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October 20, 2019

CareerEducation

Career Guide: Pharmacist Prospects, Education, Jobs And More!

If you are interested in health sciences and don’t want to take up general medicine or nursing, pharmaceuticals could be a good option. The best pharmacists in the US make more than $140,000 annually on an average, the prospects are amazing to say the least. While you can check online to find more on pharmacy school admissions in Las Vegas, here is a quick overview of what to expect, including jobs. Pharmacists are required to study a lot, and a background of biology and organic chemistry always comes in handy.

Requirements

Students are required to complete a bachelor’s degree or have at least two years of college study, in subjects like biology/organic chemistry before enrolling for the Pharm.D program. Some health science colleges do require students to take up the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) for admissions into their Doctor of Pharmacy program. PharmD degree is a four-year program, but some colleges do have 3-year and 6-year programs. Next, after completing the PharmD degree, students need to pass two exams for getting the license to practice. There is an exam that’s specific to each state, besides the NAPLE (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam). This is one of the few fields where professionals are required to continue their education.

What jobs can you take?

In traditional settings, pharmacists dispense medicines as per prescription, and they guide patients with how to take these medications, offering details on drug interactions and side effects. They are also expected to keep records, work with insurance services when need be, and coordinate with doctors and nurses and more. Pharmacists can also work in hospitals, where they can work in labs & can help in making nutritious solutions and IVs. They can also go into research and work with labs and drug companies in independent capacity.

Should you consider becoming a pharmacist?

If you are someone who doesn’t want to become a nurse or don’t want to work directly with patients in healthcare, the role of a pharmacist can be an interesting one. Pharmacists have a more important role in healthcare sector than most people imagine, and the demand for professionals is only increasing with time. Salaries of pharmacists are expected to improve with time, and they are more likely to find opportunities as the healthcare sector continues to grow.

Check for colleges wisely, take career counseling if required and evaluate your career goals before taking the final call.

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