==== ==== Thinking of training to be a pharmacist. If you do you won't regret it. www.pharmacistsinfohere.com ==== ====
If you are interested in training to be a pharmacist, you must be sure to meet education and training requirements as well as be a good match for the work environment and job duties. In general, pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications to patients. Because most medications today are compounded by drug companies, compounding drugs is a less common duty of the pharmacist. In addition to medication distribution, pharmacists are also involved in advising patients. They make recommendations on safety, how to avoid harmful side effects or drug interactions. They will also work with other health care professionals, including physicians and nurses, to make sound choices on drug therapy. Monitoring the progress and effectiveness of drug therapy regimens are also part of the duties of a pharmacist. When training to be a pharmacist in the U.S., individuals must earn a Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree from an accredited institution. The program will take an average of four years to complete, with classes designed to familiarize students with drug therapy in its entirety. Business management, ethics, public health, and communication are additional subjects which will be covered. Before entering into a Pharm.D. program, candidates should have a strong background in the natural sciences and humanities, which includes from two to three years of postsecondary study. For those who wish to gain more experience in aspects of research or clinical applications, there are Ph.D. and Master of Science degree programs. Recipients of advanced degrees often work in a university or research setting. There are also a series of examinations that must be completed, which vary by state and jurisdiction. The most common exam required in the U.S. is the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam). Another exam required by the majority of states is the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam). The former test evaluates knowledge and skills, and the latter focuses on law. In addition, there will be varying requirements for experience in a practice setting before a license will be awarded to those training to be a pharmacist. Background checks and age qualifications are additional stipulations which may be applicable. Upon completion of pharmacist training and education, professionals have two common practice settings to choose from: Community (ex. drugstore)
Dispense medications to patients May need to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays May administer vaccines Provide information on medical equipment or supplies for home healthcare Exercise, stress management, and diet are health subject areas pharmacists may advise patients about Paperwork Responsible for staff supervision and general operation Health care facility (ex. hospital) Distribute medications Counsel health care practitioners on drug selection, use, and safety Oversee drug therapy programs Formulate intravenous sterile solutions Advise patients before discharge Areas of specialization are possible The employment outlook for those who are training to be a pharmacist is encouraging, with professional opportunities growing at a fast rate into the near future. Salaries are generally high, with a current annual average of about $106,000. As the complexities and availability of drug therapies increase along with the aging population sector, the need for skilled pharmacists will also increase.
Learn more about the educational requirements for training to be a Pharmacist, see an in depth job description and get more information on the available career opportunities by visiting FindHealthCareTraining.com
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==== ==== Thinking of training to be a pharmacist. If you do you won't regret it. www.pharmacistsinfohere.com ==== ====