Becoming a Pharmacist

Steven ReidMay 5, 2011

A Pharmacist

More than just handing out pills

Inspiration

• Interesting job• Good pay• Better life for me and my family

Job Description

Working with patients and their doctors to

make the patient healthy

Responsibilities

• Filling Prescriptions• Advising patients– Drug interaction– Side effect– Health topics

Skills & Interests

Investigative

Social-Interpersonal

Working Conditions

43% work in Pharmacies and Drug Stores

23% in hospitals

Education

Requires about 8 years of schooling

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Science

Levels of Education

About 8 years of college are required

Doctor of Pharmacy

Academic Majors

Undergraduate degree in Chemistry

or BiologyDoctor of Pharmacy

Field Experience

Residency only required with advanced or research positions

Entry, Salary & Outlook

The future looks bright for the field of

Pharmacy

Entry

Start working in a pharmacy when you pass the licensing exams

Outlook

Increase expected between 2008 and

2018

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

25%

Salary

Entry: $94,000/year

Average: $118,000/year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

Why being a Pharmacist is a good job

• Helping people• Good pay• Promising future

Problems with being a Pharmacist

• Stress • Dealing with insurance companies

This is the job for me!

• Interesting job• Good work environment• Good pay