What Does a Pharmacy Degree Involve?
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure safe, effective and affordable use. It is considered a miscellaneous science as it links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. It is a specialized branch of the medical sciences and requires extensive training to obtain a degree in Pharmacy (Pharm.D).
Pharmacists provide a variety of services to patients, providers, and health care systems. In addition to providing medication consultations and advice, pharmacists may also educate patients on disease management and healthy lifestyle choices. They work with healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, to help optimize treatment outcomes. Pharmacists can be found in hospitals, community pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and even home care agencies.
A large part of the pharmacist’s job is to verify prescriptions. They do this by checking that the patient is receiving the correct prescription and the appropriate dose. They also make sure that the new medication is compatible with other medications the patient is taking. They may also inform doctors and patients about alternative medications or supplements that can treat a particular illness.
In order to do their jobs well, pharmacists must have a wide range of knowledge. This includes subject-specific knowledge, pedagogical knowledge on how to teach the subject, and a vast array of tacit knowledge about the profession and its underlying practices.
This broad knowledge base is used to improve the quality of patient care and enhance the health of the public. In addition to their clinical duties, many pharmacists participate in research, clinical trials and advocacy efforts on behalf of their patients.
As the population ages, so too does the need for geriatric and consultant pharmacists. Elderly patients typically have more chronic diseases and complex drug regimens. The pharmacists can play a role in ensuring the patient is getting the most benefit from their medications, which is particularly important for drugs with significant side effects or interactions.
Pharmacy is an exciting career with great opportunities for advancement. The first step toward becoming a pharmacist is earning a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, the next steps include passing two exams and obtaining a license to practice. The North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam are required for licensure.
If you’re interested in starting a career in pharmacy, we encourage you to talk to one of our admissions counselors. They can help you get started on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Contact us today to learn more!
Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure safe, effective and affordable use. It is considered a miscellaneous science as it links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences and natural sciences. It is a specialized branch of the medical sciences and requires extensive training to obtain a degree in Pharmacy (Pharm.D). Pharmacists provide a variety of services to patients, providers, and health care systems. In addition to providing medication consultations and advice, pharmacists may also educate patients on disease management and healthy lifestyle choices. They work with healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, to help optimize treatment outcomes. Pharmacists can be found in hospitals, community pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and even home care agencies. A large part of the pharmacist’s job is to verify prescriptions. They do this by checking that the patient is receiving the correct prescription and the appropriate dose. They also make sure that the new medication is compatible with other medications the patient is taking. They may also inform doctors and patients about alternative medications or supplements that can treat a particular illness. In order to do their jobs well, pharmacists must have a wide range of knowledge. This includes subject-specific knowledge, pedagogical knowledge on how to teach the subject, and a vast array of tacit knowledge about the profession and its underlying practices. This broad knowledge base is used to improve the quality of patient care and enhance the health of the public. In addition to their clinical duties, many pharmacists participate in research, clinical trials and advocacy efforts on behalf of their patients. As the population ages, so too does the need for geriatric and consultant pharmacists. Elderly patients typically have more chronic diseases and complex drug regimens. The pharmacists can play a role in ensuring the patient is getting the most benefit from their medications, which is particularly important for drugs with significant side effects or interactions. Pharmacy is an exciting career with great opportunities for advancement. The first step toward becoming a pharmacist is earning a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, the next steps include passing two exams and obtaining a license to practice. The North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam are required for licensure. If you’re interested in starting a career in pharmacy, we encourage you to talk to one of our admissions counselors. They can help you get started on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Contact us today to learn more!