Dispensing medications as prescribed by practitioners is the primary function of pharmacists today. Long ago, pharmacists compounded ingredients and chemicals into capsules or solutions or ointments to fill prescriptions for the treatment and cure of diseases and illnesses. Today, large pharmaceutical manufacturers compound the medications, and pharmacists fill the amounts prescribed, educate patients on the use of the medications, and keep records of health history to ensure the safe use of the prescriptions. In some instances, pharmacists still do some compounding.

Duties, Activities, and Scope of Practice

Doctors, dentists, and others with prescribing privileges write prescriptions for medications to treat or cure illness and disease. The pharmacist interprets and reviews those prescriptions — considering the patient's medical history, any allergies, and any other medications that patient may be taking — to ensure the safe use of the prescribed medications. Pharmacists dispense medications as prescribed.

Pharmacists also educate patients in the dose, use, action, and possible side effects of the medications. And they assist patients in the choice of over-the-counter medications for such things as colds, digestive disorders, flu, headaches, and pain relief.

Education and Training

Pharmacists receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD), which requires a minimum of six years of college. The program includes the study of sciences, math, and general-education courses, as well as practical experience under the supervision of licensed pharmacists in the dispensing of medication and the counseling of patients. The PharmD program is a four-year (or longer) program following a minimum of two years of college studies. Most applicants to pharmacy programs have at least three years of college and some have completed bachelor's degrees with majors in biology, chemistry, or other science courses. Half of the pharmacy schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (see Appendix B for more information). Pharmacy schools are accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE).

For those who wish to do research for drug companies or to teach, master's degrees and Ph.D.s are available from most schools of pharmacy. Pharmacists who wish to run their own pharmacy may also consider an M.B.A. (master's degree in business administration).

Postgraduate internship under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or an externship during pharmacy school may be required by some states.

Licensure/Certification

All states and the District of Columbia require pharmacists to have a license in order to practice. To become licensed, pharmacists must graduate from an accredited school of pharmacy and pass an examination. Not all states require the same written examination, and some require more than one. Many states offer reciprocity. Check with the state board of pharmacy for the state in which you intend to practice for details.

Work Settings and Salaries

Most pharmacies today are located in hospitals, drug store chains, discount stores, and grocery stores. Some small pharmacies can be found in medical office buildings or clinics. A few freestanding pharmacies can be found, usually in smaller communities.

Community and hospital pharmacies often offer extended hours, and even some drug store chains are beginning to offer twenty-four-hour availability. This means pharmacists work various shifts, which may include nights and weekends. Some small independent pharmacies offer on-call availability for such services as home health care and hospice. Some pharmacies specialize in IV (intravenous) medications and supplies.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 230,000 jobs for pharmacists in 2004. Approximately 61 percent of the pharmacists worked in community pharmacies, which are part of drug store chains, grocery stores, and discount stores. These pharmacists were mostly salaried employees, although some were independent, self-employed owners. About 24 percent of the pharmacists were salaried employees in hospital pharmacies. Other pharmacists worked in mail-order pharmacies, clinics, home health care agencies, and for pharmaceutical wholesalers or the federal government.

Salaries reported for 2004 ranged from $61,200 to $109,850, with a median salary of $84,900.

Career Potential and Additional Information

As health insurance companies recognize that the high cost of medications does not even come close to the exorbitant cost of treating patients with diseases that have not been controlled with medications, the role of pharmacists in the health care team is increasing. Pharmacists are vital members of health care teams, and their part in educating the public in preventative care and promoting wellness is essential. Preventing injury and illness from allergies and incompatible medications also plays a big role in reducing costs as well as promoting wellness.

The outlook for employment for pharmacists thorough 2014 is very good. Enrollment in pharmacy schools is increasing, but the need for pharmacists is expected to continue to exceed the number of pharmacists seeking employment.

For more information about careers in pharmacy, contact the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Their Web site is www.ashp.org. Their address is 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

For information on pharmacy schools, contact the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Their Web site is www.aacp.org. Their address is 1426 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.