Those seeking a rewarding career in the health-care field can choose from a variety of pharmacist positions. Pharmacists can work in retail, hospitals, universities, and research institutions with the appropriate level of education and training. Because of the growing global population and the resulting need for new medications and drug therapies, new opportunities for pharmacist jobs are constantly being created.
Pharmacists who work in drugstores and supermarkets are known as retail pharmacists. Their primary responsibility is to fill prescription orders, but they also play an important role in patient care by providing customers with information and advice. Retail pharmacists must be well-versed in a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications in order to answer customers’ questions and make appropriate recommendations for various illnesses and ailments. Pharmacists in retail often work long shifts, including overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Clinical pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes frequently collaborate with doctors to determine which medications are best for particular patients. They advise doctors and patients on the various drugs and treatment options available. They monitor patient reactions after drugs are given and, if necessary, create long-term medication regimens. Many clinical pharmacists specialize in specific areas, such as cardiac health, cancer medicine, psychiatric medicine, or geriatrics, in order to provide the best possible care to patients. Clinical pharmacists frequently work long shifts, including nights and weekends, and may be required to be on call in the event of an emergency.
Clinical and retail pharmacist jobs are available at many research universities and pharmaceutical companies. They frequently hire pharmacists to conduct research on new drugs and treatments before making them widely available. To develop potentially marketable medications, research pharmacists study the chemical composition of existing drugs and experiment with new compounds. In addition, some are tasked with planning and executing clinical trials to determine the efficacy of new drugs. Pharmacists who work in research typically work long but consistent shifts.
A person must graduate from an accredited pharmacy school, complete several hundred hours of practical training, and pass a series of licensing exams to be eligible for pharmacist jobs in any setting. Many people find that once they have their license, pharmacist jobs are plentiful. The demand for qualified people to research, test, distribute, and monitor new medicines and treatments is growing all the time. To ensure that a growing number of people have access to high-quality care, more pharmacists are needed.