 |
To
be a successful Pharmacist you should:
- Have good ability in chemistry, physics, math,and
biology
- Have excellent listening, oral, and written
communication skills
- Have the ability to work with a wide variety of people
- Have the ability to follow written instructions
- Have the ability to make sound judgments
- Have keen interest in education of patients
- Have the ability to motivate patients to use drugs
as prescribed
- Have the ability to see small differences in color
|
| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Pharmacists require at least five years of study beyond
high school to graduate from programs accredited by the
American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. The degree
received by most graduates is a Bachelor of Science (BS)
in Pharmacy. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) normally requires
at least six years, during which an intervening bachelor's
degree may not be awarded. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. |
| Where
can I get more information? American Pharmaceutical
Association
2215 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 628-4410 www.aphanet.org
|
| What
is the salary for this career? $58,240-$101,920
(Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital Association Compensation
Survey) |
|
| What
will my job be like? Pharmacists are experts
in the medicines used to treat or prevent disease and
symptoms. They interpret and evaluate medication orders;
compound, dispense and administer drugs; and provide information
to physicians and others about the selection of the best
drug products for specific problems. Pharmacists monitor
a patient's medications to avoid complications caused
by the interactions and adverse effects of drugs, and
they educate patients about medicines and help them make
informed choices.
Pharmacists may specialize in:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Pharmacy
- Nutrition Support
- Pharmacotherapy
- Psychiatry
|
| Where
could I work? Pharmacists work in community
pharmacies, or as members of a team of health care professionals
in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Most full-time
salaried pharmacists work about 40 hours a week. Some,
including most self-employed pharmacists, work more than
50 hours a week.
Other workplace settings:
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Military
- Pharmaceutical and Medical
- Research Firms
- Public Health Departments
- Retail Drug Chains
|
| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
pharmacists is expected to grow faster than the average
through the year 2010 due to the increased pharmacutical
needs of a larger and older population and greater use
of medicine.
|
| Where
can I get the education and/or training? University
of Connecticut, Storrs |
|
