In the vast scope of modern healthcare, the role of pharmacists falls somewhat under the radar. After all, the front-running medical professionals who actively interact with the patients are more recognized than those working behind the scenes.
Suffice it to say pharmacists still hold a highly respected and reliable position in the medical industry today. Millions of students opt for a pharmacy degree or enroll in online pharmacy classes to boost their academic and professional careers. Among the various options, students interested in pharmacy often choose Superprof's pharmacy technician classes to ace their success. You can also find chemistry tutors near me to strengthen your chemistry foundation.
If you have a bone for the field of medicine and pharmacy, you might wonder whether a pharmacy degree and career are worth it. Today, we'll help you picture your future by explaining what can you do with a degree in pharmacy, jobs with a pharmacy degree, and why you should pursue the pharmaceutical industry.
First, let's understand what a pharmacist is and then move ahead with pharmacist employment opportunities and demand in the US.
What Does Being A Pharmacist Mean?
A pharmacist has the professional skills and qualifications about various drugs and prescribes medications to patients. The core responsibilities of a pharmacist are to:
- Check if the prescribed medicine or drug is legally acceptable for supplement and medical use.
- Check if the prescribed medicine or drug is appropriate for treating the condition.
- Guide the patients on how and when to consume the provided medication, as well as any potential side effects they could have
- Address any additional queries that the patients may have about the medication.
Any additional responsibilities could vary depending on the pharmacist's working area, which ranges from medical centers to supermarkets.
Becoming a pharmacist can unlock a wide range of opportunities. If you want to know everything you can do with a pharmacy degree, start taking private pharmacy technician classes on Superprof today.
| S.No. | Skills Required To Become A Pharmacist |
|---|---|
| 1. | Technical IT skills |
| 2. | Research skills |
| 3. | Analytical skills |
| 4. | Teamwork skills |
| 5. | Management skills |
What Is A Degree In Pharmacy Used For?
Wondering how to become a pharmacist? If pharmacy is the right career choice? Should you pursue a career in pharmacy? Or are there any jobs with a pharmacy degree?
Well, if you enjoy and are passionate about the medical field and want to contribute towards the health of others. Additionally, if you love helping others address their medication needs and want a renowned career within the healthcare sector, then this career choice is perfect for you.
If you're a graduate looking for a job opportunity in the medical field, you should enroll in pharmacy classes. Yes, it'll take a handful of years to finish your pharmacy degree, polish your skills and earn practical experience, but it's all worth it in the end.
Don't beat yourself up if you feel iffy about this path. You don't have to take a risk with expensive university courses. Sign up for affordable private online pharmacy classes on Superprof. Hundreds of dedicated tutors are there to help people like you gain an understanding of the fundamentals of pharmacy.
Thinking, what can you do with a degree in pharmacy? Well, here's a list of areas where you may land a successful pharmacist job:
| S.No. | Pharmacy degree Employment Opportunities |
|---|---|
| 1. | Clinics and other healthcare facilities |
| 2. | Drug stores |
| 3. | Pharmacy or chemist within supermarkets |
| 4. | Higher educational lecturer |
| 5. | Clinical research associate |
| 6. | Medical science liaison |
| 7. | Medical sales representative |
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Pharmacist
Pharmacy is one of the most demanded professions as it plays a vital role in medical research and general healthcare. An average of 13,600 pharmacist job openings are reported each year.
As long as drugs and medicine exist, pharmacists will continue to play a central part, and more students will study diseases and treat patients.
Knowing their demand and value, you might want to know what an actual job in this department can look like and whether or not it's worth it. Here's a list of the top benefits and drawbacks you can expect throughout your pharmaceutical journey:
What Are The Advantages Of Studying Pharmacy?
An Above-Average Salary
Speculating how much one can expect to earn as a pharmacist? Standing in such a highly classified position, a pharmacist works for a splendid income. The average salary of a pharmacist is estimated to be roughly $128,000/year, and even the lowest of incomes doesn't go below $112,000/year.
Obviously, for good reasons, pharmacy is a fruitful and rewarding career path. Medicines are daily necessities, and using them safely is becoming a priority. Thus, pharmacists will always be needed in the medical industry, and their demand will keep rising.
Healthy Work Environment
People are often reluctant to work in medical facilities due to the hygiene risks involved. As a pharmacist, you won't have to worry about interacting with germs, diseases, or any contagious elements.
You will be tasked with studying potentially dangerous drugs, but there'll be no risk of exposure to any harmful substances or body fluids that doctors usually deal with.
Flexible Working Conditions
Considering how diverse pharmacists operate, it should be no surprise that their working environment is pretty flexible. Some of the flexible work arrangements for pharmacists include:
| S.No | Flexible Work Arrangements |
|---|---|
| 1. | Reduced hours/ part-time |
| 2. | Telepharmacy |
| 3. | Job sharing |
| 4. | Alternative work arrangement |
| 5. | Night or day working options |
Business Opportunities
It's always a plus to have a profession that you can use to develop your own businesses. Licensed pharmacists have an added advantage over unregistered pharmacists, allowing them to start their own pharmacies and medical firms.
A Noble Cause
As mentioned before, pharmacists are respected in the medical community. Not everyone can give valuable and scientifically proven advice on drugs. Therefore, the general public and patients rely on the in-depth know-how of pharmacists.
Cons Of A Pharmacy degree
Advanced Education And Qualifications Required
What are the qualifications needed to become a pharmacist is one of the most searched questions among search engines. Pharmacy is not a walk in the park; it requires hard work, years of education, and practical experience. First, you'll have to finish your undergraduate education in chemistry, biology, physics, and other science-based subjects.
If you feel like science isn't your forte, you can explore secondary options to avoid challenges in the future.
Next, you'll have to enter a pharmacy school and start your medical studies. Throughout that time, you'll be given an insane number of exams that will test your knowledge and progress. Each of these tests holds a significant value in your pharmacy degree.
Certification And Licensing Required
No matter your qualifications, you can't become a professional pharmacist until you have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This certificate takes three to four years to complete, and the effort required for this course isn't something everyone can pull through. Not to mention the time and money you'll need for this certification could drain you.
Plan your academic future now to determine whether or not you have what it takes to achieve such a monumental degree. Start exercising core pharmacy concepts through online courses and private lessons. Superprof can help you get started. It offers over 500 pharmacy tutors from all over the world ready to provide you with top-notch pharmacy technician classes with flexible timings and methods. You can also search for chemistry tutors near me to prepare for required chemistry coursework. Get your pharmacy education started before it's too late.
An Inconvenient Schedule
This is especially true if you're working in a hospital. Healthcare is a basic human need that's expected to be available 24/7. Pharmacists are part of the cycle, so they must always be active. You could end up working the whole day, night, and even week, which could easily destroy your personal life and burn you out.
Little To No Margin For Mistakes
Pharmacists manage a sensitive brand of products. If your calculations and observations aren't 100% accurate, it could have devastating effects on the patient's health which cannot be compensated through apologies and refunds.
Any blunders or oversights on your part can potentially get the authorities involved, which could severely damage your career. The responsibility bestowed on a pharmacist's shoulder is not to be taken lightly, so you should be aware of what you're getting on to.
Problem-Solving Skills Are A Must
As a pharmacist, you'll be facing all sorts of complications you'll be expected to handle and solve independently. From studying pharmaceutical drugs to dealing with different situations and patients, you need to have a clear and fast mind that can simultaneously manage multiple problems within a limited period of time.
What Are The Requirements For Becoming A Pharmacist?
Becoming a successful and licensed pharmacist in the US is not a piece of cake. In order to qualify for a pharmacist career, you are required to put in long working hours, commitment, and hard work. One needs to research what schools offer the best pharmacy programs. Besides this, you can't take your pharmacy skills to a professional level without the proper licensing and certification. Clinical, community, and all other types of pharmacists are expected to have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to apply for a job in that field. Here's a list of the basic training and qualifications you need to prepare for this degree:
| S.No. | Educational Requirements For Becoming A Pharmacist |
|---|---|
| 1. | Undergraduate education and proficiency in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry |
| 2. | Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry |
| 3. | Educations for Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) |
| 4. | Continued education for the advancements in pharmaceutical science |
| 5. | Passing the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) |
| S.No. | Training Requirements For Becoming A Pharmacist |
|---|---|
| 1. | Postgraduate training sessions |
| 2. | 1-2 years of experience in research firms |
| 3. | 1-2 years of experience in clinical companies |
| 4. | Experience hours as determined by the state |
| S.No. | Certification And Licensing Requirements For Becoming A Pharmacist |
|---|---|
| 1. | A doctorate degree or PharmD degree from the ACPE-accredited institution |
| 2. | Certification for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) |
| 3. | 1500 internship hours of pharmacy experience |
| 4. | Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification for graduates of non-US schools of pharmacy |
How Can Superprof Help You Become A Pharmacist?
Now you understand how valuable pharmacists are in healthcare and why they'll always be needed for years to come. However, it's not nearly as easy to become one, which is why pharmacy is so much in demand these days.
Don't let future obstacles scare your current potential. Sign up today with Superprof and hire well-established tutors and professors to jumpstart your pharmacy career. Thousands of students worldwide rely on online pharmacy classes to build their skills to a level where your pharmacy degree will be a step away. They have a wide variety of online and physical pharmacy classes to choose from. Prepare for exams, boost your grades, or simply satisfy your curiosity with our high school chemistry lessons – the choice is yours!
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