The Profession of Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing and regulating drug products to ensure they work and are safe for patients. It also involves understanding and promoting the optimal use of medicines to improve health outcomes. It is a broad and diverse field that links the health sciences with pharmaceutical science and natural sciences, and is an essential part of the healthcare team, alongside physicians, nurses and dentists.
The profession of pharmacy requires a rigorous and extensive education. Most pharmacy programs last five years and encompass a broad range of sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, many pharmacy programs incorporate business training in merchandising, accounting, computer techniques and pharmacy law.
Traditionally, pharmacists have been educated as professionals through university-based schools of pharmacy, but more recently some have become specialized in specific areas of the industry. Some are small business owners, owning their own pharmacies; others provide consultation and advice to patients, or participate in pharmaceutical research. Some also work in hospitals or other healthcare settings as a way to gain experience and advance their careers.
Pharmacists are highly specialized in their knowledge of drugs and how they interact with the human body, and their role is critical to the overall health and well-being of patients. They have a unique understanding of a patient’s medical history and can assist with their treatment by advising on medications, providing accurate dosage instructions, and by explaining potential side effects. They can also help identify and prevent harmful drug interactions between multiple prescriptions, vitamins or herbal supplements.
Pharmacy is a highly rewarding career, as it provides the opportunity to work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals. The skills learnt during a pharmacy degree are also highly transferable, meaning that the career opportunities available to graduates are varied and wide.
A pharmacy career is ideal for anyone who is passionate about helping people and is able to think critically and problem solve in a fast-paced environment. This is a highly valued profession in the healthcare sector and one that has a strong global impact.
Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing and regulating drug products to ensure they work and are safe for patients. It also involves understanding and promoting the optimal use of medicines to improve health outcomes. It is a broad and diverse field that links the health sciences with pharmaceutical science and natural sciences, and is an essential part of the healthcare team, alongside physicians, nurses and dentists. The profession of pharmacy requires a rigorous and extensive education. Most pharmacy programs last five years and encompass a broad range of sciences, including physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, many pharmacy programs incorporate business training in merchandising, accounting, computer techniques and pharmacy law. Traditionally, pharmacists have been educated as professionals through university-based schools of pharmacy, but more recently some have become specialized in specific areas of the industry. Some are small business owners, owning their own pharmacies; others provide consultation and advice to patients, or participate in pharmaceutical research. Some also work in hospitals or other healthcare settings as a way to gain experience and advance their careers. Pharmacists are highly specialized in their knowledge of drugs and how they interact with the human body, and their role is critical to the overall health and well-being of patients. They have a unique understanding of a patient’s medical history and can assist with their treatment by advising on medications, providing accurate dosage instructions, and by explaining potential side effects. They can also help identify and prevent harmful drug interactions between multiple prescriptions, vitamins or herbal supplements. Pharmacy is a highly rewarding career, as it provides the opportunity to work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals. The skills learnt during a pharmacy degree are also highly transferable, meaning that the career opportunities available to graduates are varied and wide. A pharmacy career is ideal for anyone who is passionate about helping people and is able to think critically and problem solve in a fast-paced environment. This is a highly valued profession in the healthcare sector and one that has a strong global impact.