Becoming a pharmacist is a very rewarding career path for men and women who are interested in a job helping people feel better. If you are wondering how to become a pharmacist, it will take several years of postgraduate schooling and passing several industry-standard exams before you can begin prescribing medications. Several universities offer bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in pharmacy that you can choose from to begin your education path.
Behavioral Health Jobs is an online database of jobs in the healthcare industry and includes helpful tips for landing your dream job. For those just finishing college and dipping their toes in the job pool, they will find tips on building resumes, proper interview techniques, and other job-hunting information. Our job board stays up-to-date with the latest jobs for pharmacists all across the country. If you are doing a google search for pharmacist jobs near you, click on the link for Behavioral Health Jobs today to start a new career search.
The Role of a Pharmacist
As a pharmacist, you will dispense medications to patients and provide them with important medical information. This can range from how the medication works, dosage amounts, how to take the medication, addiction rates, and any potential side effects. This position requires a Doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD) degree and can take upwards to 6-8 years to complete all of the education requirements. Pharmacists can earn anywhere from $130,000 to $160,000/year, and there are typically over 13,000 new pharmacy jobs added yearly.
The role of a pharmacist includes the following:
- Preparing and dispensing medications to patients
- Provide pharmacological information to the pharmacy team
- Reviews and interprets physician orders while looking out for therapeutic incompatibilities
- Assist patients in understanding their medication may include harmful side effects
- Comply with all state and federal drug laws according to the state board of pharmacy, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Becoming a pharmacist is a very rewarding and challenging career field. While the predicted job growth is not as large as other behavioral healthcare positions, there is a growing demand for qualified pharmacists, and employers are offering above-average salaries and benefits to entice new employees.
How to Become a Pharmacist
Becoming a pharmacist requires a high school diploma or GED, an undergraduate degree, and a doctorate degree in pharmacy medicine. It can take several years to complete all of the education requirements and will include continual education to stay current on new medications and therapeutic techniques. Here is an example of how to become a pharmacist:
- Enroll in a 4-year undergraduate program to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, English, statistics, or mathematics. A bachelor’s degree is not required to enroll in a PharmD degree program, but it is strongly recommended and will benefit your future career plans.
- Complete a Doctorate in pharmacy or a PharmD degree. Some of the top universities that offer PharmD programs include:
- University of North Carolina
- The University of California – San Francisco
- Harvard University
- Purdue University
- University of Oxford
- Complete an emergency contraception training course provided by the American Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). The ACPE can also provide you with continuing education to stay current with the latest medicines and treatments.
- Obtain certification in basic life support (BLS) for professional rescuers. This certification is provided by The Red Cross and offers in-person and hybrid classes.
- Apply for a state pharmacy license. You will need to look into your state’s requirements for applying for state licensing, as each one can have different requirements.
To excel as a pharmacist, you will need superb attention to detail, the ability to think fast on your feet, and excellent computer and time management skills. You will also need verbal and written communication skills, a strong desire to help others, and able to separate your work and personal life.
Find Pharmacist Jobs Near You at Behavioral Health Jobs
Behavioral Health Jobs is your top resource for finding pharmacist jobs in a city near you and all across the country. Our job board is updated daily with new career opportunities in hospitals, local pharmacies, and large pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and others. We also provide you with tips on the best way to become a pharmacist, psychologist, healthcare technician, therapist, and other positions in the healthcare field.
If you are ready to find a new career as a pharmacist, check out all of the available pharmacy jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.
