Often described as the most trusted members of a community, pharmacists dispense medication that doctors have prescribed to their patients. They do this in retail settings as well as in hospitals and clinics. Their job is about more than counting out pills. Pharmacists help patients understand how to take their prescribed medication, caution them about incorrect use and help prevent serious problems caused by drug interactions.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who need an aptitude for science, as well as excellent communication skills. A great deal of this job involves communicating with patients as well as with other professionals. If you are thinking about entering this profession, you have your work cut out for you. Plan to spend about six years in college earning a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD). After graduation you will have to obtain a license from the state in which you want to practice. This will require that you take several exams.
Still interested? If so, you should learn more about this occupation. Read Pharmacist: Career Information to get a detailed job description and information on compensation and job outlook. Next get comprehensive information on what you need to do to reach your goal. Read How to Become a Pharmacist. Then see what some of our readers who work in this field have to say about it by reading our Real Life of a Pharmacist submissions. Finally, if you are are considering whether to pursue a career as a pharmacist, the Should You Become a Pharmacist? quiz can help you find out if you have the characteristics necessary to succeed in this career.
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