Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one reason for the expected decline in employment of pharmacists between 2019 and 2029?
What is one reason for the expected decline in employment of pharmacists between 2019 and 2029?
Which of the following factors is expected to increase the demand for pharmacists in the coming years?
Which of the following factors is expected to increase the demand for pharmacists in the coming years?
What advancement opportunities might pharmacists pursue in the pharmaceutical industry?
What advancement opportunities might pharmacists pursue in the pharmaceutical industry?
What education or certification can improve job prospects for pharmacists?
What education or certification can improve job prospects for pharmacists?
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What is the median annual wage of pharmacists as of May 2020?
What is the median annual wage of pharmacists as of May 2020?
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What is one of the primary roles of pharmacists in community or retail settings?
What is one of the primary roles of pharmacists in community or retail settings?
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Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a licensed pharmacist?
Which of the following is a requirement for becoming a licensed pharmacist?
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What additional patient care activities might pharmacists provide?
What additional patient care activities might pharmacists provide?
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What is a common duty of pharmacists who own or manage community pharmacies?
What is a common duty of pharmacists who own or manage community pharmacies?
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Which of the following is an additional responsibility of pharmacists in hospitals?
Which of the following is an additional responsibility of pharmacists in hospitals?
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How do pharmacists assist with insurance matters for patients?
How do pharmacists assist with insurance matters for patients?
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What kind of patient interaction space do pharmacies often create?
What kind of patient interaction space do pharmacies often create?
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What might pharmacists provide information about beyond prescription medications?
What might pharmacists provide information about beyond prescription medications?
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What is one of the primary responsibilities of pharmacists in home health care?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of pharmacists in home health care?
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What role do state and federal boards play in the pharmacy profession?
What role do state and federal boards play in the pharmacy profession?
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Which type of pharmacist specializes in preparing radioactive pharmaceuticals?
Which type of pharmacist specializes in preparing radioactive pharmaceuticals?
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How do pharmacists utilize medication profiles?
How do pharmacists utilize medication profiles?
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What is the focus of pharmaceutical industry pharmacists?
What is the focus of pharmaceutical industry pharmacists?
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What aspect of their expertise allows pharmacists to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry?
What aspect of their expertise allows pharmacists to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry?
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Why is continuing education important for pharmacists?
Why is continuing education important for pharmacists?
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What common work environment do pharmacists typically experience?
What common work environment do pharmacists typically experience?
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What is one of the specialties of nutrition support pharmacists?
What is one of the specialties of nutrition support pharmacists?
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What percentage of pharmacists worked in retail settings in 2019?
What percentage of pharmacists worked in retail settings in 2019?
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What is the minimum educational requirement to become a pharmacist?
What is the minimum educational requirement to become a pharmacist?
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Which exam is universally required by all U.S. states for pharmacist licensure?
Which exam is universally required by all U.S. states for pharmacist licensure?
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What percentage of pharmacists work in hospitals?
What percentage of pharmacists work in hospitals?
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What is a characteristic of PharmD programs?
What is a characteristic of PharmD programs?
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What is required for pharmacists wishing to specialize in specific areas of medical care?
What is required for pharmacists wishing to specialize in specific areas of medical care?
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Which of the following best describes the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)?
Which of the following best describes the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)?
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What type of degree may some pharmacy graduates pursue for further training?
What type of degree may some pharmacy graduates pursue for further training?
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Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a pharmacy license?
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a pharmacy license?
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Which of the following skills is important for prospective pharmacists?
Which of the following skills is important for prospective pharmacists?
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Which body oversees the administration of the NAPLEX and MPJE exams?
Which body oversees the administration of the NAPLEX and MPJE exams?
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Study Notes
Pharmacist Career Overview
- Pharmacists counsel patients, plan drug therapies, and have direct patient contact in clinical and retail settings.
- Earnings are generally high, but some night, weekend, and holiday work is common.
- Accredited pharmacy college graduation and licensing exams are required.
Pharmacist Duties (Retail/Community Settings)
- Counsel patients on prescription drugs (side effects, interactions).
- Provide information and recommendations for over-the-counter medications.
- Advise on durable medical equipment and home healthcare supplies.
- Coordinate with insurance companies to ensure cost coverage.
- May sell non-healthcare merchandise, manage staff, and oversee pharmacy operations.
- May conduct patient care activities (immunizations, simple tests, therapy management).
- Conduct medication reviews, administer flu shots, and assess patient health.
- Manage conditions like diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, and high blood pressure.
Pharmacist Duties (Hospital/Clinic Settings)
- Dispense medications and advise medical staff on drug selection/side effects.
- Prepare sterile solutions, purchase supplies, teach students.
- Perform administrative tasks, educate patients, monitor drug regimens, and evaluate drug use.
- Consult with the medical team on drug therapy and patient care; some make hospital rounds with physicians.
- Monitor drug therapy and prepare home medications/infusions for home healthcare.
Pharmacist Roles in Federal/State Government
- Pharmacists work in staff/supervisory positions within the U.S. Public Health Service, Veterans Administration, FDA, and armed forces.
- Some positions are commissioned officer roles; others are civil service.
- State and federal boards regulate pharmacy practice and employ pharmacists as executive officers and inspectors.
- Pharmacists are involved in large-scale medical and pharmaceutical supply purchases.
- Active pharmaceutical associations in most states employ full-time executive officers.
- Pharmacists work in various specialized fields (advertising, packaging, technical writing, legal).
Pharmacist Specialization & Knowledge Areas
- Side effects: Pharmacists provide expertise on drug complexities and potential side effects.
- Compounding: While less common, pharmacists understand drug composition, use, and effects.
- Medication profiles: Use computerized records to avoid drug interactions and monitor patient compliance.
- Pharmacotherapists: Specialize in drug therapy, frequently working closely with physicians.
- Nutrition Support Pharmacists: Aid in determining and preparing nutritional drugs; potentially in oncology/psychiatric settings.
- Radiopharmacists/Nuclear Pharmacists: Prepare and dispense radioactive drugs for diagnosis/therapy.
- Pharmaceutical Industry Pharmacists: Work in sales, research & development, marketing of pharmaceutical companies.
- Their insight into patient use is valuable for developing new drugs, ensuring safety/quality.
Pharmacist Work Environment
- Clean, well-lit laboratories with shelves of drug products.
- Refrigerated and locked storage for narcotics, depressants, stimulants.
- Standing/walking is prevalent in a typical workday.
- Potential night, weekend, and holiday work (especially in retail/hospital settings).
- Consultant pharmacists may travel to other facilities.
Employment and Advancement
- Pharmacists held ~321,700 jobs in 2019, prevalent in retail (42%), hospitals (26%).
- Median annual wage (May 2020): $128,710.
- Employment growth is expected to be mixed
- Employment is expected to decline overall in 2029
- Potential for supervisor/manager positions in chains, administrative positions in hospitals and advanced roles in the industry.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
- Required to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from an accredited college.
- Complete licensing examinations (NAPLEX and MPJE, plus state-specific exams).
- PharmD programs usually take four years.
Job Trends
- Pharmacists (employment) is expected to decline by 3% between 2019 and 2029
- The growth of mail-order and online prescriptions and some patient care tasks being delegated to pharmacy technicians has decreased the need for pharmacists in retail settings.
- Conversely, hospitals are increasing their pharmacist staff and seeking pharmacists to perform patient care tasks.
- Demand for pharmacists is rising due to an aging population, assisted living facilities, home care needs, and chronic disease.
Additional Factors & Qualifications
- Scientific aptitude, interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a desire to help others are valuable traits.
- Pharmacist graduates may pursue certifications (diabetes educator, various specialties) requiring work experience and exams.
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Description
This quiz explores the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in both retail and community settings. It covers key aspects like patient counseling, medication management, and the importance of licensing. Test your knowledge about the pharmacist's career and essential duties in healthcare.
