There's a lot more to being a pharmacist than handing out pills.
Patients are the number one focus, and pharmacists must make sure that the
drugs meet their needs.
The last BSc (Pharm) degrees were given to the 2005 class. All 92 American
pharmacy schools and colleges now award Pharm.D. degrees to their graduates.
Students must complete six years of school: two years of undergraduate study,
then four years of professional study.
Pharmacy programs include courses in subjects like biomedical
sciences (physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry), pharmaceutical sciences
(pharmaceutical analysis, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics),
and pharmacy practice (dispensing, patient counselling, case studies). Students
may also take toxicology courses.
"We look for the following qualities: motivation for a pharmacy career;
concern for others; leadership; professionalism and maturity; communication
skills; and experience in health care," says Angela Dominelli. She is an
associate dean and pharmacy professor at Albany College of Pharmacy.
Entering pharmacy programs is very competitive. "We're looking
for students with good math and science skills," says Donnie Sullivan.
He is an associate professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University.
That school gets about 800 applications for 165 openings.
But all the hard work pays off when you graduate. "Grads can pick and choose
where they want to work," says Sullivan. "There is a 100 percent placement
rate after graduation and salaries start at $100,000. There are ample opportunities
everywhere."
"Study hard so you have a good academic base for first-year university
science courses," advises Marguerite M. Yee. She is the director of student
services for a faculty of pharmaceutical sciences. Her school gets about
600 applications for 150 openings.
"Learn about the profession to be sure you want to pursue it," Yee adds.
She says you should visit a variety of pharmacy outlets in your community.
Talk to the pharmacists about what they like and dislike about their work
and responsibilities.
In addition to strong math and science skills, you must be a good communicator.
A lot of programs now have personal interviews to test the applicants' communication
skills, says Sullivan. It is important to be able to talk to patients.
Many universities also look for exposure to health care. "As future health-care
professionals, pre-pharmacy or pharmacy students could benefit from experience
volunteering or working in the health-care environment," says Sheryl Zelenitsky.
She is a pharmacy professor at a university. "They could also gain valuable
experience in being involved in associations or societies which positively
contribute to society."
There will be expenses for tuition and books, and fees for lab coats and
membership dues in pharmaceutical organizations. Most students buy a computer.
You may also have expenses for travel, lodging and food if you are assigned
clerkships away from home.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Pharmacists
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Find a list of pharmacy schools
PharmCatalyst
A website for pharmacy students