Pharmacy Career Overview
- Pharmacy is versatile. Although many people only encounter a pharmacist at their local drug store, there are over 70 listed positions that a general pharmacist can be employed under. 60% of pharmacists work behind the counter at drug stores, but the other 40% work in hospitals, give talks at conventions, or even work with legislation to improve the way patients receive their medication. ( Helium.com )
- Pharmacy is grounded in chemistry. What sets pharmacy apart from other medical careers is the fact that pharmacists actually handle and regulate medicines, making it deeply rooted in chemistry. In the field of pharmacy, you can read intellectually stimulating research papers while keeping that valued interaction with the patient. ( Princetonreview.com)
- Pharmacy is socially stimulating. The pharmacist's job is to double check to make sure that none of a patient's new prescriptions conflict with any of medications they may already be taking, and to see if there is any way that a patient can use generic medicines to alleviate symptoms without hurting the pocket. This aspect of the profession has a pharmacist constantly communicating with doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and patients, making sure the patient gains the best service possible. ( Princetonreview.com)
- Pharmacy is interdisciplinary. Scientist, financial advisor, legislator, consultant, distributor, educator; these are just a few of the many roles a pharmacist can take on. With a degree in pharmacy, you can become a research scientist, work in a hospital or a drug store, focus on creating better drug distribution laws, or even travel the country educating the public about new medications. ( Princetonreview.com)
- Pharmacy has unique requirements. During undergraduate study, a student can major in many different areas, from the sciences to the humanities, just as long as they fulfill the admission requirements for the specific pharmacy school they plan to attend. After these requirements are met, a student enters pharmacy school and completes two years of pre-pharmacy coursework and four years of study honing in on pharmaceutical studies. After completing pharmacy school and passing a state board exam, the students receive a license to practice pharmacy. ( Princetonreview.com)
- Pharmacy is a growing profession. In the year 2008, there were 269,900 pharmacists, and that number is growing. It has been predicted that, with the amount of the elderly increasing, job opportunities for pharmacists will grow faster than any other occupation through the year 2018. ( Bureau of Labor Statistics )
- Pharmacy allows for diverse scheduling. Although pharmacists work about 40 hours per week like most other professions, it does not have to be a standard 9 to 5 job. Sick people are unpredictable, so pharmacists can work nights, weekends, and much more than 40 hours per week if they feel compelled to. ( Bureau of Labor Statistics )
- Pharmacy pays off! Don't let the thought of working at a drug store dissuade you from becoming a pharmacist. As of the year 2008, pharmacists made an average yearly wage of $104,260. ( Bureau of Labor Statistics )