2 answers
michael
Student
Troutdale, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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What are some things i should know about pharmacy?
I'm interested in working
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2 answers
Yolanda Williams, PharmD, PhD
Pharmacist
14
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
As I pharmacist with over 20 years experience, I would not advice anyone to go into the pharmacy profession. This field is very unstable. Retail pharmacies are closing all over the country. The business model for chains is not sustainable and they losing money. Please research on your own. I would look into becoming a PA or nurse practioner on mental health professional.
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Michael! Working in a pharmacy can be a rewarding and dynamic career path. Here’s what you should know about the field and what working in a pharmacy entails:
1. Roles in Pharmacy
Pharmacist: Responsible for dispensing medications, counseling patients, and providing healthcare advice. They must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and be licensed.
Pharmacy Technician: Supports pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and handling customer service. A high school diploma is usually required, with some states requiring certification.
Pharmacy Assistant: Performs administrative duties, such as managing files, answering phones, and assisting with check-out processes.
2. Work Environment
Settings: Pharmacies can be found in various environments, including retail stores, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Hours: Depending on the pharmacy, hours can vary widely. Retail pharmacies may operate evenings and weekends, while hospital pharmacists may work shifts that align with hospital hours.
3. Daily Responsibilities
Medication Dispensing: Filling prescriptions accurately and ensuring patients receive the correct dosages.
Patient Interaction: Providing patient counseling about medications, potential side effects, and usage instructions.
Inventory Management: Keeping track of medication stocks, ordering supplies, and checking for expired products.
Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed patient records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and documenting prescription updates.
4. Required Skills
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain medication instructions and address patient concerns.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention ensuring the accuracy of prescriptions and minimizing errors.
Customer Service: Building rapport with patients and providing compassionate support.
Problem-Solving: Addressing patient inquiries and resolving issues related to medications.
5. Education and Training
Education: For pharmacists, completing a Pharm.D. program is necessary, followed by passing licensing exams. Pharmacy technicians may require a certificate or training program, depending on state regulations.
Continuing Education: Pharmacists are often required to complete continuing education to maintain licensure and stay updated on new medications and practices.
6. Challenges
Workload: The pharmacy can be fast-paced, especially during busy hours, requiring multitasking and time management skills.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict laws and regulations regarding medication dispensing can be demanding.
Patient Stress: Often, patients come to the pharmacy in times of stress or anxiety, requiring sensitivity and understanding.
7. Rewards
Impact on Health: You can positively impact patients' health by ensuring they receive the right medications and educating them about their treatment.
Career Advancement: There are opportunities for growth, including specialization in areas like clinical pharmacy, or roles in management, consulting, or teaching.
Variety: Each day can present new challenges and opportunities to interact with diverse patients.
8. Professional Organizations
American Pharmacists Association (APhA): Offers resources and networking opportunities for pharmacists.
National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Offers certification for pharmacy technicians, enhancing career prospects.
Working in a pharmacy can be fulfilling, combining patient care with medical knowledge. If you're considering a career in this field, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and pursuing relevant education will be beneficial. Good luck!
1. Roles in Pharmacy
Pharmacist: Responsible for dispensing medications, counseling patients, and providing healthcare advice. They must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and be licensed.
Pharmacy Technician: Supports pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, managing inventory, and handling customer service. A high school diploma is usually required, with some states requiring certification.
Pharmacy Assistant: Performs administrative duties, such as managing files, answering phones, and assisting with check-out processes.
2. Work Environment
Settings: Pharmacies can be found in various environments, including retail stores, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Hours: Depending on the pharmacy, hours can vary widely. Retail pharmacies may operate evenings and weekends, while hospital pharmacists may work shifts that align with hospital hours.
3. Daily Responsibilities
Medication Dispensing: Filling prescriptions accurately and ensuring patients receive the correct dosages.
Patient Interaction: Providing patient counseling about medications, potential side effects, and usage instructions.
Inventory Management: Keeping track of medication stocks, ordering supplies, and checking for expired products.
Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed patient records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and documenting prescription updates.
4. Required Skills
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain medication instructions and address patient concerns.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention ensuring the accuracy of prescriptions and minimizing errors.
Customer Service: Building rapport with patients and providing compassionate support.
Problem-Solving: Addressing patient inquiries and resolving issues related to medications.
5. Education and Training
Education: For pharmacists, completing a Pharm.D. program is necessary, followed by passing licensing exams. Pharmacy technicians may require a certificate or training program, depending on state regulations.
Continuing Education: Pharmacists are often required to complete continuing education to maintain licensure and stay updated on new medications and practices.
6. Challenges
Workload: The pharmacy can be fast-paced, especially during busy hours, requiring multitasking and time management skills.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict laws and regulations regarding medication dispensing can be demanding.
Patient Stress: Often, patients come to the pharmacy in times of stress or anxiety, requiring sensitivity and understanding.
7. Rewards
Impact on Health: You can positively impact patients' health by ensuring they receive the right medications and educating them about their treatment.
Career Advancement: There are opportunities for growth, including specialization in areas like clinical pharmacy, or roles in management, consulting, or teaching.
Variety: Each day can present new challenges and opportunities to interact with diverse patients.
8. Professional Organizations
American Pharmacists Association (APhA): Offers resources and networking opportunities for pharmacists.
National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Offers certification for pharmacy technicians, enhancing career prospects.
Working in a pharmacy can be fulfilling, combining patient care with medical knowledge. If you're considering a career in this field, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and pursuing relevant education will be beneficial. Good luck!