A Career in Pharmacy
Pharmacy is a science and profession concerned with the discovery, production, preparation, dispensing, review and monitoring of medicines in order to ensure their safe use. It is a miscellaneous science, linking health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. Its scope is broad, ranging from the manufacture of biological products to the dispensing of medicinal drugs and vaccines. In addition to providing medicines, pharmacists are also expected to offer advice and information. They are often required to prepare complicated drugs, such as long-term treatments or injections.
The main function of pharmacy is to provide patients with the correct dosage and quantity of medicine prescribed by their doctor. This involves preparing the medication according to a prescription, ensuring that it is stored correctly and providing advice to patients on how to take the medication. It also includes reducing the risk of side effects, particularly in elderly patients, and monitoring the effectiveness of medicines. In many countries, pharmacies are open to the public and most have extended opening hours. Pharmacists are also a vital source of information on health-related matters, such as the Yellow Card Scheme, which allows the public to report suspected side effects of medicines and vaccines.
As well as advising patients on their medications, pharmacists are also involved in developing and testing new drugs. This requires a wide range of scientific knowledge, including the chemical and physical properties of drugs, as well as an understanding of how they are absorbed and metabolised by the body. Pharmacists also need to be able to explain complex medical and drug-related issues in a way that is easy for non-scientists to understand.
A career in pharmacy can be challenging and rewarding, as it offers a wide variety of opportunities. It can lead to work in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as healthcare and other fields such as education and childcare. The vast majority of pharmacy graduates become health professionals, but some opt to pursue careers in business, sales and finance or enter the world of entrepreneurship.
Students considering a degree in pharmacy should be aware of the requirements for entry, which vary from country to country. The most common is a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as biology or chemistry, followed by a four-year PharmD course, which includes practical training at hospitals and universities. Some students may choose to do a master’s degree in pharmacy, or complete a postgraduate fellowship program in order to gain laboratory experience.
Choosing the right university for your degree in pharmacy is an important step in your journey to becoming a pharmacist. Consider the size of the school, its student-to-faculty ratio and faculty credentials when making your decision. This will help you to find the right place for you, and give you the best chance of success in your chosen field.
Pharmacy is a science and profession concerned with the discovery, production, preparation, dispensing, review and monitoring of medicines in order to ensure their safe use. It is a miscellaneous science, linking health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. Its scope is broad, ranging from the manufacture of biological products to the dispensing of medicinal drugs and vaccines. In addition to providing medicines, pharmacists are also expected to offer advice and information. They are often required to prepare complicated drugs, such as long-term treatments or injections. The main function of pharmacy is to provide patients with the correct dosage and quantity of medicine prescribed by their doctor. This involves preparing the medication according to a prescription, ensuring that it is stored correctly and providing advice to patients on how to take the medication. It also includes reducing the risk of side effects, particularly in elderly patients, and monitoring the effectiveness of medicines. In many countries, pharmacies are open to the public and most have extended opening hours. Pharmacists are also a vital source of information on health-related matters, such as the Yellow Card Scheme, which allows the public to report suspected side effects of medicines and vaccines. As well as advising patients on their medications, pharmacists are also involved in developing and testing new drugs. This requires a wide range of scientific knowledge, including the chemical and physical properties of drugs, as well as an understanding of how they are absorbed and metabolised by the body. Pharmacists also need to be able to explain complex medical and drug-related issues in a way that is easy for non-scientists to understand. A career in pharmacy can be challenging and rewarding, as it offers a wide variety of opportunities. It can lead to work in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as healthcare and other fields such as education and childcare. The vast majority of pharmacy graduates become health professionals, but some opt to pursue careers in business, sales and finance or enter the world of entrepreneurship. Students considering a degree in pharmacy should be aware of the requirements for entry, which vary from country to country. The most common is a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as biology or chemistry, followed by a four-year PharmD course, which includes practical training at hospitals and universities. Some students may choose to do a master’s degree in pharmacy, or complete a postgraduate fellowship program in order to gain laboratory experience. Choosing the right university for your degree in pharmacy is an important step in your journey to becoming a pharmacist. Consider the size of the school, its student-to-faculty ratio and faculty credentials when making your decision. This will help you to find the right place for you, and give you the best chance of success in your chosen field.