What is a Pharmacist, What do They do and How Much Do They Make?

Key points having a career as a pharmacist:

Great outlook on job opportunities which will rise in the future.
Salaries are fairly high. Some pharmacists work overtime during nights, weekends or holidays for extra pay.
Pharmacists are becoming more involved in counseling patients and planning drug therapy programs.
Pharmacists have to graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and must pass a series of exams in order to be licensed.
Generally, most pharmacists work in a local community setting, such as a retail drugstore, or in a medical facility, such as a hospital.
Pharmacists work in community pharmacies to dispense medications, counsel patients on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians about medication therapy. They also advise patients about diet, exercise, and coping skills to deal with stress. In addition, they often work with third-party insurance to complete forms and other paperwork. Pharmacists can provide specialized services to help patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure. Pharmacists are also trained to give vaccinations.

Pharmacists in healthcare facilities distribute medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and effects of different drugs. They are trained to make sterile solutions to be administered intravenously. They also plan, monitor, and evaluate drug programs or regimens. They also advise hospitalized patients on the use of a certain drug before the patients are discharged.
Pharmacists work in a clean, well-lit, and ventilated office settings. Most pharmacists work standing on their feet.
Most pharmacists work about eight to ten hours a day, and 40 hours a week. Some work much more and up to 50 hours a week.

The thing that stands out most about this career is the job flexibility of being able to work almost in any location of the U.S. Additionally, since the older population is increasing, more and more people are getting sick. In turn more healthcare professionals such as pharmacists are needed to guide, instruct and teach older patients how to take their medications correctly and the tools to help them manage their symptoms safely.

The median annual salary for pharmacists are about $110,000.