How does pharmacy school work

The demand for trained pharmacy professionals has increased in recent years due to the rapid growth of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, especially for the growing elderly population. The number of pharmacists in healthcare services is also increasing as pharmacists become more actively involved in drug therapy management for patients of all ages. Apply to pharmacy school today! About Pharmacy. Contact Info We would love to hear from you!

Please send any questions, comments or suggestions. Search Search for: Search. This is largely due to the growing number of senior citizens in the country, many of whom need medications and additional medical care as they continue to live longer lives. But in-store jobs may decline due to an increase in pharmacy mail order and online pharmacy services. In This Article. Pharmacists are needed to educate patients on these new medications and ensure people are taking them safely.

Pharmacists are required to have a doctoral degree and pass multiple exams before becoming licensed. Pharmacy assistants and technicians also play important roles in pharmacies and hospitals. Pharmacy assistants and technicians need much less education in order to begin working. Their roles fall the supervision of pharmacists and they complete essential tasks for patients and doctors.

Working as a pharmacy technician can be a great place to start your healthcare career. Plus, working as a pharmacy technician can give you an advantage when applying to pharmacist programs. Wherever you want to start, read on to learn more about becoming a pharmacist and other pharmacy careers. A pharmacy needs numerous professionals in order to serve its customers. While these job titles all sound similar, they require different levels of education and training, and each role has its own specific duties.

Pharmacy assistants generally only need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Since they have less education and experience, they also have fewer responsibilities than other pharmacy professionals. The duties of a pharmacy assistant can vary depending on your work setting and the laws in your state, but general tasks can include:.

Your salary as a pharmacy assistant also varies depending on your employer and years of experience, but generally, assistants earn less than other pharmacy professionals.

The U. They may make less working in settings such as drugstores and more in hospitals and the offices of physicians. Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who have received specialized training to assist pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians also usually need to pass background checks and drug screenings. Pharmacy techs are responsible for many vital duties in a pharmacy or hospital. One of the most important aspects of a pharmacy technician career is customer service.

Be aware, however, that if you fail to maintain a satisfactory GPA or complete required courses, you can lose your place in the program. There are many factors to consider when choosing an undergraduate college with the hopes of becoming a pharmacist, including cost, predicted salary, and your chances of acceptance. If you want to find schools based on major and other factors, we recommend using our Hub tool to find schools. Pharmacy students can expect to take courses in drug design, drug evaluation, and the effect of drugs on the body.

They will also learn how to best advise patients, dispense medication, and manage day-to-day business logistics, such as accounting and legal issues. After receiving their PharmD, most students will go through a residency in order to gain hands-on experience and further their education. Additionally, some states have further requirements to practice as a pharmacist. Even after completing such a demanding journey to a career as a pharmacist, you should plan on a lifetime of learning.

As of , all states require pharmacists to complete continuing education hours to maintain their license.

In general, anticipate dedicating between 15 to 30 hours to continuing ed between each license renewal period. You can be a pharmacist in many different settings, some of which may be unexpected.

Here are some popular options:. They may also administer vaccines and educate patients about their medication. Pharmacists may work in the industry to help develop, test, regulate, or market new drugs. Jobs in the industry tend to be better-compensated than those in a clinical setting. Different levels of government require the expertise of pharmacists, particularly when it comes to public health departments.

At the federal level, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration may offer employment opportunities. Want access to expert college guidance — for free?

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