BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Pharmacist are health professionals that supply the doctor’s prescription medication to the patient and often provide the patient information and instructions about the medication to the patient so that they can correctly and safely take the medication.  Pharmacists order and store drugs and make sure that they remain safe, pure and effective. Pharmacists also double check the physician to ensure combinations of medications prescribed will not interact negatively. Pharmacists can work in a drug store/pharmacy, general medical and surgical hospitals, grocery stores, and research laboratories.

HOW DO I BECOME A PHARMACIST?

The requirements that must be met to become a licensed pharmacist are the following:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • At least two years of college study with courses including math, chemistry, biology, physics, social sciences, and more pre-pharmacy courses.
  • Next, applicants must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test for admission into a Pharmacy program.
  • Once admitted into pharmacy school, student will take courses for 4 years to prepare students for different aspects of the profession. These courses build the students knowledge in chemistry, biological sciences, math, physical sciences, social-behavioral sciences, humanities, and more. During school, you will also have work-experience internship as part of the degree program. This is a Doctor of Pharmacy program.
  • After graduation, pharmacist must pass the North American Pharmacist Exam. Most states also require graduates to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam.
  • Once complete, you are a registered Pharmacist!

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN PHARMACY SCHOOL?

Professional course work consisting of anatomy and physiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy administration, clinical pharmacy, patient care, and more.

Doctor of Pharmacy programs include work-experience internship into their program. The student will work under a supervised licensed pharmacist to gain practical experience. This gives students experience in patient interaction and applying knowledge from the classroom into the work setting.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Most pharmacists work in community pharmacies owned by the pharmacist or as part of a chain of drugstores. Some pharmacists work in hospital or  nursing home pharmacies.

On a typical day, a pharmacist will:

  • Recommend medication to doctors and other health care providers on the correct dosage, interaction, and side effects
  • Educate patient on the medication and answer any questions they may have  about side effects, drug interactions, etc.
  • Recommend over-the-counter medication to individuals
  • Help patients manage conditions such as asthma, smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure
  • Give advice about exercise, diet, or stress management

WORK SCHEDULE

Pharmacists work in a number of different settings to include: hospitals, clinics, retail,  home health care facilities, home infusion facilities, long-term care facilities, managed care facilities, community pharmacy, consultant pharmacy, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, drug research and development, universities and numerous other settings.

Pharmacists may be asked to work a variety of shifts, including mornings and nights 365 days a year. Taking care of patients that are sick does not start at 8 and end at 5.

SALARY INFORMATION

Average for Louisiana: $113,070

  •  New Orleans: $117,210
  • Baton Rouge: $117,420
  • Hammond: $106,260
  • Lake Charles: $109,730
  • Shreveport: $ 111,990
  • Alexandria: $ 107,660

According to the BLS, pharmacists are expected to enjoy an employment increase of 14% from 2012 to 2022

LOUISIANA SCHOOLS FOR DOCTOR OF PHARMACY

  • New Orleans, LA:  Xavier University (College of Pharmacy)
  • Monroe, LA: University of Louisiana, Monroe (School of Pharmacy)

 

REFERENCES:

http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/14/Pharmacist#Tab=Overview

http://www.pharmacychoice.com/education/pharmschools/la.cfm

http://www.pharmacychoice.com/pharmacy-jobs-careers/pharmacist_career.cfm

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:

American College of Clinical Pharmacy
13000 W. 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 492- 0088
www.accp.com