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Degrees and Schools
Pharmacists are required to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, otherwise known as a Pharm.D. degree. These programs typically take about four years to complete after completing about two years of pre-pharmacy courses. Jobs in clinical settings often require that a pharmacist have completed a residency program as well. Pharm. D. programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Coursework
Pharmaceutical program curriculums are highly structured and have a strong focus on science coursework. The final year is spent in experiential rotations in various settings such as hospitals and community pharmacies. Below are some examples of courses pharmaceutical students will take:
- pharmaceutics
- pharmaceutical calculations
- pathophysiology
- medical microbiology
- medical chemistry
- immunology
- molecular pharmacology
- management of professional practice
- integrated laboratory
Online Classes and Programs
Online programs leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree are very limited and require that some lab courses be completed onsite. It may be possible to complete some of the prerequisite courses in an online format but students need to make sure the credits for any coursework taken online will be accepted by a pharmacy program. A limited number of Doctor of Pharmacy programs are available online for working pharmacists who became licensed when a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree was the requirement for licensing.
Employment Requirements
Pharmacists must be licensed by the state in which they work. Licensing requires the individual have earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited program and received a passing grade on a pharmacology knowledge exam and a pharmaceutical law exam. Practical experience must also have been completed which normally occurs as part of the degree program. Some states and employers will require a background check, drug test and/or have minimum age requirements.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The below questions may be useful when choosing a Doctor of Pharmacy program:
- Licensing Exams - Does the program do a good job preparing students for licensing exams? What percentage of students pass the exams the first time?
- Internships - What internship options are available? Do the available internships match the type of environment the student wants to work in?
- Prerequisites - Has the student met the school's course prerequisites? Can a student take the prerequisite courses at the school?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education?
- Location and Environment - Will the student need to relocate? Is the location of the school in an area that appeals to the student? Does the size and culture of the school fit the student's lifestyle?
Pharmacists Job Description
As the US population gets older, the resulting increased use of medication will drive the need for more pharmacists. The role of pharmacists is also changing with more emphasis on patient care and an increased need for pharmacists in patient settings such as nursing care facilities and doctor's offices. In these settings, they interact with patients and health care providers directly to provide advice on proper dosage, drug interactions and proper use. Pharmacists are typically employed by retail store pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Many positions require pharmacists to work some evenings and weekends. Some pharmacists who complete advanced training may choose to work in research, as an instructor, in advanced practice or in a management role.
A pharmacist in a retail or health-care setting will have some of the following responsibilities:
- dispense prescription drugs
- advise patients on use of drugs and side-effects
- advise health-care providers on selection, usage and side-effects of drugs
- monitor patient progress and usage
- advise patients on use of non-prescription drugs and health-related aids
Resources
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education - This is the accreditation agency that accredits all Doctor of Pharmacy programs. This accreditation is a requirement of all state licensing boards.
American Pharmacists Association - The APhA aims to improve medication use and advance patient care through education, information sharing and advocacy.
National Community Pharmacists Association - The NCPA is dedicated to helping the independent pharmacist community continue to grow and prosper through legislative advocacy, workshops, conventions and other efforts.
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy - The AACP promotes professional and graduate education through advocacy, educational resources and news publications.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists - The ASHP represents pharmacists who work in health-care settings such as hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They aim to improve medication use and enhance patient safety through advocacy, continuing education, drug information, conferences, practice standards and publication of a pharmacy journal.
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