|
| General Articles :: Hot Career Zone |
| |
| A Prescription for Success with a Pharmacy Career |
| by Diane Anselmo |
Many of us make that trip to our local pharmacy when we need medicine. But what exactly goes on in the world of pharmacy? Robert Mangione, a pharmacist who is also the dean and clinical professor of pharmacy for the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions at St. John's University (New York) , shares the ins and outs of his career.
"Pharmacists are involved in the design, monitoring, and implementation of drug therapy for patients," he explains. This means they are actively involved in the decision-making process of what drugs the patient should be taking, and ensure that the drugs are being taken correctly. There are several different environments in which a pharmacist can work, including a community setting (independent and chain store pharmacies), an institutional setting (hospitals and nursing homes), and the world of academia.
What You Need To Know
For those planning to pursue a career in pharmacy, Mangione strongly suggests taking as many math and science classes as possible in high school. As for college, "it takes six years to attain your Pharm.D.," he explains.
There are about 80 colleges in the country that offer a degree in pharmacy. While some admit pharmacy students as freshmen, others make you wait until your third year before accepting you into their program. Pharmacists must also spend one year in experiential education, learning in a hospital or other pharmacy-related setting.
"This year is very important," says Mangione. "It allows for a practical application of what is learned in the classroom."
How Much You'll Make
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pharmacist can expect to make between $61,000 and $109,000. This, of course, varies both geographically and by the type of practice you work in. The job prospects for pharmacists are very promising as the need is continually growing. "This is due to several factors, such as patients living longer, medical advances, and the innovation of new drugs," says Mangione.
What You'll Feel
While there are many rewarding aspects to a career in pharmacy, what Mangione likes most is the contact he has with patients. "I enjoy counseling them. Having a direct impact on a patient's care -- especially when there is a beneficial outcome -- is a rewarding experience," he says. There are days, however, when the patience of a pharmacist can be tested. "You have to have patience with the patients and remember that they are not feeling well and want to get home," says Mangione.
A Final Thought
For those interested in following in Mangione's footsteps, here are his words of advice: "The diversity of this dynamic field offers an enormous amount of opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a pharmacist. Learn as much as you can possibly learn about the field."
About the author:
http://www.CollegeSurfing.com/content
Diane Anselmo is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
|
|
|
|
|
Facebook
del.icio.us
Digg