Pharmacists: Saving Lives One Drug at a Time

By Angie Miller

Curious? Have good attention to detail? Want to help others? Intrigued about how drugs can alter and affect peoples’ lives?

Pharmacy is a health field in high demand growing at a rate of 21% in the next 10 years. With a median salary of $113,390, pharmacy is more than just dispensing drugs. From assessing what types of drugs are best suited for an individual to determining side effects to filling medications, it’s no wonder that pharmacists are a crucial role in patient care.

Work environment for a pharmacist is typically 40 hours per week on days, nights, or weekends. Generally pharmacists will check prescriptions, assess medications, update records, dispense medications, advise doctors, nurses, and patients, as well as monitor effectiveness of drugs, doses, and routines.

Education revolves around classes with a wide range of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In the United States Pharmacists are required to earn a Pharm.D. degree and also become licensed by passing examinations including one or two year residency programs.

Personality skills that are key for pharmacists include being detail-oriented, good communication skills, highly motivated, and responsible.

Similar careers to pharmacy are anesthesiologists, physician assistants, and clinical laboratory technicians. 

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/health/pharmacist#keyfactsinformation    

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