Pharmacists are medication experts and play a critical role in helping people get the best results from their medications. Pharmacists prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications. They have specialized expertise about the composition of medicines, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties, as well as their manufacture and use. Other health care professionals rely on pharmacists to select and administer medications that offer the best results and quality of life for a particular patient. Pharmacists may also prepare personalized medications, participate in patient rounds at a hospital, reduce the spread of infections, conduct research or clinical trials, or focus on a specific patient population or disease state (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma, HIV, and pain management). Pharmacists are also the most accessible health care professional, since most people in the U.S. live within 2 miles of a pharmacy! If this sounds interesting to you, then perhaps becoming a pharmacist — a trusted, caring, and knowledgeable health care professional — might be for you.
Working Conditions
Traditionally, pharmacists have primarily worked in community (retail) pharmacies, including those located in grocery and drug stores. However, the profession is rapidly changing and more pharmacists are working in a clinical role in hospitals, physician offices, and specialty clinics. Pharmacists can be found in emergency rooms, pediatric departments, oncology centers, cardiac care units, intensive care units, poison control centers, and long term care facilities (e.g., nursing homes). Some pharmacists work for the government and the military. In most settings, they spend much of the workday on their feet.
Most pharmacists work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in 2016. Because many pharmacies are open at all hours, some pharmacists work nights and weekends.
Academic Requirements
In 2020, 144 colleges and schools of pharmacy were recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Pharmacy programs grant Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, which require at least six years of post-secondary study. Pharmacy graduates must pass a state board of pharmacy licensure examination to practice in the U.S.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program requires at least 2-years of specific preprofessional (undergraduate) coursework followed by 4-academic years (or 3-calendar years) of professional study. Pharmacy colleges and schools may accept students directly from high school for both the pre-pharmacy and pharmacy curriculum, or after completion of the college course prerequisites. The majority of students enter a pharmacy program with 3 years of college experience. College graduates who enroll in a pharmacy program must complete the full 4-academic years (or 3-calendar) years of professional study to earn the Pharm.D. degree.
The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) makes it easy to apply to multiple schools using a single application.
