How to Become a Pharmacist. Job Description. Work Environment. Career Outlook. Income

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1 Job Description Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by Doctors and provide information to patients about the medication and how to use it. They appropriately and safely tell customers about the interaction of medicines and over- the- counter drugs. Pharmacists understand the use, clinical effects, and composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Pharmacists must learn how to recognize and classify hundreds of medicines as well as how to prepare some medications. They buy and sell non- pharmaceutical supplies and hire and supervise personnel, such as Pharmacy Technicians. Work Environment Pharmacists work in well- lighted labs and stores, and they stand a majority of the time. These career professionals usually work over 40 hours per week including evenings and weekends. In some hospitals that are open 24 hours per day, there are many shifts available. Pharmacists have to be able to use a computer for maintaining patients records, printing labels, and updating inventory records. Pharmacists need to have good communication skills to explain dosage and drug interactions with the public. Career Outlook The employment projections for Pharmacists show rapid growth due to more retail and grocery stores providing pharmacy services. Jobs are available in many settings including hospitals, drug stores, grocery, club and some retail chain stores. The average monthly salary for Pharmacists: Income Entry Pay ($9,377); Average Pay ($9,933); and Top Pay ($11,077 +) There are many benefits associated with working as a Pharmacist, including health insurance and price breaks on prescriptions. Some jobs offer shift work, which is appealing to many people looking for longer hours with more days off. Retirement plans are often offered, as are opportunities for promotion. 1

2 Education Pharmacist: Students who want to become a Pharmacist can be expected to stay in college for at least six years. It is recommended that an undergraduate student major in biochemistry and then transfer into a doctorate program. The California State University system does not offer programs in Pharmacy, so a student should research the UC and private school systems. Undergraduate coursework should include Anatomy, Biology with lab, Calculus, Chemistry, English, Physics with Lab, and Sociology. Professional course work is taught through lectures, laboratory work, and field experience. In graduate school, the following subjects will be mastered: Anatomy and Pathology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy Administration, Pharmacy Law, Physiology, Poison Control, and Survey of Prescription Procedures. Some Pharmacy schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and/or the College Entrance Examination Board (CEED) in high school or college. Entry into pharmacy college is limited and competitive. Students need high grades and a strong background in biology, chemistry, physics, and math as well as good written and verbal communication skills. UC Davis M.S./Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology UC Irvine B.S. Degree, Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S./Ph.D., Pharmacology and Toxicology University of California School of Pharmacy, UC San Francisco 2

3 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Pharmacy UC Los Angeles M.S./Ph.D., Molecular and Medical Pharmacology (Medicine) UC Santa Barbara B.S. Degree, Pharmacology License To practice Pharmacy in California, a person must meet the Registered Pharmacist requirements of the California Board of Pharmacy provided in the Pharmacist Licensure Examinations. The licensing process is primarily composed to 2 examinations: 1. North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) 2. California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE) Pharmacists Requirements for the license: B.S. Degree in Pharmacy from an accredited school of Pharmacy; Completed 1,500 hours of internship OR; 1 year work experience as a registered Pharmacist in another state Fingerprinted License renewal every 2 years According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of states within the United States require Pharmacy Technicians to register with the State Pharmacy Board. Despite this fact, certification as a Pharmacy Technician is often not required. Pharmacy Technicians who choose to earn certification can take a national exam developed by the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). 3

4 Sources of Additional Information Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians must be licensed through: California Board of Pharmacy 625 North Market Blvd., Suite N219 Sacramento, Ca (916) Accreditation Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) 20 North Clark Street, Ste Chicago, IL accredit.org (312) American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) 1426 Prince St. Alexandria, VA (703) American Pharmacists Association 2215 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) Occupational Outlook Handbook Available in the Career Center Library Eureka: The California Career Information System Site Code: For current Foothill students only, please contact the Career Center Career Center Resource Library, Room 8329 (650) California Employment Development Dept.: 4

5 Bureau of Labor Statistics: 5