In the Spotlight: Pharmacists
A career as a pharmacist has a rewarding future. Pharmacists take a different track than other health care professionals. Promising employment opportunities are present for pharmacists as there is always a high demand and with the increase in demand for health care services, more prescription medications will be needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists are becoming more involved in drug therapy, decision making and patient counseling.
Pharmacists must become licensed professionals before they are able to practice. To obtain this license, a pharmacist must first serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist and then take the exam. This is similar to a mentorship where the pharmacist in training will shadow the work of the licensed pharmacist. According to the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, 82 programs are being offered for degrees in pharmacy at nationwide colleges of pharmacy. A pharmacy degree requires six years of study and the passing of the license exam. Educational requirements for the two-year study before admittance to a pharmacy program include chemistry, biology, mathematics and general natural science courses. Pharmacists who obtain higher levels of education and who work in hospitals generally rise to the supervisory or administrative position within the hospital.
Pharmacists carry out a number of roles within the pharmacy. Generally, pharmacists dispense drugs that are prescribed by doctors and other health professionals. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable of all of the side effects and drug interactions for all of the medications that they distribute. Similar to other positions in health care, the job outlook for pharmacists is positive. The health care industry as a whole is expanding and the demand for health care professionals in all specialties is rising. In 2000, approximately 217,000 people were employed as pharmacists.
Career Advancement Opportunities are Available
Inova Health System offers a variety of opportunities for new graduates and
experienced pharmacists. For more information or to apply online, click here.
More information:
- The American Pharmaceutical Association
- The American Council of Pharmaceutical Education
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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