Pharmacy is the medical science that links chemistry and medical science and is charged with the study, discovery, manufacture, preparation, administration, identification, distribution, and control of medicines and other drugs. It is a primary occupation in many countries, particularly in developing countries, where people can afford to spend money on medication, especially on medicines that are costly. Most of the pharmacists have additional qualifications like Doctor of Pharmacy or PHD and they are working in clinics, hospitals, private practices, and some in government organizations. In United States, the main job opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians are in outpatient departments of physicians’ offices and in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.
The process of producing, processing, handling, packaging, and dispensing medicines is called as pharmacy. In this field, the pharmacist is involved in all the steps of manufacturing, processing, preparing, dispensing, safety data etc. This career can be obtained by people who have a bachelor’s degree in any of the approved fields of medicine like Physician’s Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, or Pharmacy Technologist. These graduates may also get good opportunities in national laboratories or research centers that carry out scientific research in various fields.
Many pharmaceutical students choose courses in major colleges to be able to participate in pharmacy research and to enhance their knowledge of this field. After graduation, they can join any one of the numerous professional bodies of pharmacy that provides good employment prospects in hospitals, clinics, retail stores, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, governmental agencies, schools, and community pharmacies. These professionals may also choose specialization options that best suit their qualifications and experience. Community pharmacy is one such specialization option where pharmacists work as community health workers, providing health education, advocating patients’ rights, implementing quality management systems etc.
Many pharmacists also find employment as consultants or trainers in healthcare organizations or pharmaceutical companies. A pharmacist can also pursue higher degrees in pharmacology, medical oncology, pharmacogenetics, quantitative drug synthesis etc. to enhance their qualification for career opportunities in academic medicine, non-profit organization, healthcare management, pharmaceutical sales, and distribution etc. Some of the popular courses offered by universities and colleges include Pharmacy Theory, Pharmacy Science, Pharmacy Law, and Pharmacy Analytics.
The career outlook of pharmacy employees is looking up, as there is a constant demand for medicines and other health products in the market. Various companies offer various pharmacy products at affordable prices in various online schemes. However, before opting for an online program, it is important to ensure that the course is accredited by one of the reputed bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the Pharmacy Education Institute.
There is a high requirement of pharmacists in the United States for professional certification as well as salary. A person who is passionate about medicines and has sound knowledge about business and human resource development can opt for this career. A person with a degree in Pharmacy and an experience in the pharmaceutical industry can do really well. In addition to earning good salary and a big market potential, a good pharmacist can leverage his skill and knowledge by starting his own pharmaceutical company. This will be advantageous as the pharmacist can control the cost of running the company and can maximize the revenues from the sale of over the counter medicines. If you have the educational qualification and the desire to work in this industry, you should do a little more research about the subject matter.