White-coated professionals, whether the pharmacist or pharmacist technician, greet patients at the counter as they come to pick up or fill prescriptions. However, these pharmacy employees do a lot more than count pills. Pharmacists are licensed medical professionals who are responsible for compounding and dispensing medications to patients. They give instructions on how to properly take medication, warn patients about harmful side effects, and keep meticulous records. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are crucial to the medical field.
Pharmacist
Main Article: Pharmacist
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What Pharmacists Do
Once you’re a pharmacist, you will give patients meds and offer guidance on the proper usage, interactions, and other questions customers may have regarding their prescriptions. You’re also trained to advise on healthy lifestyle choices, provide immunizations, and conduct health and wellness screenings.
There are four main types of pharmacists: community, clinical, consultant, and pharmaceutical industry pharmacists. With each area comes a different responsibility and new work environment.
- Community pharmacists: You’ll work in one of those chain pharmacies or an independently owned one. Your typical duties will be to prepare and dispense medications, along with helping customers by answering questions and addressing concerns. You may also provide services such as inoculations, too.
- Clinical pharmacists: As a clinical pharmacist, you’ll work in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. You will be directly involved in patient care, working as a part of the medical team.
- Consultant pharmacists: Consultant pharmacists advise healthcare facilities and insurance providers on patient medication usage. You’ll also consult with senior citizens on how to manage their prescriptions.
- Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists: You will work in marketing, sales, or research and development. You may design clinical drug trials, or help to develop new medications. Establishing safety regulations and quality control for drugs may also be included in your vast list of responsibilities.
A PHARMACIST'S EDUCATION
Be prepared to go through extensive schooling before you can put on that white coat and call yourself a pharmacist. Following are steps to take to become a pharmacist.
- Get your high school diploma.
- Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program and take courses such as chemistry (general, organic, and any others your school may offer), molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, statistics, biochemistry, and any other course offerings pertinent to the Pharm.D curriculum. Most Pharm.D programs only require two years of undergrad, but some do want you to complete all four years. Check with the programs you’re interested in to learn their requirements.
- Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
- Enroll in one of the 128 accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programs.
- Most programs take four years to complete, but there are some three year programs available.
- There are some Doctor of Pharmacy programs you can enroll in right from high school; these usually take six years to complete.
- Complete your supervised internship. Each state has its own internship requirements.
- You may need to do a residency before going off to run a pharmacy. This could take one to two years.
- Every state requires licensing for pharmacists. There are two tests you’re going to need to take and pass. These are the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NCPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
- If you’re going to be giving vaccines or immunizations, then you’re going to need a license. Most states use the Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery given by the American Pharmacists Association.
- You can also become a certified diabetes educator or specialize in areas such as nutrition or oncology. You’ll need some work experience behind you, along with paying a fee and passing the exam to become certified.
PHARMACIST JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY
You’re going to work hard to become a pharmacist. But there is great reward in studying, interning, testing, and patient care. In 2022, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary of pharmacists was $129,410. Keep in mind, your salary will be determined by your hours and location, and you may work some nights and weekends.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts a 2 percent job growth for pharmacists by 2031. Pharmacy is still great career path to pursue, be sure you receive the correct credentials needed to remain competitive in the job market.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy techs are like the middleman between the patient and the pharmacist. They greet customers at the counter, ready to help them drop off or pick up a prescription, or convey a question or concern to the pharmacist on their behalf.
WHAT PHARMACY TECHS DO
When you aren’t answering the phone or helping customers with their scripts, you have a long list of duties you’ll be responsible for as a pharmacy technician:
- Relay a pharmacist's answers to customer questions
- Handle the transactions for prescription pick up
- Keep all customer information updated in the computer
- Keep track of and organize the inventory
- Collect information on incoming prescription fills and refills
You’ll work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist who will review your work prior to releasing it the patient. You are able to mix some meds and compound, as well as run the automatic dispensing units.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN EDUCATION
A lot of responsibilities fall on the pharmacy tech, so there is a certain path that needs to taken. To become a pharmacy tech, you must take these steps.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Apply to a pharmacy technology program at a vocational school or community college for training. You will be in school for a year or two, depending on the program.
- Learn your state's regulations for pharmacy techs and receive any necessary certificates/qualifications.
- Some states will require you to get certified. However, even if your state doesn’t, it’s still a good idea because your job possibilities expand.
- Certifications are from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcare Association. Every two years you’ll need to recertify.
PHARMACY TECH JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average salary for pharmacy technicians in 2022 was $40,260, with the top 10 percent earning $50,640. Again, remember that your salary depends on location, the industry you're working in, and your experience.
The employment growth for pharmacy technicians is predicted to increase 5 percent by 2031, which is slightly slower than the national average.
Online Pharmacist & Pharmacy Tech Programs
If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist or pharmacy tech but have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow you to attend on-campus classes, then a flexible distance learning program is a great option. There are Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree programs available in a hybrid format. Coursework is online, and clinical experience and lab work are completed in person. Some schools also require students to gain clinical experience under the supervision of a proctor.
Whether on-campus or online, you will want to make sure your program is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The ACPE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a qualified accrediting agency for professional pharmacy programs and ensures students will be prepared for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination upon graduation.
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