A guide to not only the daily work environment for pharmacists, but also on how to become a pharmacist. Find out more.
Careers in the medical field can be quite lucrative. If you are considering being a pharmacist, you may be wondering what steps are involved in becoming certified, what education you need and how to get started.
A pharmacist is usually a well-paid, satisfying job that is fulfilling on both a personal and financial level.
The job of the pharmacist is to:
- Dispense prescription medication to patients.
- Advise patients how to use medications properly.
- Alert patients to any risks involved in taking a particular medication or combination of medicines.
As a professional, the pharmacist has nearly as much training as a medical doctor. The pharmacy field also contains jobs that require less training, such as pharmacy technician. In some states, online pharmacy schools offer certification for pharmacy technicians.
However, if you want to get a pharmacy degree, you will need to attend pharmacy school at an accredited university. A pharmacy degree takes at least four years to complete. Most people regard four years of study as one of the disadvantages in the pros and cons of seeking certification.
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The first step is to learn how to be a pharmacist. During high school, students with an interest in pharmacy or pharmacy-related careers should undertake as much science coursework as their schedule permits, especially classes in physiology, chemistry and biology.
Once you have graduated from high school or received your General Education Diploma (GED), you must then get a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree before applying for admission to pharmacy school.
While studying for your BS, you should focus on courses in chemistry, biology, anatomy, calculus and physics. These classes will help you prepare for pharmacy school.
While still in college, students with an interest in pharmacy should talk with a school counselor about meeting the admission requirements of pharmacy school. For example, you may be required to maintain a particular grade point average (GPA) during your course of study. Nearly all pharmacy schools will look at your performance in the above named courses as an indicator to your potential for success in a pharmacy program. A school counselor can help you understand how to be a pharmacist by explaining the steps you need to take.
You will need to pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) in order to gain admission to any accredited pharmacy school. The test will measure your scientific knowledge and overall academic abilities. Many pharmacy schools have differing requirements regarding PCAT scores required for admission.
Once you are enrolled, working hard and getting good grades in pharmacy school can prepare you for the real work of a pharmacist. Most pharmacy school programs run for four years, and include classes in everything from pharmacology to medical ethics.
When you pass the licensure exam, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), you can work in a pharmacy or hospital setting.
As a pharmacist, you should expect to work in a very clean environment and to spend the majority of the time on your feet. You should also have good communication skills so you can deal with both doctors and patients. Since some pharmacies are open 24 hours, there's no real set work schedule. Working during the holidays may be required by your employer.
Overall this is an excellent part-time career. So if you needed to make time for your family or have other responsibilities, it could work out quite well.
Being a pharmacist can be a great career if you have the determination to achieve the educational level required for licensing. Reply! is a source for finding pharmacy schools in your area.