pharmacist by kena lackman. what is a pharmacist? a pharmacist is someone who has earned a pharm. d...
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PharmacistBy Kena Lackman
What is a Pharmacist?A pharmacist is someone who has earned a
Pharm. D degree and can distribute prescription drugs to individuals
They also advise their patients, physicians, and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications
Some pharmacists are involved in research for pharmaceutical manufacturers, developing new drugs and testing their effects
Others work in marketing or sales, providing clients with expertise on the use, effectiveness, and possible side effects of drugs
Who do Pharmacists work with?
Patients ◦ Making sure patient understands
when/how/why to take their prescription
Other PharmacistsPharmaceutical Companies
◦ Developing new drugs Insurance Companies
◦ Find out which prescriptions are covered
Healthcare providers◦ Doctors – help determine which
prescription is most cost efficient and safest for the patient
How do I become a Pharmacist?An applicant must have completed at least
2 years of specific pre-professional study◦ requirements include courses in mathematics
and natural sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.
◦Many applicants get a degree in chemistryMost applicants have completed 3 or more
years at a college before moving on to a Pharm.D. program (many complete a Bachelor’s degree)◦Then they take the PCAT – the test to apply to
Pharmacy SchoolPharmacists who are trained in the United
States must earn a Pharm.D. degree from a school of pharmacy◦This usually takes 4 years
How do I become a Pharmacist?
To obtain a license…◦After obtaining the Pharm.D. degree, the
individual must pass a series of examinations.
◦All States, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia require the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge.
◦ Forty-four States and the District of Columbia also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests pharmacy law.
◦Both exams are administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
What do I learn in Pharmacy School?
Pharmacy school courses are designed to teach students about all aspects of drug therapy.
In addition, students learn how to communicate with patients and other healthcare providers about drug information and patient care.
Students also learn professional ethics, concepts of public health, and business management.
In addition to receiving classroom instruction, students in Pharm.D. programs spend time working with licensed pharmacists in a variety of practice settings.
What can I do right now to help me become a Pharmacist?
People considering this profession should take high school courses such as…◦Biology, chemistry, physics, health, art
and the social sciences. Study hard and keep your GPA
above a 3.5◦This will help you receive scholarships
for college!!!
ProfessionalismPharmacist
admissions offices look favorably on paid or volunteer experience in the health care field ◦Shadow a Pharmacist◦Work/volunteer at a
nursing home◦Have a desire to help
others◦Pay close attention to
detail
What kind of money are we talking? $$$$$!!!!!
Average Costs of Schooling to become a Pharmacist◦ Undergraduate degree – usually about $8,000-
$15,000/year for 3-4 years Financial aid is available
◦ School of pharmacy – usually between $15,000-$40,00/year for 4 years Again, financial aid is available For example, a MT resident could attend Skaggs School of
Pharmacy in Missoula, MT for approximately $15,000/year
Average Salary◦ $106,410 in May 2008◦ $111,000 in 2010 – this is about $53/hour
Typical Day In The Life Of An PharmacistMost pharmacists work about 40
hours a week◦12 percent worked more than 50
hours per week in 2008. ◦19 percent of pharmacists worked
part-time.◦Many community and hospital
pharmacies are open for extended hours, so pharmacists may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Typical Day In The Life Of An Pharmacist Pharmacists in community pharmacies dispense
medications, counsel patients on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians about medication therapy.
They also advise patients about general health topics, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, and provide information on products, such as durable medical equipment or home healthcare supplies.
In addition, they often complete third-party insurance forms and other paperwork.
Some community pharmacists provide specialized services to help patients with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure. Some pharmacists are trained to administer vaccinations.
Typical Day In The Life Of An Pharmacist
Pharmacists in healthcare facilities dispense medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs.
They may make sterile solutions to be administered intravenously.
They also plan, monitor, and evaluate drug programs or regimens.
They may counsel hospitalized patients on the use of drugs before the patients are discharged.
Work EnvironmentPharmacists work in clean, well-
lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Spend most of their workday on
their feet. When working with sterile or
dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves, masks, and other protective equipment.
Job OutlookEmployment is expected to
increase faster than the average. As a result of job growth, the
need to replace workers who leave the occupation, and the limited capacity of training programs, job prospects should be excellent!
17% growth expected between now and 2018.
Thought Provoking Questions?
What special skills does it take to be an Pharmacist? Precision? Perfectionist? Common-sense?
Can you see yourself enjoying this profession? Why or why not?
Where do I want to work in the future? Will there be pharmacist job openings in those places?
What are the pro’s and con’s of becoming a pharmacist?
Want More Info? Resources…Contact the creator of this presentation at:
Kena LackmanCell: (406) [email protected] on NING!!!
Or watch these cool VIDEOS….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4eS2jw8DA8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIj22gE4SoQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84PYEWUMaRg&feature=related Resourceshttp://pharmacistsalaryguide.com/http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htmhttp://www.aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/pages/PSAR.aspx - this one has LOTS of good info!http://www.health.umt.edu/schools/pharmacy/ – this is for the Pharmacy school in Missoula, MT