The Profession of Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a profession that blends science, health care, technology, business, counseling, and patient interaction. Pharmacists prepare personalized medications, participate in rounds with doctors and other healthcare professionals to reduce disease outbreaks and prevent medication errors, and research new medicines and therapies. They also advise patients on proper medication usage and side effects. The field of pharmacy is rapidly expanding as it moves into the era of population health management.
The pharmacy profession provides pharmaceutical care to individuals and communities to optimize the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of drug therapy. The pharmacist is the primary healthcare professional responsible for dispensing medications, providing drug information, educating patients and caregivers on a variety of health-related topics, and developing and maintaining a safe and effective drug supply system.
In a traditional setting, the mortar and pestle is the emblem of pharmacy, but modern technology has expanded the industry to include online pharmacies. This allows consumers to fill prescriptions from the comfort of their homes or offices and avoid costly trips to a physical store. In addition to providing convenience, online pharmacies also offer the ability for customers to interact with real pharmacists over the phone. This is a useful tool for people who have complex questions about their medication or who need to be taught how to use their inhaler.
When selecting an online pharmacy, be sure to choose one that has a licensed pharmacist on staff and accepts your insurance. Also, make sure the pharmacy is accredited by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Also, check to see if they have a secure and encrypted website so your personal and medical records are kept safe.
While it may be tempting to purchase your medicine from a discount online pharmacy, it is important to note that these drugs are not regulated by the FDA and may contain unknown active ingredients. This could result in a drug that does not work, has an unexpected reaction with other medications you are taking, or could cause other serious health issues.
To become a pharmacist, you must obtain a degree from an accredited college or university and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination. In addition, you must be licensed in the state where you practice. Most states require an extensive background check and drug test before you are allowed to take the licensing exams.
If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, start by finding a top-ranked college or university that offers courses in the field of pharmacy and health sciences. Many of these schools also offer internships, which can be an excellent way to get a feel for the profession before making the commitment to graduate school. You can also find resources through the Minnesota Pharmacy Careers Exploration Center to help you explore your options and determine if pharmacy is the right fit for you. Once you have the right education and experience, you can begin your journey to a successful and rewarding career in pharmacy.
Pharmacy is a profession that blends science, health care, technology, business, counseling, and patient interaction. Pharmacists prepare personalized medications, participate in rounds with doctors and other healthcare professionals to reduce disease outbreaks and prevent medication errors, and research new medicines and therapies. They also advise patients on proper medication usage and side effects. The field of pharmacy is rapidly expanding as it moves into the era of population health management. The pharmacy profession provides pharmaceutical care to individuals and communities to optimize the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of drug therapy. The pharmacist is the primary healthcare professional responsible for dispensing medications, providing drug information, educating patients and caregivers on a variety of health-related topics, and developing and maintaining a safe and effective drug supply system. In a traditional setting, the mortar and pestle is the emblem of pharmacy, but modern technology has expanded the industry to include online pharmacies. This allows consumers to fill prescriptions from the comfort of their homes or offices and avoid costly trips to a physical store. In addition to providing convenience, online pharmacies also offer the ability for customers to interact with real pharmacists over the phone. This is a useful tool for people who have complex questions about their medication or who need to be taught how to use their inhaler. When selecting an online pharmacy, be sure to choose one that has a licensed pharmacist on staff and accepts your insurance. Also, make sure the pharmacy is accredited by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Also, check to see if they have a secure and encrypted website so your personal and medical records are kept safe. While it may be tempting to purchase your medicine from a discount online pharmacy, it is important to note that these drugs are not regulated by the FDA and may contain unknown active ingredients. This could result in a drug that does not work, has an unexpected reaction with other medications you are taking, or could cause other serious health issues. To become a pharmacist, you must obtain a degree from an accredited college or university and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination. In addition, you must be licensed in the state where you practice. Most states require an extensive background check and drug test before you are allowed to take the licensing exams. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, start by finding a top-ranked college or university that offers courses in the field of pharmacy and health sciences. Many of these schools also offer internships, which can be an excellent way to get a feel for the profession before making the commitment to graduate school. You can also find resources through the Minnesota Pharmacy Careers Exploration Center to help you explore your options and determine if pharmacy is the right fit for you. Once you have the right education and experience, you can begin your journey to a successful and rewarding career in pharmacy.