Becoming a Pharmacist
Career in medical science field is increasing every year as technology is providing its valuable assistance. You don't have to necessarily be a doctor to have a good medical science profession. A career as pharmacist is also a good option for you if you don't or can't be a specialist doctor. These people work with the medicines which the doctor prescribes and gives them appropriately. One can say that pharmacists are experts of medicine and the effects associated with it.
Pharmacists are not just prescribed drug dispensers but are healthcare professionals thriving for preventing illness with physician's advice. Being a pharmacist requires licenses and extended study years. Some vital qualifications are required in order to take this field as main occupation. These requirements include-
Requirements: The study period associated with pharmacy is long and generally takes 6 years after high school to complete pharmacy course. This tenure includes college and pharmacy school. Post graduate courses are essential for those who aspire for good jobs with physics, chemistry, biology and calculus as foundation courses. Earlier bachelor's degree in pharmacy was required for entry-level jobs, but now the scenario has changed and professional degrees like Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) is essential. This 4 year degree includes overall aspects like clinical and curriculum training. A graduate of Pharm. D. may apply for post graduate training which lasts for not more than 2 years; hospitals and healthcare facilities are the best places to start your training. In order to perform research on different medicines, new or old, a doctoral degree is essential.
Payment: According to the statistics provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2011, the average annual wage of pharmacists was 112,160. The same in Missouri was predicted to be around $113,460 with 5,520 people following this profession. As most pharmacists work in drug stores and require providing service to patients the working hours might be high and even weekend works can stop you from relaxing. On an average, the working hours per week are near to 40 hours with exceptions. The job prospect in this field is high and the predicted growth of employment by 2020 would be around 25%. Clinical pharmacists and consultant pharmacists are the two different types of pharmacists which work in different environment.
State license is required for pharmacists, which are offered after on completion of Pharm. D. course, after passing an exam. Colleges and universities which undertake pharmacy related courses in Missouri include-
- St Louis College of Pharmacy- Saint Louis
- University of Missouri- Kansas City
Associate and certificate courses as pharmacy assistants/ technicians are also found in these Missouri colleges and universities-
- Anthem College-Maryland Heights
- Franklin Technology-MSSU- Joplin
- Midwest Institute- Fenton
- Everest College- Earth City
- Sanford-Brown College- Hazelwood
Analytical skill and complete knowledge of medicines is essential for becoming a good pharmacist. Now-a-days, pharmacists are also venturing in medicine making with research in appropriate generic medicines. The increasing job opportunity and high wages makes this professional a good option in medical and healthcare segment.