PHARMACISTS

Nature of the Work

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use.  They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, and side effects of medications.  Pharmacists must understand the use, composition, and effects of drugs.  Compounding the actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions is only a small part of a pharmacist's practice, because most medicines are produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and form.
 
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A license to practice pharmacy is required in all States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.  To obtain a license,  one must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy (a few States allow graduation from certain foreign pharmacy programs), pass a State examination, and serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist.  In 1993, all States except California and Florida usually granted a license without extensive reexamination to qualified pharmacists already licensed by another State.  Many pharmacists are licensed to practice in more than one State.  Most States require continuing education for license renewal.

At least 5 years of study beyond high school are required to graduate from programs accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.  Five years are needed for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy, the degree received by most graduates.  A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) normally requires at least 6 years, during which an intervening bachelor's degree may not be awarded.  Those who already hold the bachelor's degree may enter Pharm.D. programs, but the combined period of study is usually longer than 6 years.

Job Outlook

Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, due to the increased pharmaceutical needs of a larger and older population and greater use of medication.  As in other occupations, most job openings will result from the need to replace pharmacists who leave the profession.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of full-time, salaried pharmacists were $45,000 in 1992.  Half earned between $37,600 and $51,400.  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,100 and the top 10 percent more than $59,500.

Sources of Additional Information

For information on pharmacy as a career, preprofessional and professional requirements, programs offered by all the colleges of pharmacy, and student financial aid, contact:

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 1426 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Information on requirements for licensure in a particular State is available from the Board of Pharmacy of the State or from:

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 700 Busse Hwy., Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Information on specific college entrance requirements, curriculums, and financial aid is available from the dean of any college of
pharmacy.


