Pharmacist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When people are sick, or diagnosed with a disease that can be cured with medicine, doctors almost always write a prescription for the required pharmaceutical and send their patient’s off to see the pharmacist. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to read, interpret and fill the doctor’s prescription as they indicated. This means that the pharmacist is tasked with understanding the chemical makeup of medications and advising their patients how to take the medicine properly so that they will achieve the effect the doctors was looking for. In some cases, pharmacists must also assist their patients in making decisions about generic drugs to substitute for the ones they were prescribed. Many pharmacists also need to assist their patients with choosing medical equipment that fits their needs and keeping medical records about the drugs which their patients have been prescribed. Because they are in charge of dispensing powerful medicines, pharmacists must have the utmost dedication to accuracy and following health regulations.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$88,600
Salary Range
$75,200 - $105,700

Work Environment

Most pharmacists are employed in drugs stores and retail pharmacies, although some are also employed by pharmaceutical research companies, hospitals, nursing homes, and the armed forces. Pharmacists keep usually full time hours, although in some retail situations they might be required to works nights and weekends.

High School Preparation

Those individuals who are interested in starting a career as a pharmacists are encouraged to spend their high school career increasing their knowledge of biology, chemistry and business management. Supporting education for this line of work includes algebra, geometry, physics, computer skills, and retail selling.

Requirements

After completing their high school diploma, students interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacist are required to enroll in an accredited pre-professional program for pharmaceutical studies at an accredited college or university. After completing at least two years of this program, students are eligible to apply to a four year professional pharmaceutical program. After graduation from pharmaceutical school, candidates are required to pass a licensure exam that is given by their state board of health and spend a certain period of time as an intern under a licensed pharmacist. In most states, pharmacists will have to renew their license by completing ongoing educational requirements.

Career Outlook

As the aging population in this country continues to grow, more pharmacists will be needed to meet the demand for quality and affordable pharmaceutical medications. More retail stores are likely to start employing pharmacists to help keep up with the demand. Pharmacists that are the most familiar with digital record keeping and providing high levels of customer services are likely to be the most attractive candidates.

Professional Organizations

American Pharmaceutical Association
2215 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 628-4410
www.aphanet.org