(Ranges from $ 60,000 - $150,000)
General Tasks
Job Description
Working Environment
Earnings
Education and Training
Attributes and Abilities
Career Path
Job Description
Working Environment
Earnings
Education and Training
Attributes and Abilities
Career Path
- Check patients’ medical histories and fill their prescriptions
- Tell patients how and when to take medications
- Inform patients of any side effects and answer their questions
- Supervise pharmacy technicians as they prepare and dispense medications
Many years ago, pharmacists spent most of their working days mixing and bottling pills, powders, and ointments. Thankfully, things have changed. These days, most medicines arrive pre-prepared and pharmacists and pharmacy technicians count them out and package them. Pharmacists supervise pharmacy technicians and ensure that the medicines are dispensed correctly. They also provide information to patients and customers.
Before filling prescriptions, pharmacists check the patients’ medical histories. This is important because they need to make sure that patients are not allergic to the medication and are not taking any drugs that might interfere with their new prescriptions. Next, they tell patients how and when to take the medications. They also warn them of possible side effects and answer any questions they might have.
If a patient encounters any serious problems with medication, a pharmacist should be able to identify the nature of the problem and decide how to deal with it. This requires an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Pharmacists are expected to know all the answers—or at least where to look them up.
Most pharmacists work in retail stores and hospitals. In addition to the duties mentioned above, both retail and hospital pharmacists supervise pharmacy technicians. Many also have to oversee the business side of running the pharmacy. For example, they make sure the pharmacy is well stocked and that the medications are properly handled and stored. Pharmacists who work in hospital settings may also be involved in clinical research and public education projects.
Some pharmacists work for companies that manufacture and produce medicine—pharmaceutical companies. Their duties usually involve controlling the production of the medicine. They check all the ingredients and the procedures that are used in the manufacturing process.
Pharmacists work in retail stores, wholesale pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
They may spend long hours on their feet. This can be tiring. But like all health care professionals, they must be alert all the time, even in stressful situations. The slightest mistake when issuing drugs and medicine can affect a patient’s health.
Pharmacists must double-check dosage amounts, confirm patient information, consider how taking more than one type of drug may affect a patient, and handle insurance claims. All this is done while fielding questions from doctors and customers as well as managing the pharmacy technicians.
When working with potentially dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and use protective equipment.
Pharmacists generally work a 35 to 40-hour week. However, many retail and hospital pharmacies are open long hours, so weekend and evening work is very common.
Most pharmacists work in retail stores and hospital pharmacies. Others are employed by pharmaceutical manufacturers, government agencies, the military, and research and education institutions. Pharmacists may work full-time or part-time.
Earnings vary depending on experience and responsibilities, as well as the size and type of business. Most pharmacists earn between $60,000 and $150,000 a year. The average annual salary is somewhere in the $70,000 to $100,000 range. However, the most successful in this field, including those who own and run retail pharmacies, can earn well over $100,000 a year.
In addition to their salaries, pharmacists who work full-time usually receive benefits such as dental coverage and paid sick leave and vacation time. Some pharmacists can also earn bonuses or participate in profit-sharing programs.
Depending on where they work, pharmacists may belong to a union. This means that their wages and benefits are negotiated by union representatives on their behalf.
To become a pharmacist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Although entrance requirements vary, most universities require applicants to have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate university studies before applying. During this year you must complete courses in several required subjects, including chemistry, biology, math, and English.
Some universities also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), a standardized aptitude test. Contact the school you’re interested in for specific requirements.
Once you are accepted into a program, you must complete a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. Pharmacy programs take about 4 years to complete and provide instruction in subjects such as drug therapy, communicating with patients, professional ethics, and developing and managing medication distribution systems. They may also provide supervised practical experience in pharmacy settings.
Pharmacists who want further education can go on to earn a master’s degree or PhD. These programs allow students to focus on a specific area of study, such as pharmaceutical chemistry or pharmacy administration.
Pharmacists must complete an internship before they can be licensed. The internship allows them to gain on-the-job experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. It is also necessary to pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam.
Recommended High School Subjects To Take
Grade 10
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Grade 11
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Grade 12
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English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Personal & Career Development
Creative Arts
Business
Computers
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English
Mathematics
Probability & Statistics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Social Studies
Business & Management
Computers
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English
Algebra & Geometry
Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Social Studies
Business & Management
Computers
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Pharmacists should have strong communication skills since they spend a lot of their time talking to customers and patients. They should also be patient and understanding of customers’ concerns.
Pharmacists who want to own or manage a pharmacy must learn to manage a business and supervise staff. Some of these pharmacists obtain a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field.
If you are interested in any career in the health care field, it’s a good idea to take as many math and science courses in high school as possible..
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