CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Pharmacists distribute prescription drugs to individuals and advise patients, physicians, and other health practitioners.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$124,170
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
5,039
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team. They have the important job of making sure patients receive the proper medications. They use their extensive knowledge of dosages, regulations, chemical reactions and allergens to make sure each medication is safe for the patient.
Pharmacists educate patients on how to take their medicines and of potential side effects. They also give flu shots and other vaccines. They may counsel patients on health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
Pharmacists often work with insurance companies. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They must always ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Pharmacist Job Responsibilities
Pharmacists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Prepare and dispense prescription medications and related supplies
- Check for drug interactions
- Educate patients on how to take medications and potential side effects and reactions
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
- Give flu shots and other vaccinations
- Work with insurance companies and complete proper paperwork
- Oversee pharmacy technicians
- Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations
Pharmacist Salary
The actual salary of the pharmacist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $124,170*
National average per hour: $59.70*
- $107,973 per year, $51.91 per hour**
- $112,046 per year, $53.87 per hour***
- $124,626 to $140,869 per year ****
- $127,516 per year, $61.31 per hour *****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Pharmacist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a pharmacist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Great salary
- Variety of career opportunities
- Work with state-of-the-art technology
- Often get to work directly with patients
Cons
- Extensive education and training
- Potentially high educational debt
- Much of work time is spent standing
- May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays
- Daily work can be repetitive
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Pharmacist?
If you are considering a career as a pharmacist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete a minimum of 2 years of relevant undergraduate coursework. Some Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs require 4 years (bachelor’s degree).
- Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
- Become licensed by passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams.
Suggested Career Path
A pharmacist is at the end of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Patient Service Representative > Pharmacy Technician > Pharmacist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- Minimum 2 years of relevant undergraduate coursework
- Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) (4 years)
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience gained through clinical work during PharmD program.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Science and math skills
- Accuracy
- Integrity
- Interpersonal skills
- Advocacy
- Multitasking and efficiency
- Management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to collaborate and work with a team
Pharmacist Certifications
Not legally required in order to practice. Pharmacists may choose certifications in order to highlight their specialty in a field. Visit the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) website to learn more.
Pharmacist Licenses
Licensure is required in all states and typically involves passing two licensing examinations: the North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).
Pharmacist Training and Preparation
Once pharmacists have earned their PharmD degree, they must pass the NAPLEX and MPJE licensing exams in order to practice. Getting prepared for these exams is vital to a pharmacist’s success. The NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) website offers information about the exams and provides practice exams. Question banks, flashcards and review/prep books are also great tools for learning and review.
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