Pharmacist Career Guide

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Overview

A Pharmacist is a vital healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in patient care by ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. These experts are responsible for dispensing prescriptions, providing medication advice, monitoring patient health and contributing to the overall management of pharmaceutical services.

Essential Job Functions:

Pharmacists have a wide range of responsibilities, including interpreting and verifying

Education

Becoming a Pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. This typically involves completing two to four years of undergraduate coursework followed by a four-year Pharm.D. program. Pharmacy programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes pharmacology, pharmacy law, patient care and clinical rotations.

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

After obtaining a Pharm.D. degree, aspiring pharmacists must obtain a state license by passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Clinical experience gained through internships and rotations is essential for developing the necessary skills and competencies.

Skills

Staff and Travel Pharmacists need a combination of technical, communication and patient-centered skills. Proficiency in medication management, dosage calculations and drug interactions is essential. Strong communication skills are required to effectively interact with patients, healthcare teams and insurance providers. Pharmacists also need problem-solving abilities to address medication-related issues.

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Responsibilities

Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and proper dosages. They assess patients' health, provide medication counseling and collaborate with physicians to optimize treatment plans. Pharmacists also manage pharmacy operations, including inventory management, regulatory compliance and patient education.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Pharmacist
$2,154-3,614/week

The average salary for a Pharmacist is $2,865.21 per week.

Last updated on October 30, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a Pharmacist offers numerous benefits. The profession provides the opportunity to positively impact patients' health and well-being by ensuring safe and effective medication use. Pharmacists enjoy a high level of job stability, a competitive salary and opportunities for advancement in various healthcare settings.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. The job can be demanding, requiring long hours standing

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Pharmacist Jobs


View job details for Travel Pharmacist
Travel Contract

Travel Pharmacist

  • Yuma, AZ
  • Solomon Page
  • 4x10 hrs

$4,334/week

View job details for Travel Pharmacist
Travel Contract

Travel Pharmacist

  • New York, NY
  • LanceSoft
  • 5x8 hrs, Evenings

$4,318/week

Posted 2 days ago
View job details for Travel Pharmacist
Travel Contract

Travel Pharmacist

  • Yuma, AZ
  • Anders Group
  • 4x10 hrs, Flexible
  • Referral Bonus

$4,202/week

Posted 7 days ago
View job details for Travel Pharmacist
Travel Contract

Travel Pharmacist

  • Yuma, AZ
  • Planet Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days, Evenings
  • Referral Bonus

$4,200/week

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