What do pharmacists do?
The role of the pharmacist has evolved over the past few decades. Historically, the pharmacist’s primary focus was compounding and formulating different medications, and the dispensing of medications based on physician orders. The pharmacist delivered the therapeutic to the patient, but was not directly involved with the healthcare of the patient. Today the role of the pharmacist has evolved into participating on interprofessional medical teams responsible for patient care. Pharmacists are involved in direct patient care to ensure that appropriate medication therapies are selected for patients.
What are the different career opportunities that exist and what do they do in the different settings?
Career opportunities for pharmacists include community and retail establishments; hospitals; pharmacy, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry; academia and as entrepreneurs. From their training, which is both broad and deep, pharmacists can identify areas of opportunity and unmet market needs—for instance, how drugs are delivered, personalized medicine, and new diagnostics.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist? What are the educational and licensing requirements to become a pharmacist?
Depending on the program, four to six years. Some programs begin straight after high school, and others, like at Touro College of Pharmacy, are post-bachelor’s degree programs. For those with an undergraduate science degree, four years of professional training is the norm. Licensing requirements include board exams: (1) National – NAPLEX; (2) Law (MPJE); and (3) State Specialization (Compounding Part III NYS).
Can one specialize? Is there more education required to do so?
Yes. Specialization comes during residency training; many different fields, i.e., emergency, ambulatory, geriatric, psychiatry, oncology, infectious disease are representative examples.
What skills and personality are needed to be successful?
Importantly, clinical training of pharmacists enables pharmacists to develop “soft skills.” While certain personality types gravitate toward science because they are introverts and not particularly good at interacting with others, pharmacists usually have a certain degree of effective communication skills and they use them with their patients. The ability to interact and relate with others on a social level are necessary attributes of pharmacists.
What is the average salary range of a pharmacist? Are pharmacists in high demand?
Graduates entering positions in retail chains have averaged $125,000. The salary range for pharmacists in retail chains ranges from $112,000 to $130,000. Similarly, academic positions after a two-year residency will be in the same range. Pharmacists in industry positions will begin with lower salaries but their pay will grow faster. In addition, bonuses are prevalent in the industry, such as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Is there flexibility with the hours and days pharmacists work?
Yes, depending upon the job type. Retail positions are based upon shifts. Industrial positions can be demanding in time and require significant travel. Academic positions afford time flexibility.
How do pharmacists help society?
Pharmacists play a very important role in improving the healthcare of many individuals and in enhancing the quality of people’s lives. Frequently they are the closest healthcare provider to a patient, spending significant time on a frequent basis with patients. Pharmacists deliver true “quality of life” benefits.
By Zvi Loewy, Ph.D., Touro College of Pharmacy
Dr. Loewy, a resident of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, is associate dean for research; professor, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences; and immediate past dean at Touro College of Pharmacy. He has a diversified professional background that includes more than 30 years in academia, executive leadership with major global pharmaceutical companies, and creation and management of biotech startup companies.
