Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacist

by Robyn Tellefsen

My pharmacist knows my name. And in the great Big Apple, that's saying something. Obviously, there's a lot more to being a pharmacist than accepting co-pays and handing out medicine.

What does a pharmacist do?
In a nutshell, pharmacists distribute prescription drugs and inform patients about their proper use. They don't just dispense medications; they dispense advice. They counsel patients and review their records to prevent harmful drug interactions. Pharmacists' kind and caring manner must also extend to their staff of pharmacy technicians, aides, and interns.

How do I apply to a pharmacy college?
You'll need two or three years of college education under your belt before you can apply to pharmacy school. In addition, approximately two-thirds of all pharmacy colleges require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test. When you're ready to apply, you may take advantage of the Pharmacy College Application Service, which allows you to use a single Web-based application and one set of transcripts to apply to 60 participating pharmacy schools. Just make certain that the pharmacy college you choose is one of the 90 that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

What's involved in the Pharm.D. program?
The four-year doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program replaced the bachelor of pharmacy degree, which is no longer being awarded. In the Pharm.D. program, you'll learn about all aspects of drug therapy, as well as how to communicate with patients and other health care providers about drug information and patient care. Other topics of study include professional ethics, developing and managing medication distribution systems, and public health. Plus, you'll spend about a quarter of your time working in pharmacy practice settings under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.

How do I obtain a license in pharmacy?
Once you graduate from an accredited pharmacy school, you'll need to pass licensing examinations in order to practice. First, you'll take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam, which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge. Then, you'll need to take the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (or a similar, state-specific exam), which tests pharmacy law. Some states require additional exams, and most states require continuing education for license renewal. Check with your state board of pharmacy to determine its specific exam requirements, license renewal requirements, and license transfer procedures.

What is the employment outlook for pharmacists?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists over the 2004-2014 period; in fact, pharmacist employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Median annual wage and salary earnings of pharmacists in May 2004 were $84,900; the highest 10 percent earned more than $109,850 a year.

If you're looking for a great way to blend your knack for science with your desire to help others, consider the field of pharmacy. And start honing your name-learning skills now ...