Pharmacist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Pharmacists compound, or prepare, prescriptions written by physicians, dentists, and other practitioners.  They review these prescriptions to validate their accuracy and then prepare the medication.  This can involve weighing, measuring, and mixing drugs.  Once the compounds are prepared, pharmacists then dispense them to customers and patients.

Pharmacists answer patients' and customers' questions about the drugs they are taking and drugs which can be sold over the counter.  In some cases, pharmacists are responsible for taking inventory of the drugs on the shelves and ordering any which they are low on.

Pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, health departments, universities, and grocery, drug, and discount stores.  Those who work in stores must be aware of the other health supplies available in the store so they do not direct customers in the wrong direction.

Average Salary:  $33,000 - $51,000

Educational Requirements:

Students should take the most challenging high school classes (including AP or IB) available in English, science, and math. All pharmacists must graduate from a college of pharmacy.  Most pharmacy schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (P-CAT), and some require up to two years of pre-pharmacy education.  Other colleges will admit students directly from high school. Normally it takes at least five years to earn a Pharmacy Degree.  To earn a Doctor of pharmacy degree, Pharm D requires at least six.