8:0014:44Is Becoming a Pharmacist Still Worth It? REAL Pros and Cons of a Career ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you will have good job stability for life and that goes for any industry but specificallyMoreThen you will have good job stability for life and that goes for any industry but specifically pharmacy. So definitely of course work hard make a difference where you're working provide your value in
Why do I love being a pharmacist?
My lifelong goal was to find a career that would allow me to work directly with the public and make a difference. I enjoy seeing the impact that I have, as a pharmacist, on the quality of care our patients receive. I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor and how my work pays off in achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Are you happy being a pharmacist?
Pharmacists are one of the least happy careers in the United States. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, pharmacists rate their career happiness 2.7 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 9% of careers.
Why should I choose pharmacy as a career?
These include building career ina hospital,community, health service, pharmaceutical research, industries, nursing, government health administration, and academia.In this regard it is worthy to mention that pharmacy providefirst-rate earning probability and is constantly ranked as one of the most highly trusted ...
Is pharmacy a good career for the future?
Yes ofcourse pharmacy is a good career because, A doctor gives life to patient but a pharmacist gives life to medicine, and that medicine ultimately give life to patient, that's why pharmacy also a big opportunity for you.
What do you like best about pharmacy?
Read below for a handful of reasons why practicing pharmacists enjoy their career paths and the unique role they play within the healthcare industry.Ability to Make a Difference. Pharmacists are the medication experts on the team of doctors. ... Relationships with Patients. ... Exciting Work.
Are pharmacists rich?
The average pharmacists make around $128,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's a really nice living, but it's not as much as a general physician (MD) makes and it's not enough to guarantee becoming rich. However, income is just a piece of the equation.
Is pharmacist hard to study?
Compared to others, pharmacy is a difficult course in general. There's a lot of chemistry and analysis, hard work, dedication, math, and memorization as well. For my alma mater specifically, the pharmaceutical chemistry subjects are notorious in failing a lot of students.
What is the best field in pharmacy?
Top 12 Careers in PharmacyPharmaceutical industry / clinical trials. ... Locum pharmacist. ... Government and NGO roles. ... Military pharmacist. ... Mental health pharmacist. ... Women's and newborns' pharmacist. ... Pain educator, program director or consultant. ... Drug safety officer.More items...•
Why are pharmacists important?
In an epidemic or bioterror situation, pharmacists are prepared to play a major role in preventing the spread of disease and overseeing the distribution of appropriate and safe medications. According to the CDC, pharmacists are equipped with the necessary skills to improve our nation’s health and are vital members of the team in public health initiatives.
Why do pharmacists work with other health care professionals?
Pharmacists work with other health care professionals to maximize health outcomes. Numerous studies have proven that the presence of a pharmacist on hospital rounds as a full member of the patient care team has been shown to prevent medication errors and reduce costs.
How many miles away from a pharmacy do you live?
Most Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, so pharmacists are needed all throughout the U.S. 7. I am Excited to be a Part of Major Innovations in Medication Therapy. One of the many exciting developments in the pharmacy profession is the growth of a discipline, known as pharmacogenomics.
What is the job of a pharmacist?
Pharmacy is a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, scientific research and innovation. Pharmacists can work in a myriad of professional settings. The majority of pharmacists (45 percent) work in an independent or retail chain community pharmacy and provide counseling to patients on the use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Pharmacists work in numerous other healthcare environments as well, including hospitals, nursing homes, managed care organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, colleges and schools and the federal government. Pharmacists play key leadership roles in all aspects of the healthcare system.
Why do pharmacists use technology?
These technological advances enhance efficiency and help to promote patient safety. Pharmacists use these same tools to help prioritize work, manage the dispensing process and spend more time with patients . By law, pharmacists must oversee automated dispensing processes for quality control purposes.
What is the role of a pharmacist in the elderly?
Pharmacists play a key role in helping the elderly patients navigate complicated medication requirements and explore ways to minimize their financial burden. The aging population has also increased the need for long-term care, geriatric and consultant pharmacists. 5.
What are the factors that affect a patient's ability to take a medication?
These include diet, lifestyle, transportation, language barriers and much more. 2.
Why do pharmacists work with other health care professionals?
Being a part of the healthcare team. Pharmacists work with other health care professionals to improve health outcomes and ensure the continuity of care. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of having a pharmacist on hospital rounds and in ambulatory care settings, to prevent medication errors and reduce costs.
What is the role of pharmacist in ambulatory care?
With the advent of accountable care organizations, pharmacists are now playing a role in reducing hospital readmission rates, chronic disease management and medication therapy management.
What are the advancements in pharmacy?
Many exciting developments are taking place in the pharmacy profession, including specialty pharmacy, discipline of pharmacogenomics and digital advancements like artificial intelligence. Specialty medications, like biosimilars, are becoming a big part of the pharmaceutical industry and specialty pharmacies are flourishing as demand increases. The same goes for increases in personalized healthcare expansion using genetic testing for genome sequencing and selecting medications based on the patient’s DNA. Furthermore, pharmacy schools are advancing their educational tools to meet the needs of their current students. By using "e-Patient" simulation tools and artificial intelligence, schools are training the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
What are the advantages of being a pharmacist?
7. Flexibility. Nontraditional work schedules are an advantage to a career in pharmacy that creates a work-life balance. Pharmacists are needed everywhere in the country in many different types of capacities, making it easier to find a position that will fit your lifestyle.
What is the requirement for pharmacist licensure?
A requirement of licensure is that all pharmacists must meet a mandatory state requisite for Continuing Education credits. This ensures that all pharmacists remain knowledgeable about new treatment guidelines and recent medications approved for treatment. Many employers help to fund meeting this education requirement through support attending professional meetings.
What is the mission of PCOM?
This is why it is the PCOM School of Pharmacy’s mission “to educate and train caring, competent and proactive generalist pharmacists who contribute to the health and well-being of the residents and to support the needs of the underserved ...
Why do pharmacists use retrospective data?
Pharmacists in the field of research also utilize retrospective data to identify and assess target patient populations who are not appropriately adherent or compliant with their medications. 2. Community involvement. Pharmacists play a key role in helping patients feel better and are an integral part of every community.
What is e prescription regulation?
E-prescriptions and prescription regulation programs are technologically advanced programs that continue to evolve in the industry.
What is a pharmacist?
Pharmacists are one of the key components of a patient’s healthcare team. Besides giving a patient their medications when they come to the pharmacy, a pharmacist is available to answer questions about side effects and dosage.
Where do pharmacists work?
While most pharmacists work in local community pharmacies, you have the ability to work in all kinds of healthcare settings if you want. Nursing homes, hospitals, and colleges all need pharmacists.
Do pharmacists have 401(k) plans?
Many pharmacy employees have the ability to join an employer-matched 401 (K) plan. This means that whatever you contribute to your retire ment plan, your employer will match your contribution.
Can you work remotely as a pharmacist?
While dispensing medication and giving it to patients requires you to come into the pharmacy from day to day, you also have the chance of working remotely as a pharmacist.
How many hours do pharmacists work?
Many pharmacists work 12-hour shifts, handle ICU patients, and must handle a lot of stress. There is also the retail side of being a pharmacist to consider. You must understand insurance programs, know proper billing procedures, and work with customers who could be unpredictable. 5.
How fast will pharmacists grow in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of pharmacists in the United States is expected to grow at a rate of 6% through the year 2026. That is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
What are the two industries that pharmacists work in?
You’ll discover that there are two primary industries that a pharmacist serves: the hospital industry and the retail industry . A majority of the job opportunities which are available in each community are located in one setting or the other.
How much does a pharmacist make?
Many entry-level positions as a pharmacist begin at more than $100,000 per year. In the United States, the median salary for this career is over $120,000. Even the lowest 10% of earners within the industry are making more than $87,000 per year.
How many hours of training do you need to become a pharmacist in Alabama?
California requires you to complete a training program with a minimum of 240 hours of training, earn an associate degree, complete a military training program, or become nationally certified in some way.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
It requires about 6 to 8 years of education and training before you can meet the educational requirements necessary to serve your community as a pharmacist. Through that time, you’ll be looking at metabolic pathways, chemical structures, drug side effects, and much more. Every exam brings with it the pressure to succeed. That process can be daunting for many students who are looking at this career option.
What happens if you take a wrong medication?
Even an incorrect dosage could mean the difference between life and death. If you do make a mistake, the consequences are often swift and severe. You could face a large fine, or even jail time, depending upon the outcome of the situation. Retail pharmacists are especially vulnerable with this disadvantage.
Help people manage their health
Pharmacists are integral members of a person's healthcare team. When a person receives a prescription from a doctor, it's the pharmacist's duty to instruct them about how to take the medication and address any concerns they may have. They also liaise with doctors and insurance companies to ensure patients get the treatment options they need.
Find diverse work opportunities
Pharmacy is a broad term encompassing many specialties with varied skill sets. For instance, if you have an interest in medication development, you can find employment in a scientific research facility or a university. If you want to take care of patients every day instead, you can seek a career path in a hospital or clinic setting.
Experience career growth
Since most people experience healthcare concerns during their lifetimes, there's often a significant demand for pharmacists who can research new medications and effectively dispense them to patients. According to the United States Census Bureau, analysts also expect the number of older people in the U.S. to double in the next few decades.
Have job flexibility
When you get a pharmacy license, you can find work opportunities in many locations across the United States, including both rural areas and cities. You can choose the work environment you prefer and whether you want to work part time or full time.
Grow as a leader
You may also enjoy a career in pharmacy if you have an interest in developing your leadership capabilities. Pharmacy school can give you the knowledge you need to lead a department, meaning you create effective medical practices, enforce regulations and determine courses of action as a supervisor.
Gain job security
A pharmacy career might be beneficial if you plan to stay in one location, become involved in a local community or start a family. Healthcare companies and organizations often value the expertise of an experienced pharmacist. As you develop your career, you may find more opportunities for long-term positions that have essential benefits.
Develop relationships with your community
If you enjoy social interaction, you can find many opportunities to converse with others as a patient-centered pharmacist. Depending on your workplace, you can interact with patients or customers daily, developing connections and building a strong rapport with them.
1. Helpful profession
Pharmacists provide a pharmaceutical component of medical assistance that may improve an illness, manage a chronic condition or prevent disease. Because pharmacists are medication specialists, patients benefit the most when they have pharmacists as part of their health care team.
2. Schedule flexibility
Pharmacists can work in a wide variety of health care settings, including inpatient, ambulatory and community pharmacies. There's a great variety in scheduling, from day shifts to night shifts or longer shifts that allow more days off, because a pharmacist can see patients at any time of the day or day of the week without an appointment.
3. Career diversity
Being a pharmacist can be a rewarding career that offers opportunities for patient care, scientific research and innovation. In this career field, you can guide patients in their use of medications to manage their health. You may work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and managed care organizations.
4. Essential work
There's a consistent need for pharmacy services in the United States. The reasons for this may include:
5. Collaborative service
Pharmacists are an integral part of a patient's health care team and can help prevent errors in medication or harmful interactions. They're a necessary and helpful team member in the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
6. Self-management
Independence in your working conditions and daily tasks can be a benefit of working as a pharmacist. Whether you own a pharmacy or work as a pharmacist for another organization, the role often allows you to manage yourself. As the professional with the Pharm.D. degree, you have the power to decide what's best for patients and your coworkers.
7. Innovative industry
As pharmacologists research new pharmaceutical therapies, there continue to be exciting new developments in the field. These include the genomic and proteomic approaches for therapeutic treatments. Genetic variations can affect a person's ability to respond to a drug. Proteomics may provide new molecular targets for cancer therapy.
1. You will first need to complete an undergraduate program successfully
Successfully completing an undergraduate program will be the first step in earning the education you will need to become a pharmacist. You will need to take courses related to the healthcare industry, such as chemistry, physics, and biology, to name a few.
2. You will have to pass an admissions test to get into pharmacy school
You didn’t think that you would automatically get accepted into pharmacy school based on your undergraduate coursework, did you? Sorry to burst your bubble. One of the disadvantages of being a pharmacist is that you will have to pass an exam to even enter pharmacy school. The exam you must first pass is the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test).
3. You will need to have a Doctoral degree to practice
Yes, you read that correctly. If you want to be a pharmacist, you will need to complete your doctorate degree successfully. After you complete this degree, you will earn the prestigious title of Pharm.D. This degree will take you anywhere from three to four years to complete. You also need to ensure that the program you attend is an accredited one.
4. You will also be required to complete a residency
As part of your requirements to advance your career as a pharmacist, you will have to complete a residency or training component as part of your education. Completing this residency will enable you to become a clinical pharmacist. This residency will take one to two years to complete.
5. All this education will really run up the bill
If you choose to embark on this educational journey, you will be looking at spending a lot of money. Yes, I do know that some people will not have to take out loans because they may have other sources of financing their education, but the average person will need financial assistance such as loans in order to pursue higher education.
6. Now you have to sit for even more exams
In order to practice as a pharmacist, you will need to become licensed. This is across the board for all states. The first exam you must pass is the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam ( NAPLEX ). This exam will test your pharmacy skills and knowledge. The second exam that you must pass is the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam ( MPJE ).
7. You will need to complete continuing education
Continuing education requirements for pharmacists will vary by state. Most states require that these credits be completed during your license renewal period, which will occur every one to three years, depending on the state you are licensed in. Some states will require that a portion or all of your credits are earned with live instruction.
