Pharmacist
Career Description
Pharmacists are experts in the science of medicine and the art of medication therapy. The specific duties of a pharmacist vary according to the place of practice. More than half of the licensed pharmacists practicing today are community pharmacists who fill drug prescriptions, advise clients on treatment regimens and run small neighborhood businesses. Hospital pharmacists provide patients with accurate drug dosages, educate medical staff on the uses and effects of medications, monitor patients’ progress and make appropriate changes in treatment as needed.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $67,766 | Midpoint: $80,787 | Experienced: $96,283 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $32.58 | Midpoint: $38.84 | Experienced: $46.29 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Academic Requirements
A license is required to practice pharmacy in all states and is achieved by graduating from an accredited training program, passing a state examination and completing an internship in the field. Some educational institutions offer a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy, others offer a PharmD degree (doctor of pharmacy) and some offer both. These programs require six years of post-high school education, as opposed to the five-year bachelor of science programs. Individuals interested in entering this field should have a strong science background and should research the admissions requirements of the individual pharmacy schools.
Schools
University of Kansas
785/864-3591
University of Missouri-Kansas City
816/235-1365
Professional Associations
National
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
American Pharmacists Association
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
State
Missouri Pharmacy Association
Missouri State Board of Pharmacy
MSHP - Missouri Society of Health-System Pharmacists
