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A pharmacist is a specialist in the use of medications for the curing, preventing,
eliminating and diagnosing of diseases. Pharmacists must know the chemical and
physical properties of drugs and how they will work in the body. A career in
pharmacy is very versatile and duties and responsibilities may vary depending upon
where a pharmacist works. In a community setting, pharmacists specialize in
dispensing prescription medications and advising patients on proper use of
prescriptions. In hospital settings, a pharmacist may advise other health
professionals about the actions, interactions, and side effects of drugs. A
hospital pharmacist will often counsel and educate patients on the use of
medications. An industrial pharmacist works in the pharmaceutical industry and
helps to produce prescription and non-prescription medications. Industrial
pharmacists often specialize in research and development, marketing and sales,
and quality control. Pharmacists may also do such things as marketing, research
and product development, quality control, and sales. There are also many
opportunities for pharmacists in government agencies such as the Federal Drug
Administration, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the armed services, and state boards
of pharmacy.
In terms of education, currently an individual may become a pharmacist by taking
one of three career paths as outlined by the
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. In order to take the North
American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) an individual must obtain a
Pharm.D., which is a Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree. A Pharm.D. usually requires
six to eight years of post high school education. Individuals may also obtain a
nontraditional Pharm.D. in which individuals who already have a Bachelor?s Degree
in Pharmacy may complete additional pharmacy curriculum to obtain their doctorate.
In the past, individuals could become pharmacists by completing only a Bachelor?s
of Science in Pharmacy, which was typically a five-year program. However,
in 1992, the nation?s colleges and universities decided to move towards having
the Pharm.D. as the only professional degree in pharmacy. Currently there are
very few Bachelor programs offered in the United States and beginning fall,
2002, all individuals will be required to obtain a Pharm.D. in order to sit for
licensure. All pharmacists must be licensed in order to practice.
To review licensure requirements for the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy, please click on the
link provided and choose the option ? Registration and Licensing. Please use the
links provided below to learn more about specific educational programs pertaining
to this field.
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