Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Duties and Responsibilities:

          Pharmacist compound or prepare prescription written by physicians dentists and other practitioners. They review these prescriptions to validate their accuracy and then prepare the medication. This can involve weighing measuring and mixing drugs. Once the compounds are prepared pharmacists then dispense them to customers and patients. Pharmacists answer patients and customers questions about the drugs they are taking and drugs which can be sold over the counter. In some cases pharmacists are responsible for taking inventory of the drugs on the shelves and ordering any which they are low on. Pharmacists work in hospitals clinics health departments. Those who work in stores must be aware of the other health supplies available in the store so they do not direct customers in the wrong direction.  

Salary: $33,000-$51,000

Education:     

Students should take the most challenging high school classes available in English, science, and math. All pharmacists must graduate from a college of pharmacy.  Most pharmacy schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test  and some require up to two years of pre-pharmacy education.  Other colleges will admit students directly from high school. Normally it takes at least five years to earn a Pharmacy Degree. 

Reflection: Do you think you would like to be one? Why? Why not?