Pharmacists

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Pharmacists dispense medications that are prescribed by doctors and other health care workers. They check patient records to make sure there will not be a negative interaction with another medication the patient is taking.

Pharmacists review the accuracy of each prescription before it is given to the customer. When customers pick up medications, pharmacists give them instructions for taking the medicine. They advise them about what side effects they might experience.

Pharmacists also provide information to people about medications that are sold without a prescription. Before suggesting a drug, pharmacists ask customers about their symptoms and current medicines they are taking. They may also give advice about medical supplies that are sold in their pharmacy.

Some pharmacists compound drugs for customers. This means they mix ingredients to form powders or solutions.

Pharmacists also perform administrative tasks, such as:

• Complete insurance forms
• Keep records about patients and inventory
• Plan and carry out dispensing procedures to meet legal requirements
• Monitor the security of controlled substances and the disposal of hazardous waste
• Hire and supervise employees or interns

Some pharmacists work in specialized fields, such as:

Clinical pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals and clinics. They advise medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs. They also plan and monitor drug schedules for patients. Pharmacists may evaluate the success of drug therapies for hospital patients. In addition, they counsel patients on how to use drugs while in the hospital and after they go home.

Consultant pharmacists

Consultant pharmacists help health care facilities and insurance providers make pharmacy services more efficient. They also may give advice directly to patients, such as helping seniors manage their prescriptions.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Acupuncturists
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Medical Scientists
• Pharmacy Aides
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Physician Assistants

Military careers

• Pharmacists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to pharmacists.

• Review prescriptions for accuracy before dispensing.
• Provide information to patients about dosage, side effects, and drug interactions.
• Prepare sterile equipment for use by doctors and patients.
• Analyze prescribing trends to prevent excess usage and harmful interactions.
• Order drugs and other medical supplies.
• Maintain proper procedures for quality and security of controlled substances.
• Maintain records of pharmacy inventory and patient profiles.
• Manage pharmacy operations, including hiring and supervising employees.
• Review and monitor drug therapies for hospital patients.
• Provide services to help patients manage special health conditions.
• Determine the strength, type, and purity of medications.
• Answer questions and make recommendations to customers about over-the-counter drugs.
• Advise hospital medical staff on selection and effects of drugs.
• May compound medications using standard formulas and processes.
• Provide health promotion and prevention activities.
• Train pharmacy students who work as interns.
• Refer patients to other health care workers.
• Write educational information for patients and other health care workers.
• Dispense drugs prescribed by doctors and health care workers.

Common work activities

Pharmacists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Perform for or work with the public
• Assist and care for others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor and control resources
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Teach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Think creatively
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, pharmacists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work with patients and medical staff constantly.
• Are responsible for the work done by other employees and interns.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous customers. Customers may become upset if medications are not ready on time.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers or patients.
• Communicate with coworkers and customers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to diseases and infections on a weekly basis.
• Work very near patients and customers. They often work within inches of other people.
• Sometimes work in a noisy or distracting environment.

Work performance

• Must be sure that their work is exact. Errors could cause serious harm to patients.
• Repeat the same tasks over and over, such as dispensing drugs.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They rarely consult with a supervisor before making decisions.
• Are usually able to set some tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a daily basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work full time or part time. Most work 40 hours per week. Those who are self-employed often work more than 50 hours per week.
• May work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Many pharmacies are open for extended hours or around the clock.
• May travel to nursing homes or other facilities as a consultant.

Physical demands

Pharmacists frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for pharmacists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for pharmacists to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Skills and abilities

Pharmacists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Administration

Other programs of study to consider

• Anatomy
• Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Toxicology

Training

To work as a pharmacist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete at least two years of pre-pharmacy courses in college;
• graduate from a four-year pharmacy program;
• complete an internship; and
• pass a state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Pharmacy programs take four years to complete and grant a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. These programs teach students to fill prescriptions, advise patients, and confer with physicians and other health workers.

You need at least two years of college-level classes before entering a college of pharmacy. Most students enter pharmacy programs after completing three years of college.

Many college programs qualify you for pharmacy school. Regardless of major, you should take courses in math, chemistry, and biology. You also study physics, humanities, and social sciences. You do not have to complete a formal pre-pharmacy program.

On-the-job training

While in pharmacy school you will get some real work experience by working as an "extern" in different settings. For example, you may work in a community pharmacy or hospital.

After finishing a pharmacy program, you must complete an internship. During the internship you work under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist.

Military training

The military does not provide the initial training to become a pharmacist. However, it can provide work experience for those who have a pharmacy degree.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Pharmacists need a strong background in math and science. If possible, take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require that pharmacists be licensed in the state where they work. Employers also look for pharmacists who have good people and communication skills. This is because communication with patients is a very important part of the job.

Employers prefer applicants with certification in as many pharmaceutical care service areas as possible.

Tips

Prospective students should know which pre-pharmacy classes are needed for the pharmacy program in which they would like to enroll. A visit to the school can provide this information as well as other specific admission requirements. Competition among pharmacy school applicants is high and those who have good grades and a background in science will fare best. Talk with pharmacists and read professional journals to learn more about the field. Volunteer in a pharmacy or health-related setting (nursing home, hospital), or work as a pharmacy clerk to learn what the job is like.

Costs to workers

Some pharmacists may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues. Other costs include comfortable shoes and a uniform, usually a lab coat. Some join professional associations. It is expensive to establish a private practice.

Licensing/certification

Pharmacists must be licensed by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. Licensing requirements are:

• being 18 years of age;
• being a US citizen or registered alien;
• a good moral and professional character;
• answering personal data questions;
• seven clock hours of AIDS training prior to licensing;
• completion of a degree in pharmacy from an accredited school or college;
• 1,500 hours of practical experience;
• passing written NAPLEX (North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination) and MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) licensing examinations; and
• 15 contact hours of continuing education each year for renewal.

Applicants must pay for the state examination and license. Fees vary depending on the type of license being sought. The fee for the full-board examination is $825, plus $200 for the original licensing fee. The annual renewal fee for a pharmacist license is $265. All licensed pharmacists must also complete a one-time suicide prevention and awareness training.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Board of Pharmacy
Health Professions Quality Assurance
Customer Service Center 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#Updated app & renewal fees, no change to exam fees 3/2/12 lh. Updated to general state CSC POB; no change to fees, 4/16/13 cj. update exam fees from faq: http://www.nabp.net/programs/examination/naplex/faqs#3  3/20/14 lh. Fee & contact info ok 3/17/15 cj. Updated exam fees; now $575 for NAPLEX and $250 for MPJE; rest of info ok, 12/14/16 cj. Looks okay 3/5/18 NPLEX website will be changing 3/20/18 lh. Added personal data questions & suicide awareness training & updated state licensing fees, 4/5/19 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Pharmacists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer. For example, pharmacists who work in chain drug stores tend to earn somewhat more than those who work in independent drug stores. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Most pharmacists who work full time receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Many pharmacists also receive bonuses, overtime, and profit-sharing. Those who work part time may not receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on the increased health care needs of a growing and aging population, the supply of pharmacy graduates, the expansion of health care and health insurance programs, and continued demand for pharmaceutical services.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Pharmacies and drug stores
• Hospitals
• Grocery store pharmacies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. As the population ages, more people will need medications. New medications are always being developed and more will become available. Also new federal health care laws mean that more people will be covered by health insurance and be able to seek medical treatment.

However, competition for jobs will be strong as new pharmacy schools open. This means that there will be more qualified applicants than jobs available. Job prospects will be best for people who complete a residency or who are board certified.

Other resources

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 
1400 Crystal Dr, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22202
703.739.2330

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists 
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
703.243.2800

American Pharmacists Association 
2215 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
800.237.2742
202.628.4410

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 

Explore Health Careers: Pharmacist 

Is Pharmacy for You? 
(American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy)

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 
1600 Feehanville Drive
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
847.391.4406

National Community Pharmacists Association 
100 Daingerfield Road
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.683.8200

Nuclear Medicine Physicists 

The Student Doctor Network 

Washington State Pharmacy Association 
411 Williams Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
425.228.7171

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Pharmacists (29-1051.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Director, Pharmacy Services (074.167-010) 
• Pharmacist (074.161-010) 
• Radiopharmacist (074.161-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Pharmacist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Conventional/Social

COPSystem

• Science Professional