Pharmacist

To be a successful Pharmacist you should…

• have good ability in chemistry, physics, math, and biology
• have excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills
• have the ability to work with a wide variety of people
• have the ability to follow written instructions
• have the ability to make sound judgments
• have keen interest in education of patients
• have the ability to motivate patients to use drugs as prescribed
• have the ability to see small differences in color

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What will my job be like?

Pharmacists are experts in the medicines used to treat or prevent disease and symptoms. They interpret and evaluate medication orders; compound, dispense and administer drugs; and provide information to physicians and others about the selection of the best drug products for specific problems. Pharmacists monitor a patient’s medications to avoid complications caused by the interactions and adverse effects of drugs, and they educate patients about medicines and help them make informed choices.

Pharmacists may specialize in:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Pharmacy
• Nutrition Support
• Pharmacotherapy
• Psychiatry

Where could I work?

Pharmacists work in community pharmacies, or as members of a team of health care professionals in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Most full-time salaried pharmacists work about 40 hours a week. Some, including most self-employed pharmacists, work more than 50 hours a week.

Other workplace settings:

• Health Maintenance Organizations
• Military
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Research Firms
• Public Health Departments
• Retail Drug Chains

What is the average annual salary?

$128,700

What is the future of this career?

Employment of pharmacists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the BLS.

Despite declining employment, about 11,300 openings for pharmacists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Professional Program is an upper division program, which means that freshmen entering the program typically spend two years as pre-pharmacy students before applying to the four-year professional program for a total of six years. Pre-pharmacy is not a major, but rather, the title given to the first two years of prerequisite coursework completed under the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Once accepted into the program, students must successfully complete the four-year professional program to earn a Pharm.D. degree. The Pharm.D. is not a graduate degree, but rather, a professional degree, such as those earned by attorneys [JD] or doctors [MD] and is the only degree which will allow the graduate to become a licensed, practicing pharmacist.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• University of Connecticut, Storrs
• University of St. Joseph, West Hartford

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.

Where can I get more information?

American Pharmacists Association
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC   20037
(800) 237-2742
www.pharmacist.com