Emily Alford

Pharmacists: Improving the nation’s medication use and advancing patient care

Areas of Specialization

Community Pharmacy (Retail Pharmacy)Consultant PharmacyHealth System Pharmacy (Hospital)Pharmacotherapy SpecialtyResearch and Development

Pharmacists work in many dynamic fields including:

Work Environment

Community pharmacyHealth-system

pharmacyLong-term care

pharmacyManaged care

pharmacyAmbulatory care

centers

Physician officesAcademiaPharmaceutical

industryVarious government

agencies

Career Outlook

The field of pharmacy is experiencing unprecedented growth and the role of the pharmacist touches every aspect of health care.

Because pharmacists are the experts in matters involving medications, they must demonstrate a solid foundation in math and science, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Career Outlook

• Very good employment opportunities are expected over the 2004-2014 period because the number of job openings created by employment growth and the need to replace pharmacists who leave the occupation or retire are expected to exceed the number of degrees granted in pharmacy.

Typical Tasks

Interpreting prescription orders

Communicating information such as uses, side effects and drug interactions

Assisting patients in the selection of non-prescription medicines and health products

Academic Requirements

The doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree is the educational standard for clinical practice in pharmacy.

The PharmD degree is a professional degree which requires a minimum of two years of accredited college work prior to entering pharmacy school.

Academic Requirements

Students must then complete four years of pharmacy school before becoming a pharmacist.

To become a registered pharmacist upon graduation from a school of pharmacy, one must also pass a state and national board exam.

Educational Programs

Campbell University Elizabeth City State University

(Partnership Program with UNC – Chapel Hill)

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Wingate University

April Laney, PharmDCampbell University

In cooperation with Watauga Medical

Center

1. What is a typical day for a PharmD?“I make rounds and check all the patient

charts. I check lab values and consult with the physicians and nurses regarding drug interactions, toxicity levels, liver function,

and kidney function.”

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

“Feeling like I am making a difference.”

3. What is the difference between retail and a hospital?

“Retail involves working with the public and insurance companies. The hospital involves

more hands on and teamwork.”

4. Do you have to pay mal-practice insurance? “No, the hospital pays it for me.”

Sean Burroughs, PharmDUniversity of North Carolina

Chapel Hill

In cooperation with Watauga Medical Center

1. How many years were you in college?“I was in an accelerated program and

became a PharmD in 6 years. It usually takes 8 years to complete the program.”

2. How would you describe your work? “Primarily, I work with computers, charts, doctors, and nurses. I enjoy working with

health care professionals.”

3. What are your average working hours?“I usually work 8 hour shifts. Some pharmacists

work 12 hour shifts.”

4. What job opportunities are available?“Pharmacists work in hospitals, nuclear

medicine, oncology, retail, epidemiology, clinics, pharmaceutical

industries, and research.”

Salary Range

$70,000.00 - $100,000.00

References

• http://www.aacp.org

• http://www.google.com

• In cooperation with Watauga Medical Center

• North Carolina Health Careers Manual 2008-2010