Why Choose a Career in Pharmacy?

Today’s pharmacist is an important partner in patient health care. A more complex role has replaced the traditional view of the pharmacist simply dispensing medication from behind the drug store counter, to become the medication expert. The pharmacist is a resource not only to patients, but also to other members of the health care team.

Often, the pharmacist may be the first person that the patient contacts about a health care issue. Pharmacists have enhanced knowledge both about prescription medicines and the diseases they treat. This enables them to provide guidance to patients with basic ailments needing only an over-the-counter remedy, and to refer patients to his or her physician when symptoms require a more thorough examination.

Pharmacists are involved in patient counseling, medication therapy and disease state management, and are an important information source for the patient. Drug therapy is complex, comprehensive and challenging to understand and use. Translating complex information into an understandable form for the patient is key to ensuring that the patient takes his or her medication as prescribed and can gain the most benefit from the therapy.

Working with patients, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, pharmacists can help modify patient behavior in a positive direction. A pharmacist may also become involved in assisting the physician in choosing the most evidence-based and appropriate medication for each individual patient.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, some of the reasons to pursue a career in pharmacy include:
· A well-rounded career;
· A vital part of the healthcare system;
· Excellent earning potential;
· Outstanding opportunities; and
· A trusted profession.