Transcript Occupational Therapy - Montana State University

Pharmacist
By Kena Lackman
What is a Pharmacist?
A pharmacist is someone who has earned a Pharm.
D degree and can distribute prescription drugs to
individuals
 They also advise their patients, physicians, and other
health practitioners on the selection, dosages,
interactions, and side effects of medications
 Some pharmacists are involved in research for
pharmaceutical manufacturers, developing new
drugs and testing their effects
 Others work in marketing or sales, providing clients
with expertise on the use, effectiveness, and
possible side effects of drugs

Who do Pharmacists work with?

Patients
◦ Making sure patient understands
when/how/why to take their
prescription


Other Pharmacists
Pharmaceutical Companies
◦ Developing new drugs

Insurance Companies
◦ Find out which prescriptions are
covered

Healthcare providers
◦ Doctors – help determine which
prescription is most cost efficient and
safest for the patient
How do I become a Pharmacist?

An applicant must have completed at least 2 years of
specific pre-professional study
◦ requirements include courses in mathematics and natural
sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as
courses in the humanities and social sciences.
◦ Many applicants get a degree in chemistry

Most applicants have completed 3 or more years at
a college before moving on to a Pharm.D. program
(many complete a Bachelor’s degree)
◦ Then they take the PCAT – the test to apply to Pharmacy
School

Pharmacists who are trained in the United States
must earn a Pharm.D. degree from a school of
pharmacy
◦ This usually takes 4 years
How do I become a Pharmacist?

To obtain a license…
◦ After obtaining the Pharm.D. degree, the individual
must pass a series of examinations.
◦ All States, U.S. territories, and the District of
Columbia require the North American Pharmacist
Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy
skills and knowledge.
◦ Forty-four States and the District of Columbia also
require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam
(MPJE), which tests pharmacy law.
◦ Both exams are administered by the National
Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).
What do I learn in Pharmacy School?
Pharmacy school courses are designed to teach
students about all aspects of drug therapy.
 In addition, students learn how to communicate
with patients and other healthcare providers about
drug information and patient care.
 Students also learn professional ethics, concepts of
public health, and business management.
 In addition to receiving classroom instruction,
students in Pharm.D. programs spend time working
with licensed pharmacists in a variety of practice
settings.

What can I do right now to help me
become a Pharmacist?

People considering this profession should
take high school courses such as…
◦ Biology, chemistry, physics, health, art and the
social sciences.

Study hard and keep your GPA above a 3.5
◦ This will help you receive scholarships for
college!!!
Professionalism

Pharmacist admissions
offices look favorably
on paid or volunteer
experience in the
health care field
◦ Shadow a Pharmacist
◦ Work/volunteer at a
nursing home
◦ Have a desire to help
others
◦ Pay close attention to
detail
What kind of money are we talking?
$$$$$!!!!!

Average Costs of Schooling to become a
Pharmacist
◦ Undergraduate degree – usually about $8,000$15,000/year for 3-4 years
 Financial aid is available
◦ School of pharmacy – usually between $15,000$40,00/year for 4 years
 Again, financial aid is available
 For example, a MT resident could attend Skaggs School of
Pharmacy in Missoula, MT for approximately $15,000/year

Average Salary
◦ $106,410 in May 2008
◦ $111,000 in 2010 – this is about $53/hour
Typical Day In The Life Of An
Pharmacist

Most pharmacists work about 40 hours a
week
◦ 12 percent worked more than 50 hours per
week in 2008.
◦ 19 percent of pharmacists worked part-time.
◦ Many community and hospital pharmacies are
open for extended hours, so pharmacists may
be required to work nights, weekends, and
holidays.
Typical Day In The Life Of An
Pharmacist
Pharmacists in community pharmacies dispense medications,
counsel patients on the use of prescription and over-thecounter medications, and advise physicians about medication
therapy.
 They also advise patients about general health topics, such as
diet, exercise, and stress management, and provide
information on products, such as durable medical equipment
or home healthcare supplies.
 In addition, they often complete third-party insurance forms
and other paperwork.
 Some community pharmacists provide specialized services to
help patients with conditions such as diabetes, asthma,
smoking cessation, or high blood pressure. Some pharmacists
are trained to administer vaccinations.

Typical Day In The Life Of An
Pharmacist




Pharmacists in healthcare facilities dispense
medications and advise the medical staff on
the selection and effects of drugs.
They may make sterile solutions to be
administered intravenously.
They also plan, monitor, and evaluate drug
programs or regimens.
They may counsel hospitalized patients on
the use of drugs before the patients are
discharged.
Work Environment
Pharmacists work in clean, well-lighted, and
well-ventilated areas.
 Spend most of their workday on their feet.
 When working with sterile or dangerous
pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear
gloves, masks, and other protective
equipment.

Job Outlook
Employment is expected to increase
faster than the average.
 As a result of job growth, the need to
replace workers who leave the
occupation, and the limited capacity of
training programs, job prospects should
be excellent!
 17% growth expected between now and
2018.

Thought Provoking Questions?
What special skills does it take to be an
Pharmacist? Precision? Perfectionist?
Common-sense?
 Can you see yourself enjoying this
profession? Why or why not?
 Where do I want to work in the future?
Will there be pharmacist job openings in
those places?
 What are the pro’s and con’s of becoming a
pharmacist?

Want More Info? Resources…
Contact the creator of this presentation at:
Kena Lackman
Cell: (406) 925-0928
[email protected]
Or on NING!!!
Or watch these cool VIDEOS….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4eS2jw8DA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIj22gE4SoQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84PYEWUMaRg&feature=related
Resources
http://pharmacistsalaryguide.com/
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm
http://www.aacp.org/resources/student/pharmacyforyou/admissions/
pages/PSAR.aspx - this one has LOTS of good info!
http://www.health.umt.edu/schools/pharmacy/ – this is for the
Pharmacy school in Missoula, MT