Is a Career in Pharmacy Right For You?
Pharmacy is a diverse field, with opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies and research. The job responsibilities of pharmacists vary, but all pharmacists have the same goal: to provide patient-centric care. This is accomplished by ensuring that patients are receiving the most effective and safe medication possible.
A career in pharmacy can be very rewarding and exciting. However, there are some things that you should consider before pursuing this path. Is it right for you? Does it fit your interests and skillset? Are you prepared for the rigorous course of study? The answer to these questions will be different for every person. If you are considering a degree in pharmacy, it is important to take the time to find out if it is the best path for you.
To become a licensed pharmacist, you will need to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy program. The typical PharmD program requires three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional coursework, followed by a four-year professional program. For those who have a bachelor’s degree in a science field, like chemistry or biology, you may be able to reduce your length of time in school.
In addition to learning the science behind medications, a pharmacy degree will teach you how to deliver patient-centric care. This will include counseling patients and their caregivers on how to properly administer their medications, educating them about side effects and advising them on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Pharmacists also have the responsibility of verifying prescriptions and confirming that new medications will not interact with any other medications the patient is taking. They are also responsible for preparing and dispensing medications. There are an increasing number of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available, so pharmacists play an important role in helping patients choose the best medicine for them.
Lastly, pharmacists are also involved in the research and development of medicines. Depending on their specialization, pharmacists can contribute to the development of drugs for treating diseases such as cancer, AIDS and other infectious disease. They can also help to develop drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.
The future of pharmacy is bright and it is an excellent career option for those who are passionate about healthcare, chemical substances and patient care. If you are interested in a career as a pharmacist, be sure to research what the requirements are in your state and talk to current pharmacists about their day-to-day roles. It is also a good idea to start volunteering or interning to gain experience in the industry before applying for pharmacy school.
Pharmacy is a diverse field, with opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies and research. The job responsibilities of pharmacists vary, but all pharmacists have the same goal: to provide patient-centric care. This is accomplished by ensuring that patients are receiving the most effective and safe medication possible. A career in pharmacy can be very rewarding and exciting. However, there are some things that you should consider before pursuing this path. Is it right for you? Does it fit your interests and skillset? Are you prepared for the rigorous course of study? The answer to these questions will be different for every person. If you are considering a degree in pharmacy, it is important to take the time to find out if it is the best path for you. To become a licensed pharmacist, you will need to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy program. The typical PharmD program requires three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional coursework, followed by a four-year professional program. For those who have a bachelor’s degree in a science field, like chemistry or biology, you may be able to reduce your length of time in school. In addition to learning the science behind medications, a pharmacy degree will teach you how to deliver patient-centric care. This will include counseling patients and their caregivers on how to properly administer their medications, educating them about side effects and advising them on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Pharmacists also have the responsibility of verifying prescriptions and confirming that new medications will not interact with any other medications the patient is taking. They are also responsible for preparing and dispensing medications. There are an increasing number of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available, so pharmacists play an important role in helping patients choose the best medicine for them. Lastly, pharmacists are also involved in the research and development of medicines. Depending on their specialization, pharmacists can contribute to the development of drugs for treating diseases such as cancer, AIDS and other infectious disease. They can also help to develop drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. The future of pharmacy is bright and it is an excellent career option for those who are passionate about healthcare, chemical substances and patient care. If you are interested in a career as a pharmacist, be sure to research what the requirements are in your state and talk to current pharmacists about their day-to-day roles. It is also a good idea to start volunteering or interning to gain experience in the industry before applying for pharmacy school.