Professional Program

Degree Program > PharmD

Pharmacy (PharmD)

Pharmacists are experts in the science of medicine and the art of medication therapy. They work as part of a team of health care providers to improve patient health and increase public awareness of changes in medical treatment. The specific duties of a pharmacist vary according to place of practice. Over half of the licensed pharmacists practicing today are community pharmacists who fill drug prescriptions, advise clients on treatment regimens, and run small neighborhood businesses. Hospital pharmacists provide patients with accurate drug dosages, educate the medical staff on the uses and effects of medications, monitor patients' progress and make appropriate changes in treatment as needed. Home care pharmacists supply patients with their medication in their home, and sere as consultants and sources of information. Pharmacists may choose to specialize in the pharmaceutical industry, enter the field of pharmacology, pursue a career in academics, or confine their practice to managed care or research companies.

Although most pharmacists work in community pharmacies or drug stores, they are also needed in hospital pharmacies, nursing homes and other similar facilities. MCOs employ pharmacists, as do pharmaceutical and industrial research companies. The federal government and pharmacy schools and colleges also hire pharmacists as staff members to remain abreast of developments in the field. Pharmacists may work 40-50 hours a week, especially those in private practice; nearly 6% of pharmacists are part-time workers.

A license is required to practice pharmacy in all states and is achieved by graduating from an accredited training program, passing a state examination, and completing an internship in the field. Of the 75 institutions that awarded pharmacy degrees in 1995, some offered a BS degree in pharmacy, others offered a PharmD degree (Doctor of Pharmacy), and some offered both. The number of PharmD awarding institutions is likely to increase in the future. These programs require six years of post-high school education as opposed to the five-year BS programs. Pharmacists may choose to obtain an advanced master's or doctoral degree for some academic positions, or complete a residency in a specialized area. High school students interested in entering this field should have a strong science background and should research the admissions requirements of the individual pharmacy schools.